OWL is intended for members of and visitors to the university. For members, it is based on the University VPN service. Almost all client systems configure themselves for the network without user intervention, and beyond that the process is identical to using the VPN from a wired location. For visitors, OWL is similar to services provided in coffee shops, airport lounges, etc. A visitor requires no special software other than a web browser, and makes use of an account created (via a web-based application) by the local IT officer of the unit to which he/she is a visitor.