Data Center Links: Interxion, AWS, Verizon, Level 3

Here’s our review of some of this week’s noteworthy links for the data center industry:

Interxion connects Amazon Web Services.  Interxion (INXN) announced that connectivity to AWS Direct Connect is now available from its 32 data centres across 11 countries in Europe, made possible by teaming up with Level 3 Communications and Amazon Web Services (AWS). This allows customers to establish private connectivity between the AWS platform in the cloud and their existing dedicated IT infrastructure, which can reduce network costs, increase bandwidth throughput, and provide a more consistent network experience. “AWS Direct Connect helps our customers to build hybrid cloud solutions between their dedicated IT infrastructures and the AWS platform more effectively by providing cost, security and performance control”, said Vincent in‘t Veld, Director Cloud Segment at Interxion. “This supports the wider IT transformation process by allowing organisations to further maximise their IT efficiency. Thanks to the presence of leading network service providers such as Level 3, AWS Direct Connect can now be accessed by our customer community across our entire data centre footprint.”

Verizon expands 100G networks.  Verizon (VZ) announced it has expanded its 100G network in the U.S. and Europe this year, with 20,921 additional kilometers (13,000 miles) in the U.S. and 2,600 kilometers (1,616 miles) in Europe. Deployment of 100G was for selected routes in the U.S., including Atlanta to Tampa, Kansas City to Dallas and Salt Lake City to Seattle. In Europe, Verizon expanded its 100G network with two new routes - between London and Paris, and London and Frankfurt. “Expanding 100G technology on our high-performance U.S. and European networks means Verizon is able to successfully meet traffic demand while increasing efficiency and capacity,” said Kyle Malady, senior vice president of global network operations and engineering for Verizon. “Increased video traffic, LTE 4G growth and cloud usage are driving bandwidth demand and 100G is critical to creating that rich end-user experience.”

Level 3 Latin America receives ISAE 3402. Level 3 Communications (LVLT) announced  it has been awarded the International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3402 Type II Certification for its Premier Elite data centers in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Santiago, Chile.  The ISAE 3402 is a global assurance standard for reporting on financial processes and controls at service organizations. "The ISAE provides our customers and their shareholders with a report based on an international standard reporting system that provides transparency and simplification, and efficiently delivers all the information required for their internal auditing needs," said Gabriel del Campo, Level 3's senior vice president of Data Centers for Latin America. "The certification of these Level 3 data centers was a direct consequence of customer demand."