Middleware Announcements

["Lee Perlis" <>]

***Internet2(R) Members Update***
       April 2002
<> Internet2 Spring 2002 Member Meeting
<> Internet2 Virtual Briefing
<> Corporate Relations
<> Applications Update
<> International Update
<> Middleware Update
<> End-to-End Performance Initiative (E2Epi)
<> Online Event Archives Available
<> Future Internet2 Events
<> New Members
<> Internet2 Days
<> Showcase Opportunities
<> Internet2 Related Events
<> Internet2 Employment Opportunities

The member updates are now archived at
http://www.internet2.edu/members/html/members-update.html

<> Internet2 Spring 2002 Member Meeting
+ Early Registration for Spring Member Meeting Ends April 15
Registration is open for the Internet2 Spring 2002 Member Meeting. Register
online by April 15th to be eligible for the Early Registration Prize
drawing! The hotel block cutoff date of April 15th is fast approaching. To
receive the conference rate please make your reservations by this date. The
preliminary program is now available on the Internet2 website. For all
meeting related information, please go to:
http://www.internet2.edu/activities/html/spring_02.html

<> Internet2 Virtual Briefing on Thursday, April 18th
Our next virtual briefing, scheduled for Thursday, April 18th at 1:00 EST
represents a collaborative effort between Internet2 and Educause.  We are
currently finalizing plans for broadcasting one of the many outstanding
sessions of the Educause Net2002 conference.  Stay tuned to our website for
information about the April briefing and plan on joining us.
http://www.internet2.edu/activities/html/briefings.html

<> Corporate Relations
Motorola Labs using Access Grid and Hand-held Devices Using the Access Grid
to provide multimedia intensive group-to-group communications is one of
several Internet2 applications activities at Motorola Labs, an Internet2
Corporate Member and Abilene participant. Access Grid (AG) nodes are
"designed spaces" that typically consist of large-format multimedia display,
presentation, and interaction software environments; interfaces to grid
middleware; and interfaces to remote visualization environments. Further
applications activities at Motorola Labs involve research into enhancing
Access Grid nodes with wireless, handheld devices. Specifically, researchers
hope to effectively integrate such devices within AG node environments to
provide greater mobility and versatility--enabling a more personalized
experience for each participant. http://internet2.motlabs.com/

<> Applications Update
Excerpts from the application newsletter are below, for the complete
applications newsletter go to:
http://apps.internet2.edu/html/newsletter.html

+ Bob Dixon/Internet2 Receive Award for Innovative Use in Videoconferencing
Bob Dixon and Internet2  were awarded the first place award for “Most
Innovative Use in Videoconferencing” in the Applications/User category at
the TeleCon 2001 Conference & Expo. Dixon won the award for the worldwide
Megaconference H.323 Internet videoconferencing events he organizes.
According to Dixon,“Because of Megaconference, many more people are now
aware of Internet videoconferencing and use it regularly. Equipment has been
installed in many new locations and in countries, which had none before,
fostering new collaborations and friendships.”
For more information: http://www.mega-net.net/megaconference/
http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/EQM0043.pdf

+ RCMI Spring Symposium and Workshop on Research Collaboration, Jackson MS,
April 24-27
This two-day symposium on "Recent Advances in Environmental Health Research:
Health Disparities, Toxicology and Carcinogenesis," as well as, a one day
Workshop on Collaborative Research. The Symposium/Workshop is designed to
bring together RCMI institutions and other biomedical researchers. This
event will feature a presentation by Mary Kratz, Internet2 Manager for
Health Sciences Initiatives, and will also feature a variety of Internet2
high-performance networking applications demonstrations.
For more information: http://www.rcmiceh.com/index.htm

