A collaborative supercomputing network is currently in development that will crisscross the state, connecting several research institutes, including the state’s universities and colleges.

Known as SC LightRail, the project will be designed and managed by the South Carolina Research Authority with guidance from a governing board.

SC LightRail will connect South Carolina to the National LambdaRail supercomputing backbone and provide high-bandwidth access to computer centers and laboratories nationwide.

Dave McNamara, SCRA’s vice president and director of SC Launch!, said the objective is to strengthen the scientific and technical capabilities of the state to grow the knowledge economy and encourage research and learning.

“We’re trying to coalesce the initiative, to form a consortium that will move this thing forward and get it accomplished on behalf of all the users in the state,” said McNamara. “We’re very early in the process, but we’re making progress and dealing with a number of entities who want to be part of this consortium.”

The SC LightRail project will be constructed in three phases and is scheduled for completion in 2009. The National LambdaRail is already in place in several other states.