New office

The plans to have the NOT office next to the office of the TNG have progressed significantly. In preparation of a potential move we first had to sorted-out various basic but essential issues such as access to the Internet, an air-conditioned area for our computer servers, an UPS for our computers, and access to scientific journals via the Internet. On all these issues an agreement was reached with the director of the TNG. We also agreed to install a door physically connecting the offices, have a common coffee area and have access to laboratories and storage space.

The main task now is to come to an agreement with the owner. One issue is that the area where the office is planned is currently completely barren and in principle it was agreed that the owner will arrange for a floor and toilets to be installed and we are currently in direct negotiations about a final rental agreement. No definite agreement has been reach, but we hope to come to a positive conclusion in May. In case we do not come to an agreement we will extend our current rental agreement which ends at the end of July.

Of course, moving will imply some additional cost and specific cost estimates are being obtained for all the main parts. We do expect that if we move the total monthly costs for the rent and services like Internet, library, access to the conference room, etc. will be significantly lower.

One specific issue that will have to be done if we move is to design and implement new networks for the computers and telephones. At that time we will also review these systems to see if specific improvements can be made.