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Verizon to Help New Zealand’s International R&D Capabilities

Under a three-year agreement with Research Education Advanced Network New Zealand (REANNZ), a New Zealand government-sponsored initiative, Verizon Business will manage a global network service connecting REANNZ users with their colleagues who use similar research and education networks in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia. Participants in New Zealand include universities, Crown research institutes and the National Library.

Dr. Jim Watson, chairman of REANNZ, says that until now, New Zealand has been restricted by the technical performance of regular Internet services. “This has limited the participation of New Zealand organisations in research, development and education activities. For New Zealand to truly compete internationally in R&D, this network is essential.”

Charles Jarvie, head of development for REANNZ, says the network adds important capabilities. “Until now, much of collaboration in research and education with overseas parties has been done using regular Internet services such as e-mail and low-level, file-transfer processes,” he comments.

“Having a dedicated high performance network to support network-based collaboration techniques will enable New Zealand researchers to build on opportunities with their international peers. The government has taken a valuable step in funding a major project that provides international connectivity to help further research.”

“To have the New Zealand Government instil its trust in Verizon Business for this key initiative speaks volumes for our local and global experience, knowledge, capability and networks,” says Glenn Watkins, Verizon Business’s New Zealand Country Manager. “We’re delighted to be able to support REANNZ as it enhances New Zealand’s ability to participate with the international research community.”


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