(VAN) A privately owned network that provides a speCifiC serviCe, suCh as legal researCh or aCCess to a speCialised database, for a fee. A Value Added Network usually offers some serviCe or information that is not readily available on publiC networks. A Value Added Network' s Customers typiCally purChase {leased lines} that ConneCt them to the network or they use a {dial-up number}, given by the network owner, to gain aCCess to the network. (1998-11-10)
