Towards the ASREN Cloud Platform: Enhancing the Sustainability of NREN Services in the Region

Towards the ASREN Cloud Platform: Enhancing the Sustainability of NREN Services in the Region

Posted on: 26 Jan, 2025

Dr. Babiker Hussien

CEO, SudREN

Introduction

The ASREN Cloud Platform is poised to become a transformative initiative for National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) across the region. By addressing strategic, operational, and economic challenges, this platform offers a vision of enhanced connectivity, innovation, and resilience. Its potential to redefine the digital landscape is particularly relevant for networks like the Sudanese Research and Education Network (SudREN), which has faced unprecedented challenges in recent times. The CEO of SudREN, Dr. Babiker Hussien Ahmed, shares insights into how this platform could serve as a game-changer.

About SudREN

SudREN, established in 2004 by Sudan's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHE), connects over 140 member institutions, including universities, research centers, and academic organizations. Through its membership in ASREN and the UbuntuNet Alliance, SudREN has played a crucial role in advancing education and research in Sudan and contributing to regional collaboration. Over the years, SudREN has been a vital enabler of knowledge exchange, providing high-quality connectivity and services that empower education and research institutions. However, the ongoing war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has significantly disrupted its operations, leading to the destruction of infrastructure, displacement of staff, and interruptions in service delivery.

Challenges and Resilience

The war in Sudan has highlighted the fragility of digital infrastructure and underscored the urgent need for resilient and adaptable solutions. As a result, SudREN is currently addressing several critical challenges:

1. Rebuilding and restoring connectivity in safer regions.

2. Recovering lost equipment and technical expertise.

3. Securing financial resources to resume operations and sustain services.

Despite these obstacles, SudREN has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The Network’s connectivity is continued for the institutions in the safe areas. Also, with support from the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils (FASRC) and the UbuntuNet Alliance, it has leveraged cloud platforms to restore essential services, ensuring the continuation of education and research activities even under difficult circumstances. 

Lessons for the Future

Reflecting on SudREN’s experiences, Dr. Babiker emphasized several key lessons:

• The importance of regional and international partnerships to mobilize resources and expertise.

• The need for decentralized infrastructure models to enhance adaptability and resilience.

• The role of capacity-building programs in strengthening local expertise and fostering sustainability.

"Our experience shows that collaboration is the cornerstone of resilience," he added.

The ASREN Cloud Platform: A Vision for Transformation

The proposed ASREN Cloud Platform is designed to address these challenges while creating new opportunities for NRENs across the region. Its potential benefits are manifold:

• Strategic Value: Strengthening collaboration and supporting digital transformation.

• Operational Impact: Delivering secure, flexible, and scalable solutions tailored to the needs of education and research institutions.

• Economic Advantages: Enabling cost savings and providing equitable access to advanced technologies, particularly for underfunded or smaller NRENs.

“This platform represents an essential step toward resilience and sustainability in research and education,” Dr. Babiker emphasized. “It offers scalable solutions, robust backup systems, and disaster recovery capabilities, ensuring uninterrupted educational services even in times of crisis.”

The ASREN Cloud Platform also aligns with global priorities, advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG4 (Quality Education) and SDG9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). By fostering innovation and bridging the digital divide, the platform can empower institutions across the region to thrive.

Call for Collaboration/ Recommendations  

Dr. Babiker calls upon regional and international stakeholders to support the realization of the ASREN Cloud Platform:

“This initiative requires collective action. By working together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and create a more resilient and inclusive future for education and research in the Arab region.”

Conclusion

The ASREN Cloud Platform is not merely a technological solution; it is a vision of transformation, collaboration, and resilience. By uniting efforts, stakeholders can ensure that education and research continue to thrive, paving the way for a brighter, more connected future.

"Together, we can pave the way for a brighter, more connected future," Dr. Babiker concludes.