Feasibility Study for a
Statewide Higher Education Information Technology Network
State of Connecticut, September 18, 1996
Implementation Strategy
As previously mentioned, an education network
would be most efficient if planned and operated in conjunction
with the K-12 and library networks. The public and private higher
education institutions have the proper resources and
infrastructure to implement this network today. K-12 and the
libraries will most likely require more investments in
infrastructure before they are ready to connect. Consequently, it
is recommended that Connecticut take the following approach:
- Assess the use of a statewide network.
Determine what services should be offered, who would
participate in the network, etc. An open line of
communication must be established with K-12, libraries,
museums, and state agencies so that the higher education
network can address the needs of all prospective
constituents.
- Perform a detailed network design. This
should be performed in conjunction with K-12, the
libraries, state agencies, etc. The design would
enumerate the following:
- Adequate bandwidth and level of
service required at each individual site
- Location and configuration of new
hardware
- Prices associated with carrier
services
- Detailed cost estimates
- Design and implement an inter-institution
test-bed for ATM. This would include select higher
education sites, as well as any K-12/Library sites that
can support connectivity
- Develop an implementation plan. This would
illustrate the timeline and resources associated with the
following:
- Establishment of a network
backbone between public higher education
institutions
- Addition of other network
constituents (e.g., independent colleges and
universities, K-12, libraries, museums,
government agencies, etc.)
- **Today, ATM may not be available in all
portions of the State of Connecticut. Full-scale ATM availability is expected by the year 2000.
This may affect implementation schedules.
A statewide network that will encompass higher
education, K-12, and other education-related entities takes time
to plan, implement, and test. Consequently, the State of
Connecticut should begin taking the necessary steps towards
implementation today. As more time elapses, each of these
entities will continue to grow independent of one another.
Furthermore, other states will surpass Connecticut in their
ability to deliver education. The sooner that Connecticut
implements a solution, the more beneficial it will be.
**The Department of Higher Education should request
funding from the State as soon as they feel that their cost
estimates are adequate enough to receive legislative approval
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