Backblaze Plugs Into Internet2

Backblaze, Inc. joined Internet2, a non-profit technology community that delivers tailored solutions and a high-speed national network dedicated to research and education.

This collaboration includes:

• Connecting the Backblaze Storage Cloud to Internet2’s network as part of the Internet2 Peer Exchange (I2PX) program.
• Participating in the Internet2 Cloud Scorecard to offer research and educational institutions relevant detail on Backblaze’s security, compliance, and technology specs aligned with community standards.

Internet2 enables research and educational institutions to move large quantities of data. Its members include 330 US colleges and universities, as well as regional research and education networks, nonprofit and government organizations, and industry members that support the community’s education, research, and service missions.

Hundreds of institutions in the higher education and research space already rely on Backblaze for storing and using their data and protecting endpoints. However, many other organizations require data transmission via Internet2 for new cloud solutions. For these organizations, Backblaze’s participation in Internet2’s community and I2PX program provides secure storage with less latency and a lower cost.

“Backblaze is a welcome addition to the Internet2 member community, where trusted collaboration and innovation intersect,” said Mike Erickson, associate VP for community engagement, Internet2. “With their active participation in initiatives like the Internet2 Cloud Scorecard and Internet2 Peer Exchange, Backblaze delivers new solutions and expertise to support immediate and evolving community needs in the cloud.“

Storage challenges for research and educational institutions include frequent ransomware attacks, constrained budgets, complicated compliance and regulatory requirements, and exponentially growing datasets. Previously, much of their data has been trapped on aging on-prem storage or stored with restrictive, high-priced legacy cloud providers, forcing administrators to choose between protecting data and funding new research programs. Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage’s S3 compatible object storage, at one-fifth the cost of other providers with 3x free egress, enables these institutions to affordably secure all of their data and meet compliance needs without sacrificing performance.

“Backblaze’s participation in the I2PX program helps leading research and academic institutions do more with their data with less time and effort,” said Chris Opat, SVP of cloud operations, Backblaze. “We look forward to expanding our service for this community and helping them solve the technological issues that are currently holding back their world changing efforts.“

More information about Backblaze joining Internet2 and other higher education initiatives.