The internet exchange operator and carrier intend to boost connectivity for regional data centres; Fujairah to host biggeset submarine cable landing station in the region
e& has opened multiple DE-CIX SmartHub IX data centres providing what it says are “cutting-edge” services. DE-CIX runs interconnection services and is a leading operator of carrier and data centre-neutral internet exchanges (IX).
DE-CIX provides interconnection services in more than 40 cities in Europe, Africa, North America, the Middle East and Asia. They can be accessed from data centres in more than 600 cities around the world. The company connects thousands of network operators, ISPs, content providers and enterprise networks from more than 100 countries. It also offers peering, cloud and interconnection services.
The collaboration between e& and DE-CIX is designed to enhance the Middle East’s IX ecosystem, expanding SmartHub IX’s reach through direct connections to DE-CIX’s global network and international internet exchanges.
To this end, SmartHub IX has introduced a remote peering service in collaboration with multiple internet exchanges in the region with the intention of scaling it to a global level to reduce costs, expand network reach, offer scalability, better performance and more flexibility.
In addition, Fujairah (pictured) will host the largest submarine cable landing station in the region, which again will interconnect global customers, content providers and ISPs. The new locations in Dubai will aim to keep the IX business on a steady growth trajectory. Fujairah is the seventh-largest city in UAE, located on the Gulf of Oman, which is part of the Indian Ocean.
Remote peering service
e& said its remote peering service will position SmartHub IX as a strategic gateway to global markets, providing customers with seamless cross-border connectivity and enhanced data exchange.
Nabil Baccouche, Group Chief Carrier and Wholesale Officer at e&, said, “This strategic collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of building a dynamic and interconnected digital infrastructure.
“By leveraging DE-CIX’s global expertise and extensive network, we continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers and foster innovation across various industries. With low-latency connectivity, SmartHub IX will ensure that information is transmitted and processed with minimal delay, enabling a more agile and efficient digital ecosystem.”
The CEO of DE-CIX, Ivo Ivanov, added, “Our common goal is not only to provide the digital economy in the Gulf region with the infrastructure it needs to forge closer local, regional and international ties, but also to strengthen the entire Middle Eastern interconnection ecosystem.
“In addition, direct connectivity between SmartHub IX powered by DE-CIX and DE-CIX’s IXs in India unites two highly valuable markets and connects the UAE even more strongly with global interconnection ecosystems.
“Together with UAE-IX, also powered by DE-CIX, the Middle East will benefit from the best IX ecosystem in the area. This agreement positions the UAE as the hotspot of interconnection for the entire region, taking the Middle East to the next level.”