ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 17 -- Internet2 today announced that Robert (Rob) Vietzke will join its staff as the Executive Director of Network Services, reporting directly to the President & CEO. In this role, Rob will be responsible for the operation of Internet2's new advanced nationwide network, and will support the network's connections with Internet2's network connectors, major federal networks and more than 80 international research networks. He assumes this position after helping to lead the deployment of the Internet2 Network over the past 18 months.

"We are delighted that Rob will be a key member of the Internet2 team. His deep experience in operating and deploying advanced networks will serve as an incredible asset to our community as we continue to focus on robust, state of the art network capabilities," said Doug Van Houweling, Internet2 president and CEO. "The network plays a vital role in supporting the cyberinfrastructure needs of members. Rob's leadership in this capacity will ensure that Internet2 provides its members critical resources they need for today and well into the future."

Prior to joining Internet2, Rob was the Director of the Connecticut Education Network Advanced Services Center at the University of Connecticut. He was assigned to Internet2 as Project Director to lead the deployment of the new Internet2 Network and transition from the previous backbone. In this capacity, Rob led a team that worked with partner organizations, Internet2 Connectors and members to successfully deploy an advanced nationwide hybrid optical and packet network infrastructure that spans over 13,500 long-haul route miles, and includes over 400 network elements and close to 30 colocation suites.

"I am incredibly pleased to join the leadership team of Internet2 and hope to continue to build the partnerships with our community that have enabled so many advancements in research and education," said Vietzke. "As a longtime member of the Internet2 community, I look forward to working together with our network connectors, members and worldwide partners to provide the most advanced network services for research and education as well as support the development of new technologies for the future."

At the University of Connecticut, Rob led the design, deployment and operations of the Connecticut Education Network (CEN), the nation's first all-optical K-20 network for the state of Connecticut. CEN extended gigabit Ethernet to every school district and college campus in Connecticut. Under his leadership, over 40 college campuses and 160 school districts chose to join the Connecticut Education Network and to use CEN as their sole Internet and Internet2 provider. In this role, Rob leveraged successful relationships with national organizations like Internet2 and The Quilt to develop and integrate best business and architecture practices within Connecticut. Throughout his career, Rob has held several positions with the University of Connecticut as well as serving as a consultant to Compaq Computer Corporation. He is a founding Board Member of the Northeast Research and Education Network (NEREN).

"With the experience Rob gained in his role as Implementation Manager for the Internet2 Network and his years of experience in the R&E community I believe Internet2 has selected the right person to serve in this role," said Dave Jent, associate vice president for networks at Indiana University and chair of the Internet2 Architecture & Operations Advisory Council (AOAC). "Rob's ability to listen and adapt to community needs will result in an improved networking environment as well as delivery of Internet2 services."

About Internet2

Internet2 is the foremost U.S. advanced networking consortium. Led by the research and education community since 1996, Internet2 promotes the missions of its members by providing both leading-edge network capabilities and unique partnership opportunities that together facilitate the development, deployment and use of revolutionary Internet technologies. Internet2 brings the U.S. research and academic community together with technology leaders from industry, government and the international community to undertake collaborative efforts that have a fundamental impact on tomorrow's Internet. For more information: http://www.internet2.edu.

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Source: Internet2