Global center leads “Nwave” operations for next 3 years

IU’s Global Research Network Operations Center has been selected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to be the operator of “Nwave,” its new high-speed network for climate research.

The three-year, $1.6 million contract is partially funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It will create seven new jobs within the GlobalNOC.

“The GlobalNOC was chosen to lead operations of Nwave because Indiana University has a proven track record of successfully managing this type of large-scale research network,” said Joe Klimavicz, NOAA’s chief information officer in an IU press release. “NWave will provide NOAA with a secure, dedicated high-speed network over which our scientists can share data on climate and the environment. This type of technology has become essential to maintaining scientific research and competitiveness within the United States.”

GlobalNOC was formed in 1998 and started with three staff members. It has since expanded to a group of 70 people that manages more than $20 million in external contracts.

“NOAA’s choice of Indiana University to manage this pioneering research network again affirms the excellence of IU’s technology capabilities and confirms that our strategy is paying off to create information technology jobs and expertise in Indiana,” said IU President Michael McRobbie in the release. “The state’s investment in IT and its research universities is placing Indiana in leadership roles for some of the nation’s most advanced research efforts.”

— Lindsey Erdody