Equinix Cloud Exchange Provides Interconnect Solutions

Equinix is expanding on its support of Amazon DirectConnect and Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute with the launch of “an advanced interconnection solution” that provides direct access to multiple clouds and networks across the globe.

Equinix Cloud Exchange brings together cloud services providers to enable cloud consumers to establish private, high-performance connections to a variety of cloud offerings. To take advantage of the direct connections, which presumably Equinix will build out over time, customers need access to one of Equinix’s International Business Exchange (IBX) data centers.

“Just as it was with the Internet, the key to realizing the business benefits of the cloud is how well connected it is,” said Ihab Tarazi, CTO of Equinix, in a prepared statement. “But companies are recognizing that the Internet has security and performance limitations, given that it is inherently open and shared publicly. By utilizing direct access via the Equinix Cloud Exchange, businesses no longer have to compromise on these essential requirements when accessing cloud providers.”

Equinix’s strongest direction connections are with Amazon and Azure. Equinix announced support for Amazon DirectConnect in May 2013 and Azure ExpressRoute a week ago. The real of focus of its direct connections to public cloud providers seem to be Amazon and Azure, but the data center firm also noted that it touches 450 cloud services providers and 975 networks.

Currently, Equinix Cloud Exchange is available in 13 markets around the world, including Silicon Valley; Washington, D.C.; New York; Toronto; Seattle; Los Angeles; Atlanta; Dallas; Chicago; London; Amsterdam; Frankfurt; and Paris. Equinix hopes to expand to include a total of 19 markets by the end of the year.

Cloud interconnection solutions is increasingly becoming part of Equinix’s business, and it’s likely there will be additional announcements regarding this kind of solution over time.