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AWS and the Open Clouds for Research Environments Framework

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Overview

You can now purchase Amazon Web Services (AWS) through the new Open Clouds for Research Environments (OCRE) 2024 Framework. AWS, our partners, and the OCRE project aim to accelerate cloud adoption in the European research and education community through a ready-to-use service agreement that is now available to GÉANT members.

Over 10,000 institutions can now directly consume AWS without the need for public procurement. They can gain a number of benefits specifically tailored to cloud adoption. Read below for more information on how to procure AWS services through the OCRE 2024 Framework.

Logo for OCRE (Open Clouds for Research Environments) featuring the acronym 'OCRE' and the full project name in blue and gray text.

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By using this framework, eligible institutions do not need to run complex procurements and competitive tenders. The OCRE team has vetted AWS Cloud services, which are compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. The services also connect to the GÉANT and National Research and Education Networks (NREN).

AWS discounts egress charges up to a maximum of 15% of monthly consumption through the Global Data Egress Waiver (GDEW) program, which is included in OCRE 2024 Framework.

Through OCRE, GÉANT acts as a centralized procurement body. Institutions consume services by means of a call-off agreement with an AWS Partner and support of their local NREN. Ultra-fast, secure connectivity through your NREN network is paired with AWS infrastructure.

Colleges, universities, and research organizations are digitally transforming with cost-effective, scalable, secure, and flexible AWS Cloud infrastructure.

With AWS, you can support teaching and learning, connect the campus community to systems and tools, store data efficiently, make data-driven decisions to save money and resources, and accelerate research efforts fueled by innovative, integrated AI.
 
AWS services are only available through the appointed OCRE 2024 Framework AWS Partner in your country (or through an NREN in selected countries). Find the AWS Partner for the OCRE 2024 Framework in your country.

OCRE 2024 Framework customers benefit from all the financial optimization mechanisms offered by AWS such as savings plans and reserved instances. AWS Trusted Advisor also provides you with real-time recommendations and best practices to help you provision, optimize, and secure your resources.

Our calculation tools help you to figure out your costs based on our public prices. You can estimate the cost of your architecture on AWS or calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO) for your infrastructure.

We're here to help.

1. We work with specialized AWS Partners who understand both the academic research environment and the OCRE 2024 Framework. Our partners are ready to help you:

  • Navigate the AWS solutions landscape
  • Design your cloud adoption roadmap
  • Provide technical implementation support
  • Ensure you maximize OCRE 2024 Framework benefits

Next Steps:

Let us connect you with country OCRE 2024 awarded partners who have deep experience in higher education and research, understand your local requirements and language, can provide end-to-end support from planning to implementation, and are certified to work within the OCRE 2024 Framework.

Your chosen partner will schedule a discovery session to understand your needs, demonstrate relevant AWS solutions for your institution, help calculate your potential cost savings, and create a customized deployment plan.

2. Connect with your local AWS team

Connect with your AWS team and learn more about how this briefing could support your institution’s cloud goals.

3. Collaboration with GÉANT and your local NREN

Your local NREN will host a series of workshops where AWS technical experts will present insights into how you can adopt the cloud. 
AWS is architected to be the most flexible and secure cloud computing environment available today. Our core infrastructure is built to satisfy the security requirements for the military, global banks, and other high-sensitivity organizations. This is backed by a deep set of cloud security tools, with over 300 security, compliance, and governance services and features, as well as support for 143 security standards and compliance certifications.

Every day, higher education institutions rely on AWS services to help them support and develop education. Learn more about how AWS services help education and research move faster and operate more securely:

  • Eficode and AWS help University of Turku scale to improve sustainability
  • The Institut Pasteur and AWS are analyzing the world's DNA, using a public database
  • FHNW creates generative AI-inspired art exhibit for museum visitors using AWS
  • Securing data and advancing sustainability on AWS with IU International University of Applied Sciences
  • UFV builds common data lake house architecture on AWS, enhancing governance and quality

To find out more about AWS and how cloud computing can transform your institution, please visit:

AWS in higher education


Advance your skills and knowledge.

Higher education customers often have concerns over skills gaps and hiring talent when it comes to IT expertise in the cloud. However, many education IT professionals discover they are cloud experts—they just didn’t know it. Connect with our AWS training and certification experts today to complete an internal IT skills assessment and identify available training options.

AWS training and certification helps you build and validate your cloud skills so you can get more out of the cloud. Our content is built by experts at AWS and updated regularly to keep pace with AWS updates, so you can be sure you’re learning the latest and keeping your cloud skills fresh.