ITP Connect project

The ITP Connection 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

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 1 March.

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 by June 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:

  • NorthTec
  • Eastern Institute of Technology
  • Western Institute of Technology
  • Whitereia
  • UCOL
  • SIT
  • Bay of Plenty 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


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 4 February 2010