WORKING, AFFINITY & DISCUSSION GROUPS
COMMODITY INTERNET SERVICES INFORMATION
QUILT POLICY RESOURCES
VMWARE BY BROADCOM AND RELATED SERVICES CONVENIENCE PRICING PROGRAM
The Quilt Working Group Bytes
Check below for the latest working group updates:
Communications
April
Members shared their average member meeting costs and ways in which they're revamping their websites to be more product driven. They also reviewed where members are asking the most for guidance, from the rural healthcare program to e-rate.
March
The group discussed membership tiers and how they deal with unusual member categories. They also talked about member meeting codes of conduct and whether recording/transcribing software is typically allowed. There was a recommendation to capture use-cases of Mobile Beacon devices once this program is rolled out.
February
The group discussed products they're offering beyond internet and membership. They also explored the idea of a Quilt substack or Youtube channel to showcase member events and accomplishments. The members shared the different social media platforms they use, IRON got feedback on their new promotional video, and the group shared thoughts about the 2026 Winter Member Meeting.
January
Members shared what they plan to do or did for special anniversay milestone member confeences since Merit will be celebrating their 60th soon. They also talked about best practices in creating promotional videos. The team talked about their communications projects fors 2026.
Services
April
The group discusses what they've been hearing about data center needs in higher education. They also talked about quantum and quantum surveys. NYSERNet announces that they are hosting a CMMC capability academy.
March
Members discussed the difference between what services R1 universities and R2 universities typicaly want. They also talked about what people are doing to navigate the increasing costs of cross-connects. They then shared what's on their upcoming projects lists.
February
N/A
January
The group talked about purchases of compliance software, cybersecurity limits, and insurance. They also discussed the services tracking workbook and potential updates.
CIS
April
The team participated in zoom interviews of semi-finalist presentations for the CIS FRP and deliberated about which vendors should be awarded.
March
During the first meeting, the group updated round 2 questions for vendors and heard a debrief about the quantum townhall. During the second meeting, the group discussed submitted vendors scorecards and brainstormed clarifying questions for round 2.
February
N/A
January
During the first meeting of the month, the group discussed the vendor distribution list for the CIS RFP and which vendors they believed were likely to respond. They also talked about NIMBY activity around data centers. During the second meeting of the month, the team discussed LOI vendor response updates and upcoming important RFP updates.
Cybersecurity Forum
April
Kevin Hayes and Dave Philips faciltated this first meeting with other CISOs and cybersecurity leaders to introduce goals and topics for the group. Everyone introduced themeslves and shared their priorities for providing services to members and the ways in which they secure their REN. The group also discussed asset management, AI powered tabletops exercises, and future agenda topics.
Research IT Engagement
April
The group discussed engagement and funding resources as well as the value proposition of research engagement. They also touched base on AI-Ready State Hubs and how RENS can fit in as a partner in proposals. The meeting ended with a discussion of potential future topics
March
Everyone introduced themselves and talked about what they wanted to learn in the group. They then took turns talking about what Research IT support looks like from their REN's perspective. This led to a discussion about classroom priorities and resources.