To underscore the critical role of state and regional networks in the integrated provision of advanced networking resources to the higher education community, Internet2 established a new Regional and Education (R&E) Network membership category in 2007. Based on guidance from the community, the Internet2 Board of Trustees approved this new category of membership that recognizes the critical coordination required between campus, regional and national efforts to deploy networking capabilities that are reliable, responsive, and leading-edge. The new category ensures state and regional networking organizations have full Internet2 membership benefits, including participation in Internet2 governance.
Internet2 Affiliate Members who provide network infrastructure and services to the R&E community were invited to transition to this category, which now includes 30 organizations. Representatives from R&E Network Member organizations engage in the Internet2 community in a variety of ways, including presenting at Member Meetings. At the Fall 2007 Internet2 Member Meeting, presenters from MIDnet, Merit, OSCnet and The Quilt shared their insights into the business and service models that R&E networks have in place, along with exemplary case studies, and a dynamic discussion on challenges and opportunities. The GigaPoP and RONs Coordination Birds of a Feather (BoF), held at each Member Meeting and Joint Techs, provides an ongoing forum for network managers to share information about member outreach, expanded access models, Internet2 membership policies and procedures, communications tools, and other important issues.
By participating in Internet2 governance, R&E Network Members now provide strategic guidance, assist in setting organizational priorities, and ensure that Internet2 continues to meet the needs of the research and education community which it serves. R&E Network Members now serve on the each of the new Internet2 Advisory Councils, with many filling chair or vice chair roles.