Electronic networking can help postsecondary institutions with distance education (DE) programs respond to increasing pressures to improve the services they offer and make them more cost-effective. Some institutions immediately accepted the need for electronic networking and began to develop and implement technology plans focused primarily on hardware and installation. As postsecondary funding continued to diminish, the advantages of electronic systems for admissions, registration, record keeping, financial management, and administration became evident. Electronic networking can be a useful tool to DE operations; however, DE programs interested in wider implementation of electronic networking in their academic services must develop a clear vision and administrative system that reflects the realities of DE rather than those of conventional systems. Managing a DE organization requires policies and procedures that reflect students' realities and encourage staff creativity. The specifics of a DE program's electronic networking plan will depend on whether the DE program is a stand-alone unit or part of a larger dual-unit organization (for example, a division of continuing studies of lifelong learning). Wider implementation of electronic networking in academic services requires a planning exercise to develop a clear vision for its integration. Ongoing issues include decentralization of media production and professional development of staff. (Contains 23 references.) (MN)