William Stallings has made a unique contribution to understanding the broad sweep of technical developments in computer networking and computer architecture. He has authored 17 titles, and counting revised editions, a total of 35 books on various aspects of these subjects. In over 20 years in the field, he has been a technical contributor, technical manager, and an executive with several high-technology firms. Currently he is an independent consultant whose clients have included computer and networking manufacturers and customers, software development firms, and leading-edge government research institutions.

For five years in a row, he has been the recipient of the award for the best Computer Science and Engineering textbook of the year from the Textbook and Academic Authors Association: Computer Organization and Architecture, Fifth Edition (2000); Cryptography and Network Security, Second Edition (1999); Operating Systems: Internals and Design Principles, Third Edition (1998); Data and Computer Communications, Fifth Edition (1997); Computer Organization and Architecture, Fourth Edition (1996). In addition, he has won the TAA longevity award in 2000 for consistent long-term excellence twice: Local and Metropolitan Area Networks, Sixth Edition (2000), and Data and Computer Communications, Sixth Edition (2000).

Bill has designed and implemented both TCP/IP-based and OSI-based protocol suites on a variety of computers and operating systems, ranging from microcomputers to mainframes. As a consultant, he has advised government agencies, computer and software vendors, and major users on the design, selection, and use of networking software and products.

He is a frequent lecturer and author of numerous technical papers. His books include Data and Computer Communications, Sixth Edition (Prentice Hall, 2000), which has become the standard in the field.

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