Kan-ed, a statewide information network administered by the Board of Regents, announced that a new network will be available to Kansas hospitals, schools and libraries starting in January 2009.
The new network, called “Kan-ed 2.0,” will bring new services to members and provide enhanced connectivity through a state contract with AT&T.
“We are excited to launch Kan-ed 2.0,” Brad Williams, Kan-ed executive director, said. “The continuous expansion of the original network for distance learning, telemedicine and other activities demonstrates a clear need for the services Kan-ed provides. Kan-ed 2.0 utilizes the latest technology to support and sustain that need, and it will position Kansas for the future. In addition, as Kansas government looks at providing a health information network, we believe Kan-ed 2.0 could be the secure data transport mechanism that is needed.”
Advanced Virtual Private Network technology will allow members to have one integrated network connection for private network connectivity for distance-learning activities and access to the commercial Internet.
AT&T will work with local service providers to bring the Kan-ed 2.0 network to members, and Kan-ed will provide a 1.5 megabyte connection to every Kan-ed member for free, while a 3.0 megabyte connection will be available for a small monthly fee.
“Libraries across the state rely upon Internet access and Kan-ed to provide service to patrons,” Christie Brandau, Kansas state librarian, said. “The Kan-ed 2.0 program will enable all libraries, no matter their size or location, to get outstanding accesses at an affordable price. I am very excited about the Kan-ed 2.0 and the high-quality services it will provide to community libraries.”
Although Kan-ed 2.0 will not go live until January, a pilot project is underway, connecting a small number of Kan-ed members to the new network.
“Participants in our pilot program are excited about the connectivity and features of Kan-ed 2.0,” Williams said. “We have been preparing for this technology upgrade for several years and are excited about the benefits it will bring our members. To assist with the launch of Kan-ed 2.0, we are releasing network information through the 2009 Kan-ed 2.0 Connect Program.”
Complete information about the 2009 Kan-ed 2.0 Connect Program can be found on the Kan-ed Web site, www.kan-ed.org.
PITTSBURG —
