In order to reduce possible incompatibilities between terminals and application programs, (AP), some networks have introduced the notion of the Virtual Terminal (VT) for scroll-mode terminals. The VT provides a standard representation of most current functions of terminals. This paper presents a Virtual Terminal corresponding to the class of intelligent terminals used for alphanumeric data-entry applications. These terminals consist of a screen and a keyboard, and may also include auxiliary devices such as printer(s), cassettes(s) and floppy disk(s). The VT model with its set of standard functions is described. A protocol VTP for exchanging and structuring the messages between VT and AP is also given. This VTP is independent of the communication means being used.