- DE-CIX has grown to 61 markets, tackling the challenge of integrating new regions while maintaining speed and security in digital transformation.
- With AI Internet Exchange (AIAX) and deep-edge interconnection, DE-CIX is ensuring ultra-low latency for AI, cloud computing, gaming, and real-time digital applications.
Scaling the internet for a global future
DE-CIX’s rapid global expansion presents a unique set of challenges, but Ivo Ivanov, CEO at the global interconnection service provider, sees it as an opportunity to drive innovation. Speaking at the recent Capacity Middle East 2025 event, he told BTW Media exclusively: “The biggest challenge is to be as fast as the market requires—if not ahead of it.”
Integrating new markets seamlessly into the DE-CIX ecosystem and growing a global team are complex tasks, but Ivanov credits his success to having “the best interconnection team on the planet.”
With the internet’s infrastructure evolving at an unprecedented rate, Ivanov emphasizes the importance of staying agile. As digital transformation accelerates, demand for low-latency, high-performance interconnection services grows, especially with the rise of AI and cloud computing.
AI, cloud, and the next digital revolution
The explosive growth of artificial intelligence and cloud computing is pushing the boundaries of network infrastructure. Ivanov highlights how DE-CIX has already prepared for this wave by launching cloud exchange services, connecting to more than 50 cloud service providers. Additionally, the company introduced the Cloud Router service, which enables secure, scalable, and direct multi-cloud connectivity.
One of DE-CIX’s most revolutionary innovations is the AI Internet Exchange (AIAX), the first of its kind. “This is AI in action,” Ivanov explains. AIAX provides direct multi-agent inference routing, ensuring the highest security and efficiency for AI-driven applications. This development is expected to attract organizations looking for secure, high-performance AI infrastructure.
The latency race: Why speed matters
Latency—the time it takes for data to travel across the internet—has become a critical factor in user experience. “Latency is the new currency,” Ivanov asserts. Modern applications, from HD gaming to real-time robotics and connected cars, demand ultra-low latency. To address this, DE-CIX is pushing interconnection services closer to the “deep edge,” deploying exchange points even in mini data centers the size of a pizza box at strategic locations such as highway intersections and mobile towers.
The future of digital infrastructure
Looking ahead, Ivanov predicts that the next five years will see a shift toward highly automated, virtualized, and geographically dense interconnection networks. “As local as possible and as globally integrated as needed” is his guiding principle. By diversifying services and increasing geographical distribution, DE-CIX aims to optimize both performance and security.
DE-CIX is also addressing another critical industry challenge: talent development. With demand for network engineers and digital infrastructure experts skyrocketing, the company launched the Global Interconnection Academy to educate and train the next generation of professionals. “We need to attract more people to our industry,” Ivanov states, emphasizing the importance of fostering new talent and expertise.
Geopolitics and the internet’s future
The internet is increasingly affected by geopolitical challenges, from data sovereignty to regional regulations. Ivanov believes that DE-CIX’s commitment to localizing data exchange provides a strong foundation for navigating these issues. “By design, we keep the data exchanged as local as possible, which is the best way to meet the requirements of data privacy and sovereignty.”
The road ahead
As DE-CIX celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, Ivanov remains focused on the company’s mission: delivering secure, high-performance, and future-proof interconnection services. His vision for the future of the internet is one of agility, security, and inclusivity, ensuring that connectivity remains a fundamental driver of digital innovation worldwide.
With AI, cloud computing, and deep-edge interconnection set to redefine the digital landscape, DE-CIX is not just keeping pace with change—it is shaping the future of the internet itself.
