Cost Saving Expertise

Wide Area Networking (WAN) requires a very specific skillset that does not typically coincide with enterprise LAN skillsets. KanREN staff are dedicated WAN experts; we know the technologies, terms, requirements, and troubleshooting methodologies associated with operating feature rich Wide Area Networks.

KanREN’s members depend on our expertise 24x7x365 to reduce their FTE, equipment, and support expenses; saving our members hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. From helping members with advanced routing architectures to proactive monitoring of network components, all of our 185,000+ users enjoy the same world-class support services.

Building Infrastructure

KanREN leverages relationships with providers to build fiber optic infrastructure that serves our members. Typically building fiber optic infrastructure is an expensive, time consuming process. KanREN helps reduce infrastructure build costs for its members by centrally managing buildout projects and amortizing costs over time. This gives KanREN members the ability to acquire the services needed today, but spread the initial expenses over time while enjoying KanREN’s extremely low overhead.

Member-Focused Structure

KanREN operates on a self-sustaning cost recovery model. Our initial funding, provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF), was quickly transitioned to the current, long-term, stable methodology. Members pay exactly what it costs to deliver services.

KanREN is governed by our members. Working Groups provide an opportunity for member interaction and the introduction of new ideas into our ecosystem. The Board of Directors evaluates and refines working group recommendations and sets long-term organizational direction, vision, values, and mission. Most importantly, all members have opportunity to vote on major resolutions; including rate and fee structure changes. Because all decisions are fully vetted and debated among members, KanREN’s services never lose their fiscal responsibility and member focus.