9720147 BAIRNSFATHER This award provides funding for computer networking equipment that will establish a "backbone" of T3 ATM service (upgradable to OC3) to connect 11 institutions in 5 major cities throughout the state of Louisiana. It builds on and upgrades an existing network in Louisiana and will connect the state to a multi-state network through Louisiana State University's participation in the South East Partnership to Share Computational Resources (SEPSCoR). It will also position Louisiana for submission of a strongly competitive proposal to NSF's program for connections to the Next Generation Internet. Additional support is provided for the salary and benefits of a network manager (to be recruited). The funds provided by this award are only a small portion of the total projected costs of the project; strong commitment to developing the network is evidenced by major (ca. 90%) non-federal cost sharing from the state and industry. The network will make available high performance computing capabilities necessary for scientists conducting research in a broad variety of disciplines and encompassing both basic and applied research.
