JISC

SuperJANET5, the upgrade to the JISC-funded JANET network, was launched at an event in London yesterday evening. The newly enhanced world class ICT network for UK education and research operated by UKERNA has a potential user base of some 18 million people across UK education and research.The SuperJANET5 programme means that primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities can communicate and collaborate securely and reliably.

Following a review of requirements amongst JANET’s diverse user base, the newly enhanced network will not only fully accommodate the requirements of all research institutes, universities and further education but now will also meet the needs of the UK’s primary and secondary schools. For the first time there is a unifying resource for education and research across the UK, the importance of which is highlighted in the DfES e-strategy ‘Harnessing Technology’ (March 2005), that identifies this upgrade as a key milestone.

SuperJANET5 will deliver a highly robust and scalable UK-wide network that will stimulate and support the development of ever more innovative and cost-effective ways of enabling the creation and transfer of knowledge, and ensure that opportunities for learning and progression are available to all.

Speaking about the cross-sectoral implications of the newly-enhanced network, Phil Hope MP, minister for skills said: "Digital technology is not just changing the way we learn but helping to drive up standards in the education system. This Government is committed to helping teachers improve their skills and use of ICT where it can enhance their teaching and help bring lessons to life. The SuperJANET5 programme means that primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities can communicate and collaborate securely and reliably. The video-conferencing and other technology under the programme will allow them to share learning and link into the UK’s world-class higher education research facilities and other resources."

For the full announcement, please go to: SuperJANET5