NSF Award
9311484
9311484 Ragland The CONCERT Network (Communications for North Carolina Education, Research, and Technology) is a mid-level network that serves the State of North Carolina. CONCERT is connected directly to the NSFNET Backbone Network. It is the intention of CONCERT to offer NSFNET connections to all higher education institutions in North Carolina. This proposal requests support to establish ten new connections for 4 year colleges in the state including: Belmont Abbey College, Bennett College, Brevard College, Gardner-Webb College, Johnson C. Smith University, Louisburg College, Mars Hill College, Pfeiffer College, St. Augustine's College, and St. Mary's College. Three additional colleges that have "connection" support from other sources (Greensboro College, Salem College, and St. Andrews College) request training and Network Information Support (NIC Services) from the CONCERT organization. A primary goal of CONCERT is to facilitate collaborative projects and sharing of resources between institution, including those outside the state. CONCERT will provide operations management and information services as well as provide appropriate dedicated connections to the thirteen institutions. The universities and colleges need greater functionality and network speed to be able to access supercomputers, libraries, and make file transfers along with being able to implement a more reliable mail system. Students and faculty research will benefit from the link. This is also a unique opportunity for the schools to explore innovative educational resources. ***
