Roundup: Level 3, Equinix, IO, Internap

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

Level 3 expands San Francisco data center.  Level 3 Communications (LVLT) announced that it is broadening its global data center capabilities by adding high-density enterprise-ready space to its San Francisco facility. The expansion will accomodate enterprise growth that will allow customers to design their own space and scale it as needed. The facility supports 200 watts per square foot and features high density cabinets, multi-layer security, video surveillance and alarm monitoring, and redundant UPS. "Enterprises can face challenges with the reliability and growth of critical applications that are not closely situated to the network core," said Mike Benjamin, vice president of data center product management. "Customers benefit from using Level 3's data centers because we offer direct connectivity to our infrastructure, which can enhance reliability of business applications and, in turn, enable businesses to expand more quickly."

ABN AMRO extends network with Platform Equinix.  Equinix (EQIX) announced that ABN AMRO Clearing (AAC), a global securities services provider,  has extended its data center network in Hong Kong, Sydney, Tokyo and Singapore to support its trading customers across Asia-Pacific. With Platform Equinix its customers will experience the direct benefits of access to an established, network- dense and highly secure financial services’ ecosystem, powered by high-connectivity and low latency. “At ABN AMRO Clearing, our customers are our first priority, and we need service providers who can offer the ability to seamlessly enter and expand in multiple territories, and add value to our client base,” said Chris Lee, global head of market access, ABN AMRO Clearing. “Equinix is the perfect choice for us with its extensive reach in Asia-Pacific, and its track record of providing the highest quality services consistently through its global platform. We currently offer trading access, hosting and proximity across the globe covering multiple asset classes.  This is delivered via our 26 global data center locations utilizing FIX (Financial Information eXchange) and our vendor partners. Equinix is an integral part of that.”

IO selected by Julliard.  IO announced today that they have been awarded a contract by The Juilliard School, the world-renowned performing arts conservatory. From its New Jersey data center IO will provide Julliard with Data Center as a Service (DCaaS), for a high-performance, cost-effective solution – without having to invest resources in building and maintaining its own data center. "The mission of The Juilliard School is to provide the highest caliber of artistic education and we look for premier technology solutions that help us advance that mission," said Tunde Giwa, CTO, The Juilliard School. "IO provides us enterprise-class infrastructure delivered as a service that is unmatched in the New York City region. IO allows us to commit to only the capacity that we need today but also have the flexibility and agility to expand quickly as our needs evolve."

Internap selected by National Vision. Internap Network Services (INAP) announced that National Vision, Inc. (NVI), one of the nation’s largest optical retailers, is leveraging multiple Internap services, including its robust, scalable colocation and Content Delivery Network (CDN), powered by its patented, high-performance IP network. Looking for a world-class facility for existing infrastructure and consolidation needs from a recent acquisition of AC Lens, NVI selected Internap based on the scope and flexibility of its portfolio, as well as its unique network performance capabilities. “Retail organizations like NVI require a high degree of IT Infrastructure flexibility to meet significant fluctuations in demand – from massive traffic spikes to plateau periods, along with a network that is purpose-built to ensure customer satisfaction,” said Paul Carmody, senior vice president of product management and business development at Internap. “With one of the most diverse portfolios in the industry – ranging from dedicated hosting and public cloud to private cloud, managed hosting, colocation and a CDN – Internap is uniquely positioned to meet retailers’ full range of needs, including unmatched availability and performance guarantees.”