Duke Among Universities to Share Singapore Data Center, Network

Duke is one of several U.S. universities partnering with Internet2 to share a data and communications network facility in Singapore to more efficiently support operations at its growing global campuses.

The facility, developed by Internet2 in partnership with Duke, New York University, the University of Chicago and Florida International University, provides advanced networking and computing services for research and education.

The state-of-the-art data center, to be operated by Internet2, provides high levels of security for critical applications and on-site monitoring and support.

Located near the crossroads of many of the world’s trans-global fiber-optic connections in Singapore, the facility includes a regional network hub serving multiple Asia-Pacific locations and a new connection point for TelePresence and high-definition videoconferencing services. The partnership also includes interconnections with leading research and education networks, including CERNET in China, SingAREN in Singapore, and GLORIAD.

The partnership expands Duke's networking capabilities, and sharing space and equipment allows participating campuses to share costs as well, said Bob Johnson, Duke’s senior director of communications infrastructure and global strategies.

"Until now, the cost and challenge of maintaining facilities and connectivity to our assets halfway around the globe was daunting for us and our peer institutions," Johnson said. "Now, through partnerships and cost sharing, we have not only a launch point but also the pathways to service the IT needs of efforts such as Duke Kunshan University."

Internet2 includes more than 220 U.S. universities, 60 corporations, 70 government agencies, 38 regional and state education networks, and 100 national research and education networking partners. For more information, visit www.internet2.edu.