SDSC and MCNC Collaboration Pioneers Secure Cloud Services in North Carolina

Introduction

In a transformative step for digital infrastructure, the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) has partnered with MCNC, a non-profit entity responsible for managing the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN). This collaboration aims to deliver a range of secure cloud services and data management solutions to community anchor institutions throughout North Carolina. By combining resources and expertise, both organizations seek to enhance technological accessibility and security across a diverse array of users within the state.

Partnership Overview

The collaboration is centered around SDSC's advanced Sherlock capabilities paired with MCNC's extensive broadband network that spans over 4,500 miles. Together, they will cater to more than 1,000 institutions, including education and community-based organizations that depend on reliable data services. Sandeep Chandra, the executive director for cloud solutions and services at Sherlock, expressed optimism stating that this partnership could serve as a model for other regional education networks (RENs) looking to innovate. This innovative approach does not merely replicate services but aims to provide a complete infrastructure to facilitate independent operations.

Historical Context

MCNC has been a technology trailblazer in North Carolina for over 40 years. The organization is committed to meeting the increasing technological demands of the local community, particularly in education and public safety. The partnership with SDSC highlights the ongoing evolution in how technological services are delivered, particularly concerning secure data handling, on which many institutions rely.

A Unique Collaborative Model

What sets this collaboration apart is its structure; rather than relying exclusively on existing systems, the strategy is to establish these services within MCNC's infrastructure. This innovative transfer of engineered capabilities aims to promote a long-term partnership, allowing MCNC to eventually manage these services independently. Chandra noted that this is a shift from their usual model, marking a significant advance in partnership dynamics.

The Initial Implementation

The first phase of the project focuses on offering secure cloud enclaves and advanced data management to current users of MCNC’s network. At the same time, efforts will be made to enhance MCNC’s capabilities to eventually enable self-management of these services. This alignment could initiate a larger strategic expansion of the care and services provided by SDSC along the East Coast, fostering a collaborative spirit within the academic and research communities.

Importance of Expanding Access

The success story of this partnership is likely to set a precedent for further collaborations among various RENs, crucial for expanding access to secure solutions tailored for modern analytics and machine learning workloads. DataMorph, a long-standing partner in this initiative, will play a crucial role in streamlining the processes needed for deploying advanced analytics swiftly and efficiently. As DataMorph’s co-founder Krishna Katikaneni highlighted, removing hurdles in technical development can significantly speed up insights and enhance institutional capabilities.

Future Prospects

This collaboration will have a significant spotlight during the MCNC Community Day scheduled for November this year in Durham, North Carolina. The gathering will serve as an opportunity to further discuss the implications of the partnership and share best practices among stakeholders which could attract visibility and inspire similar collaborations.

Conclusion

In summary, the partnership between SDSC and MCNC could reshape the landscape of secure cloud services in North Carolina. By leveraging shared resources and distinct expertise, this alliance not only aims to solve immediate technological needs but potentially paves the way for innovative solutions that could be replicated across the nation. The future of cloud services that cater specifically to community anchors while emphasizing security is here, and it promises significant benefits for diverse institutions throughout North Carolina. As the partnership develops, it will be exciting to observe how this model influences technological advancements and foster connections within the state’s educational and research communities.