The Works of DANTE - Issue 2

EAST MEETS WEST

TEIN2 project will create first regional research network for South East Asia.

Research collaboration between Europe and Asia received a massive boost recently with the announcement of Phase 2 of the TEIN2 project. Following a successful feasibility study, the European Union’s EuropeAid Co-operation Office has given the go ahead for the creation of the TEIN2 network.

TEIN2 will connect up to 10 regional partners in Asia, to each other, and provide direct connectivity to GÉANT2. Currently, wide disparities exist in the state of research and education networking in these countries. Some, like Korea, have advanced research networks. Others like Thailand and Vietnam are in their infancy. TEIN2 will stimulate the development of these countries’ national networks, addressing the region’s digital divide. Chalermpol Charnsripinyo, spokesman from the Thai partner, ThaiREN said:

“The current inter-connectivity of NRENs amongst these countries is still insufficient to support Research and Education activities. The TEIN2 project will be able to support current R & E activities and enhance international research collaboration in the future.”

TEIN2 builds on the success of the TEIN project, which saw the establishment of a link between France and Korea, operational since November 2001. Demand for access to this connection far exceeded expectation, and demonstrated the need for further links at increased capacity.

DANTE has announced a call for tenders to Telecoms providers. Expressions of interest must be submitted to DANTE by 8th January. More information can be found at www.dante.net/tein2. The network will be operational in late 2005.