ITP Connect project

The ITP Connect project will extend the geographical reach of KAREN, expanding the network to more regional Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITP).


About the ITP Connect project

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has contributed $2 million to connect Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) to KAREN. REANNZ is working with ITPs to invest in capital to extend KAREN’s footprint.

Access to KAREN will enable ITPs to develop new approaches to teaching and learning through supporting access to online collaborative tools, rich media content and data repositories. ITPs can also take advantage of KAREN to streamline their IT operations through managed internet access, data storage, voice over IP, and access to shared services.

The expansion of the network will benefit our existing Members by providing additional points at which they can connect their more remote sites to KAREN.

Five ITPs connected to KAREN in 2008 as part of the KAREN Experience Programme. See the KAREN members list for participating ITPs.

KAREN Experience Programme

KAREN members

 

Project update

Project update - 18 August 2010

REANNZ will begin connecting the seven ITPs to KAREN from September 2010.

Announcement on RFP outcomes - 24 June 2010

Today, we announced the outcomes of the RFP process for routers and connectivity to connect seven ITPs to KAREN. Connectivity services for six ITPs will be provided by Gen-i. The seventh, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, will be connected to KAREN via investment in a 20-year dark fibre link, provided by FX Networks. NEC will provide the distribution routers.

See the Polytechnics join KAREN news item for more information

RFP outcomes - 1 June 2010

Decisions have been made on the successful tenders for routers and network connectivity for this project. A public announcement will be made soon.

RFP evaluations - 16 March 2010

The RFPs for Distribution Routers and Distribution Network Connectivity have closed. Evaluation of the responses for the Distribution Routers RFP has been completed. Shortlisting is currently in progress. The evaluation of responses for the Distribution Network Connectivity RFP is underway.

RFP release - 4 February 2010

On 3 February, REANNZ released the RFP for Distribution Network Connectivity for the Kiwi Advanced Research and Education Network. This RFP covers extending the KAREN footprint to seven new regions to connect the seven ITP sites. Responses to this RFP are due on 8 March (after an extension).

This RFP follows the release in late December of the Distribution Routers RFP, for which responses are due on 11 February.

These RFPs have both been posted to the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) website at http://www.gets.govt.nz/ (GETS login required).

ITPConnect solution overview presentation - 23 January 2010

We’ve uploaded a presentation to the KARENmedia Channel on YouTube that provides an overview of the aims of the project, the solution approach and the particular elements being procured for the target ITPs. You can find the presentation at http://www.youtube.com/user/karenmedia


Key outcomes

  • ITPs will have connection to KAREN for a minimum period of three years
  • Connection to KAREN will be at a minimum of 1 Gbps
  • ITPs will be connected to KAREN in 2010
  • Any expansion of KAREN will be of benefit to the whole research and education community

Participating ITPs

Seven ITPs have been identified to participate in this project. While the successful ITPs will not be confirmed until formal commitments are made we are currently in discussions with:

  • Bay of Plenty Polytechnic
  • Eastern Institute of Technology
  • Southern Institute of Technology
  • Tairawhiti Polytechnic
  • Universal College of Learning
  • Western Institute of Technology
  • Whitireia Community Polytechnic

Familiarisation with KAREN

There is a variety of resources on our website to help new ITP members understand what KAREN is and the opportunities this lightning speed, unrestricted capacity brings to the practice of teaching, learning and research.

About KAREN

KAREN mythbusters

KAREN case studies

KARENmedia channel on YouTube


Contact

This project is being led by David Clough, REANNZ Deployment Specialist. You can contact David on:
ph: 04 913 1094
e:  david.clough [at] reannz.co.nz

 

Updated 18 August 2010