+ Representatives Selected for Internet2 Commons Phase 2 Requirements Task
Force
The task force will be charged with establishing the scope and timing for
the broader vision of the Internet2 Commons. While the initial Internet2
Commons roll out focused on scaling up existing videoconferencing
efforts, notably H.323 based on ViDe's architecture, the mbone tools, and
gateway services offered through VRVS (Virtual Rooms Videoconferencing
System), phase two of the Commons will include a wide array of collaboration
technologies. The Internet2 Commons Phase 2 Requirements Task Force will
deliver a draft report for review at the Spring 2002 Internet2 Member
Meeting in Washington, DC (6-9 May), with a final report expected in June
2002. For more information:
http://www.internet2.edu/html/commons-phase2.html

+ NSF Strategic Technologies for the Internet -- 2002: Accelerating
Technology Creation
The purpose of the NSF RFP for Strategic Technologies for the Internet --
2002 is to improve the operational or functional capabilities of the
Internet and to enable related collateral efforts for the benefit of the
research and education community. Proposed projects should enhance knowledge
in unresolved Internet-related areas of discovery and development. The
deadline for proposal submission is June 5, 2002.
http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/getpub?nsf02093

<> International Update
+ Duke University Opens New Videoconferencing Facility
Duke University's Fuqua School of Business officially launched its use of
"telepresence across Internet2 networks" with a simultaneous electronic
ribbon cutting at its campuses in both Durham, NC and in Frankfurt, Germany.
As an alternative to the typical lower-speed videoconferencing connections,
Fuqua has now begun using Internet2 networks in the United States and DFN,
the German high-performance research and education network, to carry the
video and audio content of its Global Conference System telepresence
environment between Durham and Frankfurt. By enabling real-time
conversations with extremely high-quality audio and MPEG-2 video creates a
'telepresence environment' that is a cut above traditional
videoconferencing. Fuqua's Global Conference System telepresence environment
allows staff and faculty to meet on an as-needed basis by just walking into
a conference room that is connected to another conference room across the
ocean, via Internet2 networks and DFN.
http://www.fuqua.duke.edu/admin/extaff/news/global_conf_2002.htm

+ Pacific-Rim Advanced Networking Meeting 2002 Hawaii
At the recent Pacific-Rim Advanced Networking meeting participants joined to
share information on advanced networking efforts and international
connections in Asia and across the Pacific. Presentations were given by
North American research and education networks, Asian Networks, and
corporate vendors. A complete agenda along with presentations is available
at http://www.transpac.org/meeting/agenda.html

+ Costa Rica and Internet2 sign Memorandum of Understanding
CRNet (Red Nacional de Investigacion de Costa Rica) and Internet2 have
recently signed a Memorandum of  understanding. CRNet interconnects academic
and research institutions and universities in Costa Rica. CRNet joins over
45 international organizations and networks that together with Internet2 are
working towards ensuring continued global interoperability of advanced
networking and enabling collaboration between U.S. researchers, faculty,
students and their overseas counterparts.
Internet2 International:   http://www.internet2.edu/international/
CRNet:  http://www.crnet.cr

<> Middleware Update
+ National Science Foundation Middleware Initiative (NMI)
The NMI Testbed proposal review process was recently completed; selected
institutions will soon be announced.  The sites will engage in the broad
implementation and testing of the middleware components developed and
packaged under the NMI program.  Work continues on polishing the Release 1
materials due out later this spring.   For more information:
http://www.nmi-edit.org/
http://www.grids-center.org/
http://www.nsf-middleware.org/

+ MACE-Directories Working Group
The Mace-Dir working group is making progress developing a metadirectory
“Practices” style document.  As the document takes shape, drafts will be
made available via the website. Next the group will focus on affiliated
directory issues.  As with other topics explored, a “Practices” style
document is planned.
http://middleware.internet2.edu/dir/

+ Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
The PKI Research Workshop co-sponsored by National Institute of Standards
and Technology (NIST), National Institute of Health (NIH) and Internet2 will
be held 24-25 April 2002.  This workshop is geared toward those who are
deeply engaged in PKI research including both traditional X.509 and
non-traditional approaches.  Following the workshop, the refereed papers and
the proceedings will be made available.  Posting information will be
provided in a future update. For more information
http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~pki02/

