Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) selects GEO/Matrix Consulting LLC for New Regional Infrastructure Initiative

Washington, DC - November 17, 2000

The Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) announces the launch of a new Southern US research and education network infrastructure initiative and the selection of Geo/Matrix Consulting LLC (Geo/Matrix) to provide consulting services in support of this initiative. Geo/Matrix Consulting is a joint venture of Geographic Network Affiliates International, Inc. and Matrix Design Group. Geo/Matrix has been awarded a contract by SURA to assist in the technical planning and partnership development phases of this initiative. SURA and Geo/Matrix will work together with the SURA membership and existing regional network aggregations (gigapops) in the SURA region to determine the practical and economic feasibility of developing an advanced network connectivity program to serve the needs of the research and education community in the 15 southern US states that make up the SURA region. The contract calls for GEO/Matrix to investigate opportunities to connect SURA member campuses via dark fiber, dedicated wavelength or other innovative network infrastructure solutions that will provide dramatically improved network connectivity options for the entire region. "SURA's core mission is the strengthening of the scientific community and the promotion of new methods for scientific collaboration, teaching and learning in the southern US. Fostering the creation of an advanced information technology strategy for the SURA region which includes creative network solutions of the type the SURA-Geo/Matrix partnership will explore will clearly serve to advance our members, their communities and the nation as a whole." - Jerry P. Draayer, SURA President. "We are truly excited to be the architects of this remarkable initiative," said David Nissen, Vice President of Geographic Network Affiliates. Joe Golden, President of Matrix Design Group, added "We view this as a unique opportunity to participate in helping create a 'global learning infrastructure' that will increase educational opportunities for everyone throughout the southern US, the nation and the world." About SURA The Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) is a consortium of 53 colleges and universities in 15 southern states and the District of Columbia. Established in 1980 as a nonstock, nonprofit corporation, the organization's purpose is to serve as an entity through which colleges, universities, and other organizations may cooperate with one another and with government and other organizations in acquiring, developing, and using laboratories, machines, and other research facilities and in furthering knowledge in the physical, biological, and other natural sciences and engineering. For more information about SURA visit the SURA website at http://www.sura.org or contact Elizabeth Lawson at 202-408-7872. About Geo/Matrix Geographic Network Affiliates International, Stamford CT, provides the telecommunications industry with standardized carrier neutral network equipment space, Web hosting and peering environments that provide robust access to fiber optic interfaces and patching facilities and access to Internet1 and Internet2 in GEO owned and affiliated Carrier Hotels located throughout the world. Matrix Design Group, Whippany NJ, is a full service provider of engineering, architecture, feasibility and project management services for fiber optic design and installation throughout the eastern United States.

For more information about Geo/Matrix contact:
Mr. Joseph R. Golden President,
Matrix Design Group
Phone: (973) 503-1400
Fax: (973) 503-5666
Jgolden@MatrixDG.com