Posted on June - 22 - 2010
New medical-educational computer network debuts in Memphis
Photo by Alan Spearman // Buy this photo
Rob Carter of FedEx gives the benefits the Memphis Coalition for Advanced Networking computer network will provide at Tuesday’s launch of MCAN at the FedEx Institute for Technology at the University of Memphis.
A breakthrough in global communications.
That’s how state Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber on Tuesday characterized the Memphis Coalition for Advanced Networking (MCAN).
On hand for Tuesday’s launch, state Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber (right, talking with MCAN executive director Russell Ingram) called the new network “phenomenal.”
Photo by Alan Spearman
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Robert Williams (left) and Louie Belt get a close-up view of the electronics of the MCAN ultra-high-speed portal that are housed at the University of Memphis.
Kisber joined medical and educational leaders at the FedEx Institute of Technology for the launch of an ultra-high-speed statewide computer network that is housed at the University of Memphis.
He praised the collaboration between medical research and educational leaders, saying that it will bring new companies and new jobs to Tennessee.
“We’re no longer just competing with neighboring states. We’re in competition for the brightest minds from the four corners of the world,” Kisber said. “Staying ahead of the curve is one of the industry’s biggest challenges, but this opens up a world of recruiting opportunities. It’s phenomenal.”
The network, which was funded by a $3 million grant designated by Gov. Phil Bredesen and administered by the ECD, will initially be used by four founding members: Memphis Bioworks Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and U of M.
The project began in 2008 when Oak Ridge National Laboratory received a contract to create a high-speed computer network from East Tennessee to Memphis.
Leasing dark cable that is already available locally from XO Communications, MCAN will be a regional optical network providing incredibly fast connectivity among founding members, Oak Ridge, the national Internet2 research network and other research and educational networks across the country.
How fast?
Very, as in 180,000 times quicker than a traditional dial-up connection or almost 3,000 times faster than broadband. The system boasts a 10-gigabit-per-second data network, with usage reserved for research and education.
For example, St. Jude has been testing the network by transferring extremely large electronic files to and from Washington University in St. Louis.
Medical data that previously would have taken more than three hours to transfer may now be downloaded in a matter of minutes. The potential for research is unprecedented, said Dr. Bill Evans, St. Jude director and CEO.
“It’s powerful and important for us to be able to connect with the world’s fastest computer at Oak Ridge and also with global networks,” Evans said. “This allows us to bring the world to Memphis projects and to be the best in the world.”
The deal with XO is for five years with an option to renew, and includes more than 50 miles of optical fiber. The network will be supported by private funding, additional grants and membership fees, said Russell Ingram, president and executive director of MCAN.
Ingram hopes to at least double MCAN membership within a year by recruiting additional hospitals and medical research facilities, colleges and universities and even K-12 school systems.
Beyond academic and scientific research, MCAN organizers plan to pursue tele-health and tele-education offerings, jobs training programs, public safety initiatives and smartgrid energy management collaborations with local utility companies.
The nonprofit network will be sustainable by offering various paid subscription services to member organizations.
“Through this collaboration, Memphis has been proactive in building a network that offers a super Internet connection specifically designed for research and educational institutions,” Ingram said. “The bonus will be the growth of technology in our city and state, which in turn should lead to significant economic growth and development. This is only the beginning, and it’s exciting to imagine what lies ahead.”
For more information, visit online at mcantn.org.
– James Dowd: 529-2737
Memphis Coalition for Advanced Networking
Established: 2009 as a nonprofit corporation
President: Russell Ingram
Commercial partners: Cisco Systems, FedEx Corporation, XO Communications
Mission: Promote collaborations between MCAN member institutions and state, regional, national and international research and educational facilities
Details: mcantn.org
© 2010 Memphis Commercial Appeal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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