Grants

~Microsoft Partner~

This project is currently in the development stage. Microsoft has been kind enough to donate 100 AMD processor-based machines. The goal of this project is to use Microsoft's new High Performance Computing (HPC) clustering software to promote distributed processing, encryption, and database technologies. Cloud based computing and Carr-Parrinello Molecular Dynamics are just a couple of the project outcomes this "super-computer" will serve. Current power restrictions holding this project in the development stage will soon be overcome, allowing the BCRL research staff to power the five large racks of computers.

~Packettrap Networks~

Packettrap Networks partnership with the BCRL has provided students and faculty with software designed for the monitoring and analysis of network traffic. The software, dubbed Packettrap 360, gives BCRL research scientists access to real-time data. Using the gathered data, students are able to build statistical models and visual graphs that describe the nature of the BCRL data flow.

~ING Direct~

ING Direct has been kind enough to provide the BCRL with both furniture and hardware. In 2007, ING donated a Cyber-Warfare Command Center. This 'station' gives BCRL staff a central location for network monitoring affairs. Network security education is the primary goal behind this project. Students and staff devise plans to both attack and defend against rival schools. This contest provides students with real experience, in that, the speed and threat of these attacks greatly mimics the global internet perspective. When the contest is over, the Command Center continues as an advanced network monitoring station.

~Force 10~

A corporate partnership has been on-going for the past six years with Force 10 Networks. They have provided enterprise level switches to support instruction / research in network performance, distributed processing, cluster / grid computing and molecular modeling.

~Tricord~

This project began with beta testing of Tricord's mass storage units. Over the six years this project has gone on we have had an opportunity to conduct research related to performance, security and reliability with the units. The units have now been integrated into the production environment for the center and are used to log massive a mounts of performance data and for archival purposes.

~Sun~

Actually two projects are ongoing with Sun equipment. The first involves designing computer security instruction with a foundation. This project focuses on providing the student with detailed instruction and hands -on exercises in the area of layer 2-4 protocols and their relationship to designing a firewall. The second project is related to designing efficient and secure e-commerce site. A synopsis follows:

E-commerce is one of the hottest topics in business today and business schools are scrambling to offer effective instruction to their students in this technological based new business medium. To provide effective instruction involving hands-on activities a substantial computing infrastructure is required. An ideal environment would feature production servers supporting real live functioning E-commerce sites and developmental activities so that students could learn about the configuration process and managing an E-commerce site. However, obtaining this ideal environment involves development in more that just E-commerce topics. Because an E-commerce server runs on top of web technology, students that wish to become competent in the development and management of such sites need to be provided with meaningful practical experiences in operating systems, web configuration, web programming, and web security. Not only would this type of instruction make student more marketable, but also it would enhance the standing of the business college and open the door to industrial partnership requiring high-tech skills.

Because this proposal requires systems that are reliable, high performance, flexible, and open, the Sun environment offers the most cost effective solution. The RISC computing architecture has long been recognized for its high performance and reliable functioning. Sun's native operating system, Solaris, features user interfaces that allow end-users to effectively use the system and developers the sophistication needed to configure and manage the system. Furthermore the included Sun academic package offers the latest software tools in programming, operating systems, security and E-commerce.