The CONCERT Network (COmmunications for North Carolina Education, Research, and Technology) is a mid-level network that serves the State of North Carolina. CONCERT is connected directly to the NSFNET Backbone Network. It is the intention of CONCERT to offer NSFNET connections to all higher education institutions in North Carolina. This proposal requests support to establish nine new connections for: Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan College, Elon College, Lees-McRae College, Meredith College, Mount Olive College, Queens College, and Shaw University. A primary goal of CONCERT is to facilitate collaborative projects and sharing of resources between instutuion, including those outside the state. CONCERT will provide operations management and information services as well as provide appropriate dedicated connections to the nine institutions. The universities need greater functionality and network speed to be able to access supercomputers, libraries, and make file transfers along with being able to implement a more reliable mail system. Students and faculty research will benefit from the link. This is also a unique opportunity for the schools to explore innovative educational resources.***//
