India’s Ministry of Electronics & IT has recently introduced a pioneering integrated web portal, ERNET. Aimed at educational institutes across the country, this new platform offers a variety of services including domain registration, Domain Name System (DNS), as well as multiple value-added services. The ERNET initiative is spearheaded by ERNET India, a not-for-profit scientific society functioning under the purview of MeitY. As an exclusive domain registrar, ERNET India caters to all education and research institutes that use ‘ac.in’, ‘edu.in’, and ‘res.in’ as their domain name.
What is ERNET?
ERNET (Education and Research Network) is a revolutionary integrated web portal designed and launched by India’s Ministry of Electronics & IT. Its main purpose is to provide educational institutes with a platform for easier domain registration and DNS facilitation. This resourceful tool was introduced by ERNET India, a not-for-profit scientific society directly under MeitY’s supervision.
Domain Registration and DNS Services
One of the key services offered by the ERNET portal is domain registration. It serves as the exclusive domain registrar for all educational and research institutes that carry ‘ac.in’, ‘edu.in’, and ‘res.in’ as domain name. Alongside, it also provides DNS services. DNS, or Domain Name System, is integral to any online domain as it converts human-readable domain names into numerical IP addresses. This service enables hassle-free navigation for users while browsing the internet.
Value-Added Services: Website as a Service
In addition to domain registration and DNS, ERNET portal also offers a suite of value-added services. One such notable service is Website as a Service (WaaS). WaaS forms a vital part of any business in the digital age. In the case of ERNET, it allows users to create customised websites using a variety of templates. This means educational institutes can create and maintain a distinctive online presence with ease.
Learning Management as a Service
Another value-added offering from ERNET is Learning Management as a Service (LMaaS). This service allows educational institutes to create and manage their own Learning Management Systems (LMS), using diverse templates provided. LMS is crucial in the current digitalized educational scenario, where online learning and remote teaching have become the new norm.
ERNET’s Broader Implications
The introduction of ERNET marks a significant stride for India’s educational and research sector. By offering various services that would otherwise need to be sourced individually, ERNET simplifies the digital-presence building process for institutions. It helps them embrace the benefits of digital transformation effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, the not-for-profit nature of ERNET India denotes its focus on the betterment of India’s educational system and scientific research community, rather than monetary gains.
In summary, ERNET, as an integrated web portal, is set to greatly benefit India’s education and research institutions. By providing necessary digital services like domain registration, DNS services, and value-added services including WaaS and LMaaS, ERNET paves the way for these institutions to thrive in the digital era. Its user-friendly interface and a wide range of offerings make it an indispensable tool for education and research institutions seeking to elevate their digital footprint.
