NETWORKS
Merit Network and Internet2 Host 'Networking for Michigan's Future'
Today, Merit Network and Internet2, two Michigan-based nonprofit advanced networking organizations, are hosting an event for state legislators in Lansing, Mich. "Networking for Michigan's Future" will highlight demonstrations and presentations on research and education applications that depend on the high-speed Internet. The day will serve to underscore that the state has the essential resources at its fingertips to accelerate the state's advanced networking agenda and make Michigan a leader in technology. Speaker Rick Johnson with the Michigan House of Representatives will address attendees followed by remarks given by Hunt Williams, president of Merit, and Douglas Van Houweling, president and CEO of Internet2. A featured presentation will include a live Internet-based broadcast from the site where the RMS Titanic sank with Dr. Robert Ballard, discover of the Titanic in 1985. "This event demonstrates the importance of high-speed networking to education in Michigan," said Rick Johnson, Speaker of the House, Michigan House of Representatives. "With high-speed Internet, Michigan residents have access to incredible learning resources across the state and around the world." Other activities will include Michigan-based participants from Michigan State University, Port Huron and Algonac High Schools, Madison Heights Lamphere Schools, Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum, Central Michigan University and others. Demonstrations will include the ability to virtually control a robot in the Upper Peninsula, watching schoolchildren operate an underwater submersible, learn about the remote use of electron microscopes, and listen to a virtual high school band concert. "Merit and Internet2 share a vision to develop and implement the next generation of high-performance networking," said Hunt Williams. "Our co-location in Michigan benefits the entire state by enhancing educational opportunities and fostering economic development." For more information regarding the "Networking for Michigan's Future" event, please visit: http://www.merit.edu/home/events/nmf04/