IBM takes lead in RI wireless pilot project

The Business Innovation Factory (BIF) announced Thursday that BIF member IBM, a global leader in building and integrating information systems, will expand its role in the Rhode Island Wireless Innovation Networks (RI-WINs) partnership by serving as project manager of the RI-WINs pilot, the second phase of an effort to make Rhode Island the first state in the country with border-to-border broadband wireless coverage.

The RI-WINs pilot will operate several applications on a small-scale broadband wireless network to test the network’s effectiveness, demonstrate that pilot applications can be extended to larger user bases, and troubleshoot issues in advance of a state-wide roll out. IBM will coordinate the efforts of the RI-WINs pilot participants, a public/private partnership that includes Atrion Networking Corporation, Brown University, Cox Communications and Cox Business Services, CVS/Pharmacy, the Ocean State Higher Education Economic Development and Administrative Network (OSHEAN), the Rhode Island Department of Administration, the Rhode Island Port Security Communications Network, Stratum Broadband, Verizon Communications, and Verizon Wireless.

The RI-WINs pilot roll-out will be guided by an advisory committee led by the Business Innovation Factory, Brown University, Cox Communications, OSHEAN, and the Rhode Island Department of Administration.

Launched by the Business Innovation Factory in 2004, RI-WINs seeks to create a border-to-border, broadband wireless network that breaks down barriers to innovation, improves interoperability among new products and technologies, supports of cross-industry collaboration, and establishes Rhode Island as an ideal place to test new business models.

Using a unique public/private partnership model, RI-WINs seeks to demonstrate the benefits of cross-sector, cross-industry collaboration–a major focus of the Business Innovation Factory’s efforts.

“IBM is very excited to be a part of the RI-WINs partnership” said Scott Stainken, general manager of global wireless business, for IBM Corporation. “The RI-WINs project provides IBM with an opportunity to demonstrate our skill in facilitating large-scale broadband wireless projects that demand the coordination of multiple teams and the integration of different technologies. More importantly, the RI-WINs project provides a great opportunity to play a leading a role in defining how networks like this should be created across the country.”

“Rhode Island’s location, size, and accessible public and private sector networks create a real-world laboratory where wireless technology can flexibly connect and coordinate activities across organizations to transform business models,” said former GTECH chief technology officer and BIF board of directors chair Donald Stanford. “This capacity, paired with a border-to-border wireless network, will strengthen Rhode Island’s ability to serve as an innovation laboratory for organizations from both within and outside the state.”

Physical construction of the RI-WINs pilot network will begin in January. The pilot will run for approximately 12 months.

RI-WINs pilot applications include a port security demonstration project, mobile computing support for CVS/Pharmacy IT staff, wireless applications for the RI Teacher Education Renewal, and innovative wireless solutions for Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management and Department of Health.

For more information about the Business Innovation Factory, visit www.businessinnovationfactory.com