+ Shibboleth
Shibboleth, which facilitates inter-institutional sharing of web resources
subject to access control is moving into alpha test mode. It will be
demonstrated at the Internet2 Spring Member Meeting.  Project updates are
maintained at http://middleware.internet2.edu/shibboleth/

+ Middleware for Video (VidMid)
The VidMid sub groups are actively involved in developing four white papers
for inclusion in the NMI Release 1 deliverables.  The Video Conferencing
(VC) group’s white paper topics include Interrealm Directories, Resource
Discovery, and Authentication and Authorization. The Video On Demand (VoD)
group is drafting a paper on the Role of Directories.  Drafts will be posted
at http://middleware.internet2.edu/video/

<> End-to-End Performance Initiative (E2Epi)
The E2Epi is pleased to welcome our new engineering consultant, Eric Boyd.
Eric will work with the E2Epi team and focus on campus performance issues
involving the applications, host and network areas. Eric will work with
faculty and staff at our member organizations to identify best practices,
coordinate the measurement infrastructure, and identify and solve
performance problems.

+ Call for Participation: Your Stories
E2Epi is issuing a Call for Participation (CFP) to its members, asking
them to propose compelling best current practices to allow end users and
support staff to resolve performance problems routinely and
consistently. For further information and guidelines, please see the
E2Epi Call for Participation:
http://www.internet2.edu/e2epi/cfp_01.shtml

<> Online Event Archives Available
+ January 2002 Joint Techs Workshop
The 9th Joint Techs Workshop took place January 27-30 at Arizona State
University; foci included network security, enabling digital video, and
accelerating IPv6 deployment. A summary is at
http://www.internet2.edu/events/january-2002-joint-techs/; presentations
are at http://www.ncne.nlanr.net/training/techs/2002/0127/agenda.html.

+ Virtual Briefings
If you missed the March 19th Virtual Briefing on High Energy Nuclear
Physics: Working Group Update, you can view it via the Briefings archive.
For Real Stream viewing, see:
http://www.internet2.edu/activities/html/20020319.html

<> Future Events
+ Campus-Focused Workshop on Advanced Networks: Houston, TX, 10-11 April
The Texas GigaPoP & Internet2 are sponsoring the next in the on-going
series of workshops addressing the campus issues of engineering
Internet2 network infrastructure. This workshop is aimed at campus
network personnel and will center on implementing advanced network
services in the campus environment and the End-to-End Performance
Initiative. It is expected that registration & hotel details will be
posted by the 2nd week of March. Note: This meeting is tentatively set
to start at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday and finish by 4:00 pm on Thursday. For
more information, see:
http://www.internet2.edu/activities/html/campuswksp-hou.html

+ HPNC Proposal Preparation Workshop
The University of Missouri-Kansas City is hosting a one-day, hands-on
workshop, 12 April, for prospective PIs from organizations desiring to
submit proposals to the National Science Foundation (NSF) High Performance
Network Connections (HPNC) program. During this workshop, PIs will be
mentored and supported in the development of quality proposals. Participants
will have access to computers and wireless networks so that they can access
NSF´s Fastlane Proposal Preparation System. Upon completion of the workshop,
participants will have made significant progress toward developing a quality
proposal to submit to NSF. If you want to participate, please send e-mail to
Debbie 
Jarvis-Ferguson<>
 no later than Friday,
April 5.

