| Abstract: | This ECAR research study is designed to illuminate a host of current network management practices related to IT in higher education; opportunities for connectivity to external networks; the institutional context of organization, leadership, and management; current and emerging technologies and converged networks; and the future of networking. The study is based on five major research initiatives: a literature review; consultation with the EDUCAUSE Net@EDU Integrated Communications Solutions Working Group; survey responses from 517 chief information officers and network directors in higher education; qualitative interviews with 12 higher education leaders about their view of the future of IT networking in higher education; and three in-depth cases studies involving four U.S. institutions and SURF, a Dutch higher education and research partnership. |