Connectivity has become a critical component of every business's digital strategy. To maximise the benefits of hybrid cloud, multi-cloud, and mobile-first environments, enterprises need to take a flexible approach to connectivity, enabling them to scale as required. When considering network structure and connectivity, businesses are becoming less concerned with pure bandwidth and more concerned with direct connections between their databases, software platforms and ISP’s.
In its simplest form, interconnection is achieved through strategic fibre cabling or virtual circuits within a data centre facility, where multiple carriers, clouds, content and application providers, and enterprises connect directly to one another. From 2018 to 2021 there was a 70% increase in interconnection and this growth is accelerating.
Affordability: the architecture means implementation overhead costs are significantly reduced, because the cross connects to other parties in the eco-system are more affordable than traditional long haul metro links.
Speed: lower latency is the name of the game, as an interconnected network ensures that data takes the optimal path.
Growth and scalability: enterprises can rapidly tap into new channels and markets. Because deployment is simple and upgrade paths dynamic, it’s easy to scale when you choose the right partner.
Increased resilience and decreased downtime: networks are far more resilient than complex point to point connections. If one part of the network goes down or is prone to error, an interconnected or meshed network ensures that lines of communication and collaboration remain functional.
Direct access: direct access to network providers; global content suppliers; IT services organisations; multiple ISP’s for diverse internet, and exchange points or IXP’s; content delivery networks; enterprises and financial service providers.
Security: the public internet can largely be bypassed, resulting in reduced vulnerability and fewer places for things to go wrong.