IU’s GlobalNOC strengthens response to the changing climate

BLOOMINGTON – Indiana University’s Global Network Operations Center, GlobalNOC, is now receiving $4.25 million annually — a new record — for services as part of its 10-year agreement with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Pamela Whitten

“This announcement couldn’t come at a better time. Across our world, we see the impact of our changing climate in floods, fires, and severe storms that alter landscapes and even claim precious lives,” said Indiana University President Pamela Whitten. “As a leader in research and education technology, IU is uniquely suited with resources like the GlobalNOC to support efforts to predict natural disasters and strengthen our response to them. 

IU’s partnership with NOAA advances the college’s understanding of environmental science and weather prediction, helping the communities prepare for the impact of severe weather, improve warnings and save lives. The GlobalNOC keeps thousands of climate researchers, scientists, and engineers across the world connected, ensuring a high-speed and secure network that links NOAA’s network, N-Wave, to the data and resources required for severe storm modeling, and weather forecasting, and conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems. 

N-Wave supports not only NOAA but also missions across various agencies in the Department of Commerce such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. 

avatar for Robert Sears
Robert Sears

NOAA N-Wave Director Robert Sears credits IU’s GlobalNOC with creating a world-class network of engineers, systems and application developers, and a team of customer-experience-centric experts to support its critical operations and the NOAA’s mission of science, service, and stewardship.

The GlobalNOC has also recruited nearly 130 highly skilled, full-time engineers, technicians, and IT professionals to IU, many of whom joined the Indiana workforce from outside the state. A hub of advanced computer networking activity, the GlobalNOC has some of the fastest, most cutting-edge networks in existence. With its large talent reservoir, the GlobalNOC supports more than 20 research and education networks and lends this same expertise to other higher education institutions in the state through the support of Indiana’s high-speed fiber-optic I-Light network.

“As we respond to our ever-changing world, IU is deepening our connections within the state, nationally, and internationally with solutions that will benefit future generations,” Whitten added.

Information: Indiana University