+ AMPATH: Valdivia, Chile, 12 April
The First AMPATH International Conference seeks to further delve into
the benefits of utilizing the AMPATH advanced networking infrastructure
for scientific research and education. Sponsored through a grant from
the National Science Foundation (NSF), the main objective of the
conference is to create an environment for AMPATH participants,
potential participants and those with a regional, hemispheric or
international interest in the project to exchange ideas, form new and
solidify existing collaborations. For more information, see:
http://ampath.fiu.edu/Chilemtg.htm

+ Windows on the Future Conference: Columbus, OH, 15 April
The next Windows on the Future Conference, "Meaningful Performance --
End to End", will take place Monday, April 15 at the OSU Fawcett Center
on the Ohio State University campus, Columbus, OH. This spring's
conference is hosted jointly by ITEC-Ohio (Internet2 Technology
Evaluation Center), ADEC (American Distance Education Consortium) and
Internet2, and features a variety of meetings, sessions, topics and
activities intended to promote active participation by attendees.
Members of Internet2 E2Epi staff will present at the conference. For
more information, see: http://www.itechohio.net

+ Boulder, Colorado Site for July 2002 Joint Techs Workshop
The July Joint Techs Workshop will be hosted by NCAR/NIST/NOAA/NTIA in
Boulder, CO from 28 July through 1 August.  Tutorials will be presented
on Sunday afternoon. Plenary and BoFs will be held all day Monday and
Tuesday, and on Wednesday morning, and in-depth sessions will be held on
Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning.  For further information see:
http://www.ncne.nlanr.net/training/techs/2002/0728/boulder.html

+ Fall 2002 Internet2 Member Meeting (Hold the Date!)
Los Angeles will be the site of the Fall 2002 Internet2 Member Meeting.
The meeting is presently scheduled for October 28-30. Details of the
meeting will be announced on the Internet2 website as they become available:
http://www.internet2.edu/activities/html/fall_02.html.

<> New Members
+ Affiliate Members
   - Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
   - Manhattan School of Music

+ Corporate Members
  - Yotta Yotta

<> Internet2 Days
Hold an Internet2 Day for your Internet2 member organization. Technical
support for live demonstrations and informational materials are
available. For more information see:
http://apps.internet2.edu/html/internet2_days.html
or contact Marianne Smith 
<>.

+ 10 May 2002
   Tufts University
   http://ase.tufts.edu/uctfd/schedule.htm

<> Showcase Opportunities
The weekly showcase on the front page of the Internet2 Web site
highlights new and exciting developments in the Internet2 community. We
encourage Internet2 members to share advanced networking milestones in
your areas. Include a brief description (less than 100 words), all
appropriate links and images, and contact information. If you have
suggestions about projects or news that might be featured, please
contact Adam Csillag 
<>.

<> Internet2 Related Events
+ Online Calendar
For a complete listing of events for and of interest to the Internet2
community, see the online Internet2 Calendar. Be sure the
Internet2-related event you are holding or know about is listed at:
http://www.internet2.edu/calendar/main.php

2nd Encuentro Internacional Ciencia, Cultura y Educación sobre Internet2
10-11 April 2002
Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
http://encuentro-internet2.reuna.cl

AMPATH
12 April 2002
Valdivia, Chile
http://ampath.fiu.edu/Chilemtg.htm

20th NORDUnet Networking Conference
15-17 April 2002
Copenhagen, Denmark
http://www.nordu.net/nordunet2002

Great Plains Network (GPN) Spring Meeting
18-19 April 2002
Sioux Falls, SD
http://www.greatplains.net/

Reunion CUDI Primavera 2002
24-25 April 2002
Tampico, Tamaulipas
MEXICO
http://www.cudi.edu.mx/primavera2002/index.html

TERENA Networking Conference 2002
3-6 June 2002
Limerick, Ireland
Summaries and final papers due: 29 March 2002
http://www.terena.nl/tnc2002/

ISOC/INET
18-21 June 2002

<> Internet2 Employment Opportunities
http://www.internet2.edu/ucaid/html/opportunities.html

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Do you have a news item or event you'd like the Internet2 community to
know about? Send a brief description and pointers to any information on
the Web to Lee Perlis 
<>

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