The U of A joins 127 other universities awarded National Science Foundation grants to connect to the network and holds the only grant awarded in Arkansas. The high-speed network will change how UA researchers interact with their colleagues around the globe. It's just as if they're all in the same room. The University will connect the vBNS to Little Rock, and from there to other state institutions, Zimmerman said. This will mean state agencies that rely on CAST for geographical satellite information will have faster access to what they need.
State agencies use CAST data to help farmers and develop better land-management policies.
The University of Arkansas earned the NSF award because its research capabilities require links to institutions worldwide, Zimmerman said. Nationwide grants to allow vBNS connections are made on the basis of scientific and technical merit. Examples of UA research that will benefit from the new Internet include protein studies, molecular genetics, archeological studies and quantum chemistry. With the new technology and the right computer equipment, students located anywhere in the state and nation could link up from their desks, Zimmerman said. The vBNS, a collaboration between the federal government and MCI Telecommunications Corp., should always be several steps ahead of commercial networking.