INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana Technology Partnership today announced a strategic alliance with a new partner, the Indiana Higher Education Telecommunication System (IHETS). IHETS is a consortium of higher education institutions in Indiana that is at the core of Indiana’s rapidly evolving telecommunication and educational technology environment.

“This is a natural partnership,” said Dave King, executive director at IHETS. “The Indiana Technology Partnership is dedicated to technology and innovation in our state. That goal parallels our own. IHETS has more than 30 years of experience serving the educational telecommunications needs of Hoosier public sector organizations.”

In addition to providing a number of telecommunications services to its higher education members, IHETS, under the auspices of the Intelenet Commission, operates and manages the state’s high-speed digital network, the Indiana Telecommunications Network (ITN), which currently serves more than 1100 college campuses, K-12 schools, learning centers, libraries, and state government offices.

IHETS also manages the Indiana College Network (ICN), Indiana ’s version of a virtual university, that enables learners to learn about and register for all the distance education classes offered by participating Indiana colleges and universities. With a newly expanded mission, IHETS now works in consultation with K-12 schools, public libraries, public broadcasting stations, and other identified education and information providers to enhance the development of human capital through effective use of telecommunications and information technology.

“The development of a highly-skilled and technologically savvy workforce is essential to Indiana ’s continued progress,” said Scott Jones, chairman of the Indiana Technology Partnership. “IHETS is providing much needed life-long and distance learning opportunities for Hoosiers. Their expertise and resources will be a formidable addition to the tech partnership.”  

“IHETS’ participation with the partnership will position the consortium to develop new relationships with corporate partners, creating a forum for the exchange and discussion of educational and training needs delivered via technology,” said King. “We look forward to expanding our participation in the growing IT industry in Indiana, and to expanded involvement in the partnership’s initiatives.”

The Indiana Technology Partnership is committed to providing a statewide blueprint for technology-based economic development, while partnering with local communities to implement customized technology initiatives. Its mission is to establish Indiana as the Midwest’s recognized leader in technology by 2005.

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