Brazil’s RNP launches call for selection of large computing institutions

Brazilian research and educational network RNP launched a call for the selection of five public or private ICT centers to integrate a new connectivity structure dedicated to large volumes of data transmission.

Dubbed e-Ciência, this new network will be aimed at “big science” research centers with “advanced requirements in processing, analysis, transmission and storage of large volumes of data,” according to an RNP release.

Unlike RNP’s current Rede Ipê backbone structure capacity, which mainly serves educational institutions, research centers and technology parks, the e-Ciência network will provide a select group of organizations with specialized policies and services for large scientific data flows, the entity said.

Rede Ipê currently serves more than 800 organizations.

For e-Ciência, selected institutions will receive connectivity upgrades to a minimum capacity of 100Gbs, consultancy services in network performance engineering, and information security consultancy for diagnosing and assessing cyber risks, among other specialized services, said RNP.

The entity’s expectation is for 12 Brazilian “big science” centers to adhere to the network in the next three years. 

They will join the country’s National Scientific Computing Laboratory (LNCC) and the Center for Weather Forecasting and Climate Studies (CPTEC-INPE). 

The connection of both these institutions to the new network is underway as a result of a predecessor project called eCiber, according to RNP.

Interested ICT firms can submit proposals through this online form by April 7. RNP also said it will hold a webinar about the new project on March 25. Registration for the webinar can be completed here.