RedLink Network launches IP registry service

RedLink Network, a new public benefit company, has announced the launch of a free IP registry service for libraries and publishers with the aim of helping them deliver secure access to subscribed content more reliably and efficiently.

As a free service, RedLink Network invites rapid adoption among librarians and publishers to make IP-based authentication more efficient and secure. Thousands of libraries and hundreds of publishers are ready to be validated in RedLink Network, which also supports consortial hierarchies, link resolvers, Shibboleth, and branding elements for publishers and institutions. 

Kent Anderson, CEO of RedLink Network, said: 'RedLink Network offers both libraries and publishers a simple, secure, and free solution to current, inefficient workflows for managing updates to their access information, from IPs to link resolvers.  The current approach – which often includes spreadsheets and emails – has a lot of delays and gaps in it, which can create spikes in turn-aways to subscribed content and gaps in usage data, especially when IP addresses change suddenly.'

'With rapid adoption, librarians and publishers will find greater efficiencies. They need only enter and validate IP ranges with access details in one place. Once on RedLink Network, our secured hub broadcasts that information only to the partners they trust,' Anderson added.

RedLink also announced that Howard Ratner, executive director of CHORUS, has recently joined the RedLink Network Advisory Council, which helps guide RedLink Network as a public benefit company.

'RedLink Network takes a sensible approach to workflow and security, with two-factor authentication and information sharing in a trusted network. Librarians and publishers face common challenges around organisational identity management. Innovations like RedLink Network are vital to helping the industry adapt to a rapidly changing landscape,” said Ratner.

He added: 'Technical approaches that foster use of open standards and collaboration across all stakeholders represent the most promising ways to overcome our mutual infrastructure challenges.'