Wasabi cloud storage now available to universities via SINET
Wasabi Technologies has joined the Science Information NETwork (SINET) as a cloud storage service provider, allowing universities and research institutions in Japan to access Wasabi hot cloud storage over SINET's network.
SINET is administered by the National Institute of Informatics and functions as a key information and telecommunications infrastructure for academic institutions across Japan. The network currently connects over 1,000 universities and research institutions, with more than 3 million researchers and students using its services.
As the amount of data generated by research activities, teaching, and video-based learning increases, academic organisations face a growing need for reliable, high-capacity solutions for data storage and management. The ability to upload and download large volumes of data efficiently is essential for supporting both educational and research activities.
Wasabi hot cloud storage, which can now be utilised via SINET's high-speed and secure closed network, aims to address these requirements. The service aims to reduce costs associated with storing and using vast amounts of data by removing certain charges that are typical in the industry, such as API or egress fees.
"Educational institutions require fast, secure access to data in order to help propel the innovation of students while also staying within tight budgets," said Aki Wakimoto, Japan Country Manager, Wasabi Technologies. "Cloud storage plays a critical role in enabling data access, and Wasabi offers cloud storage at a fraction of the cost of other providers while maintaining the best performance. We're excited to join the SINET community and provide Wasabi hot cloud storage to users across Japan."
The availability of Wasabi cloud storage is expected to support a variety of data strategies at universities and research institutions, including those related to research data, backup storage, and video data for on-demand education. The service is positioned to offer predictable pricing and performance in order to facilitate the growing digital demands within academic and research environments.
Wasabi's services are already integrated with academic information networks globally, including the GakuNin Cloud Deployment Support Service in Japan. The company also supports networks such as AARNet in Australia and JANET in the United Kingdom. These integrations aim to provide institutions with flexibility and consistency in their use of cloud storage solutions for large-scale data and collaborative academic projects.
SINET's role as a national academic infrastructure has become increasingly important as universities and research institutions expand their digital operations and broaden their initiatives in research and distance learning. The addition of Wasabi as a cloud storage provider is designed to aid institutions in managing the increased scale and diversity of their data, while also addressing budgetary pressures and the need for reliable data access.
In supporting Japan's universities and research bodies with cloud storage, Wasabi states it prioritises affordability, predictability, and security. By offering cloud storage without unexpected fees and without tying users to specific vendors, the company's model is aimed at granting educational organisations more flexibility in managing and accessing their data.