How e& and DE-CIX will Boost Middle Eastern Connectivity

In a strategic move to further strengthen regional connectivity, e& has partnered with DE-CIX, a world-renowned provider of premium interconnection services and the leading operator of carrier and data centre-neutral Internet Exchanges (IX).
The collaboration is designed to enhance the Middle East’s IX ecosystem, therefore will drive the digital economy forward by expanding SmartHub IX’s reach. This will be achieved through direct connections to DE-CIX’s global network and international Internet Exchanges.
“We are honoured to have been chosen by our valued partner, e&, to drive SmartHub IX powered by DE-CIX forward,” explains Ivo Ivanov, CEO at DE-CIX. “This is an exciting day for digital infrastructure in the UAE.”
Delivering interconnectivity value
e& Carrier & Wholesale, a leading carrier, already operates multiple geo-redundant SmartHub data centers across the Middle East, providing cutting-edge SmartHub IX services within these state-of-the-art facilities.
SmartHub IX has introduced a remote peering service in collaboration with multiple Internet Exchanges in the region and is working to scale it to a global level. It is aimed at enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of network operations for businesses and service providers.
In Fujairah, it hosts the largest submarine cable landing station in the region, interconnecting global customers, content providers and Internet service providers.
The new locations in Dubai will keep the IX business on a steady growth trajectory, offering an environment to customers seeking to interconnect with local, regional and international networks with exceptional performance and reliability.
Additionally, the service promises to deliver substantial cost savings, expand network reach, provide scalability, improve performance and offer greater flexibility.
e&'s Remote Peering Service positions 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 & Wholesale Officer, e&, comments: “This groundbreaking advancement will significantly enhance the digital landscape in the UAE and the wider region. This strategic collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of building a dynamic and interconnected digital infrastructure.”
Boosting regional network performance
By leveraging DE-CIX’s global expertise and extensive network, e& hopes to continue delivering exceptional value to its customers, whilst also fostering innovation across various industries.
With low-latency connectivity, SmartHub IX will also ensure that information is transmitted and processed with minimal delay, thus enabling a more agile and efficient digital ecosystem.
DE-CIX’s global presence spans nearly 60 locations across Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, Asia and Africa.
The organisation has been expanding its IX offerings worldwide, having recently committed to bolstering its presence in the US. It launched 100G ports and a range of services, including remote peering to all DE-CIX locations across Europe and North America to offer direct connectivity to cloud service providers.
The company has previously said that partnerships are integral when it comes to expanding interconnectivity options worldwide, as they help to reduce connectivity gaps.
“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,” Ivo adds.
Both companies are eager to demonstrate that the Middle East will benefit from the best IX ecosystem in the area. According to Ivo, this agreement positions the UAE as the hotspot of interconnection for the entire region.
He says: “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.”
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