About
About
OSHEAN, Inc. delivers carrier-class optical transport, advanced IP-based networking, and innovative cloud solutions to Community Anchor Institutions and their communities. OSHEAN creates trusted connections for peer-to-peer interactions that lead to more efficient, effective, and collaborative information technology environments. With an extensive member network consisting of leading healthcare organizations, colleges and universities, K-12 schools, libraries, government agencies, and other community organizations, OSHEAN acts as a key strategic technology partner by facilitating member collaboration and providing best-in-class technology solutions and services that provide operational efficiencies and transform traditional enterprise operating models in support of its members' missions.
Since 1999
Our Mission
Rhode Island's Research & Education Network
A member-focused non-profit coalition
Regional, national & global collaboration
Founded in 1999, OSHEAN is a non-profit coalition of universities, K-12 schools, libraries, hospitals, government agencies, and other non-profit organizations dedicated to providing innovative Internet-based technology solutions for its member institutions and the communities they serve.
OSHEAN is an active member of the local and national technology communities, regularly contributing expertise and resources to a wide range of initiatives, from school enrichment activities to community forums on technology-related issues in the public interest. OSHEAN regularly pursues opportunities for local, regional and national collaboration and plays a leadership role in professional education for IT professionals and policy development in the information technology arena.
OSHEAN is dedicated to building, through the use of innovative practices, a communications infrastructure that will serve the needs of the region's K-12 schools, colleges and universities, state and federal government agencies, non-profit research organizations, workforce development initiatives, and economic development efforts. OSHEAN is also committed to creating an environment that encourages collaboration and learning through shared experiences and resources to continually develop expertise within its member organizations.
25+ years of momentum
Three network generations, one mission
1999
A coalition is founded
Universities, K-12 schools, libraries, hospitals, government agencies, and other non-profits form OSHEAN to deliver innovative Internet-based technology for their communities.
2010
The $32M BTOP fiber build
A Federal BTOP grant funds dedicated fiber infrastructure and a sophisticated MPLS backbone — Beacon's second generation.
Regional reach
Internet2 connector, NEREN founder
OSHEAN becomes the Regional Network Connector for Internet2 and a founding member of NEREN's 400Gbps New England fiber collaboration.
Today
Third-generation Beacon
Segment Routing and EVPN replace MPLS across 600+ miles of owned fiber optic backbone, with 400Gbps-capable DWDM wavelengths and 400+ optical-layer backbone transport nodes across RI/MA.
2024
25 years of community innovation
Twenty-five years of technological advancement and community innovation with Rhode Island's Community Anchor Institutions.
Meet the Team
The executives, engineers, and board members behind OSHEAN.
FAQs
Common questions about membership, services, and the network.
Employment
Learn about careers and employment policies at OSHEAN.
Let's achieve your goals together
For more information or to explore how our services can benefit your organization, contact OSHEAN today.