Academic network introduces text messaging service

Janet will connect 18 million users using mobile technology

Academic network is rolling out text services

The Joint Academic Network (Janet) is to provide a secure SMS text messaging service to connect more than 18 million users on its academic network.

Ukerna, which manages the network, will roll out Janet txt to allow education and research organisations to send individual or group messages to mobiles, landlines, email and pagers through one interface.

It signed a three-year deal with PageOne to deliver the service to any education body receiving Janet services, with individual contracts established between PageOne and individual bodies.

The education organisations can regulate and customise their own text service, while secure encryption connectivity and multi-lingual functionality is also provided.

‘PageOne not only met Ukerna’s requirements and offered excellent value for money, but also presented scope for future development,’ said Ukerna chief executive Tim Marshall.

‘The new agreement ensures the service is secure and reliable and offers us the most flexible, cost effective and robust communications service for the Janet community.’

PageOne’s Oventus messaging infrastructure will power Janet txt, which can be integrated within institutions existing systems, and will go live this summer.