Local Tech Wire 

IBM, NCSU to N.C. students: Get on the 'cloud'

Diagram of cloud computing process from VCL.

On The Web

• Virtual Computing Lab
• IBM’s Cloud Computing site
• ibiblio download site

Site Search

Cloud computing capabilities will become reality, not virtual, to students across North Carolina through an initiative launched by North Carolina State University’s Virtual Computing Lab and IBM.

NCSU and IBM (NYSE: IBM) also are launching a Center of Excellence in Cloud Computing, which will focus on research and development. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The “cloud,” which links and combines computer resources regardless of location, will make not only computing power but software, storage and other materials available to the state’s K-12 schools. The NCSU lab includes high-performance IBM BladeCenter servers. Much of IBM’s BladeCenter server research takes place in Research Triangle Park.

IBM and NCSU announced the initiative Friday at NCSU’s Centennial Campus. IBM is at the forefront of emerging cloud technology, having created more than a dozen “cloud” centers around the world. It also has a “Blue Cloud” development team.

NCSU’s Virtual Computing Lab (VCL) has developed numerous applications and “environments” for delivery over the Internet. These support users from individuals to classrooms and labs.

The VCL and IBM are already offering a software “appliance” for use in schools to link to the program. (Downloads are available at ibiblio at UNC-Chapel Hill.) The VCL also is partnering with open-source community Apache.org to make the software available.

The VCL has received millions in funding and support over the past two years from IBM ($1.2 million alone in 2007), Intel ($2.4 million), SAS, NetApp and NCSU’s Friday Institute.

The Virtual Computing Lab is designed to help spread access to sophisticated computing resources to K-12 schools, community colleges and universities across the state. MCNC, SAS, Cisco, IBM and Nortel also have backed educational initiatives at the Friday Institute. MCNC operates the North Carolina Research and Education Network, the high-speed backbone linking most of the state’s universities as well as community colleges and schools.

Possible programs for use over the “cloud” include a 3-D animation and storytelling program called Alice and “MathQuest” from The Disney Company.

"Through this collaboration, universities that participate in the program have a tremendous opportunity to not only further enable their own students, but to also improve the lives of students in economically disadvantaged parts of the country and the world,” said Jai Menon, IBM’s vice president for university programs. “The VCL technology is a conduit that can greatly enhance students' education, self-confidence and overall quality of life."

The VCL launched in 2004 and has received funding support from IBM through the IBM RTP Center for Advanced Studies as well as through IBM’s corporate university program.

Venture & Innovation

Stories about local business ventures and innovation. Read more articles…