The Keystone Initiative for Network Based Education and Research (KINBER), Pennsylvania’s statewide research, education and community network organization, today announced it has begun providing its new E-Sports Direct Connect (KESDX) service to Edinboro University. The university will be the first organization in Pennsylvania to participate in KINBER’s e-sports pilot program.
KINBER launched its highly anticipated e-sports pilot program earlier this year, providing direct connectivity to premier e-sports gaming servers over the statewide PennREN network.
“KINBER created the KESDX service to answer the growing call for infrastructure and network support for gaming programs throughout educational and community institutions across Pennsylvania,” said KINBER President and CEO Wendy Huntoon. “We are thrilled that Edinboro University will be the first institution to utilize our E-Sports Direct Connect service, as more and more colleges and universities are rolling out e-sports programs on campus."
Edinboro University will officially launch the program at the start of the fall 2019 semester. Led by director Chris Rhodes, Edinboro’s e-sports team will be one of about 100 e-sports programs nationwide and the first varsity team in western Pennsylvania.
"Edinboro University is excited to be the first participant in the new KINBER E-Sports Direct Connect pilot program,” said Karen Murdzak, executive director of IT at Edinboro University. “Participating in the pilot will provide our student e-sports athletes with lower latency, improved performance and an overall better gaming experience critical for e-sports competition.”
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About KINBER The Keystone Initiative for Network Based Education and Research (KINBER) is Pennsylvania’s statewide research, education and community network. The nonprofit membership organization is comprised of education, health care, economic development, libraries, public media, government and other nonprofit organizations devoted to fostering collaboration through technology. Established in 2010, through a $99.6 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration, KINBER provides network connectivity and services to more than 130 organizations in Pennsylvania. KINBER is committed to delivering equitable, reliable and affordable digital infrastructure and tools to inspire tomorrow’s scientific discoveries, enable the exchange of ideas and culture among diverse populations, educate the next generation of citizens, and revitalize Pennsylvania’s economy. For more information, visit KINBER.org or follow @KINBER on Twitter.