- DE-CIX reduces latency and boosts data exchange, driving economic growth in regions like Dubai and Madrid.
- This interview with Frank P. Orlowski, Executive Vice President Corporate Development at DE-CIX , introduces about the company’s focus on developing future-ready internet exchange platforms and expanding in the Asia-Pacific region.
As the world’s leading operator of Internet Exchanges (IXs), DE-CIX plays a pivotal role in enhancing internet connectivity and data exchange globally. To explore the company’s impact and future directions, we spoke with Frank P. Orlowski, Executive Vice President Corporate Development at DE-CIX.
Also read: What is internet infrastructure?
Shaping the digital future: A conversation with DE-CIX
In today’s fast-paced digital world, DE-CIX stands out as a trailblazer in internet infrastructure. As the world’s leading operator of Internet Exchanges (IXs), DE-CIX plays a crucial role in advancing global connectivity and data exchange. We had the opportunity to speak with Frank P. Orlowski, Executive Vice President Corporate Development at DE-CIX, to gain insight into the company’s influence and future plans.
Picture a bustling metropolis where sluggish internet speeds were stifling business innovation and growth. This was the reality in Dubai back in 2012, with latency hitting a staggering 200 milliseconds. Enter DE-CIX. By 2022, they had slashed this to just 3 milliseconds, transforming Dubai into a dynamic digital hub. This dramatic improvement in connectivity has spurred regional entrepreneurship, with data centres tripling and networks expanding eightfold.
To delve deeper into DE-CIX’s strategies and vision for the future, we conducted a detailed interview with Nils Klute. Here is the Q&A from our insightful discussion:
Q&A with Frank P. Orlowski
Q: How does DE-CIX’s global presence impact internet connectivity and data exchange for businesses around the world?
Frank P. Orlowski: “Digital and data-driven business models worldwide rely on low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity. DE-CIX, as the world’s leading operator of Internet Exchanges (IXs), provides the infrastructure for Internet connectivity and data exchange that enterprises need. This encourages the markets where we are present to grow further. For example, after establishing a DE-CIX-operated Internet Exchange in Dubai, latency was reduced from 200 to 3 milliseconds between 2012 and 2022. This improvement inspired regional entrepreneurship, tripling the number of on-site data centres and increasing the number of networks eightfold.”
Q: What are the main challenges DE-CIX faces in maintaining high performance and reliability across its internet exchange platforms?
Frank P. Orlowski: “We have been spearheading the development of the Internet Exchange of the future. With a dedicated R&D team, technical expertise, and collaborative partnerships, we’re ready to serve low-latency, high-performance, and secure connectivity for the next generation of content, services, and applications. Our global backbone now traverses the globe, interconnecting the vast majority of DE-CIX’s locations across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Our focus for the next three years is on nurturing growth in existing markets, extending our customer base, refining our offerings, and developing new products for our customers’ current and future needs.”
Q: What emerging technologies and trends is DE-CIX focusing on to enhance its services and stay ahead in the industry?
Frank P. Orlowski: “There is a rising demand from both wholesale network operators and the enterprise sector for bespoke global interconnection solutions. We are focusing on the cloud and as-a-service offerings, including access to various applications, AI models, and supercomputing services. Additionally, we see an increasing demand for interoperable technologies. We continue to expand the functionality of our Cloud ROUTER service for new use cases, addressing vendor lock-in challenges, and promoting resilience and data sovereignty. Security through direct interconnection and flexibility through automation and self-service management will shape the continuing evolution of interconnection.”
Q: At IDNOG 9 – 2024, what key topics will DE-CIX cover regarding advancements in internet exchange and network infrastructure?
Frank P. Orlowski: “DE-CIX is supporting the ongoing transformation in the ASEAN region. OTT/CDN providers are growing from mega hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong to regional markets such as Indonesia. DE-CIX now supplies both regional and local interconnection solutions, allowing Internet service providers to access content both locally and from across the region. We are currently seeing significant interest from Indonesian networks, especially for distributed interconnection on the DE-CIX ASEAN platform.”
Q: What are DE-CIX’s plans for expanding its services and infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region?
Frank P. Orlowski: “We have a strong focus on serving customers in all major ASEAN markets. Interconnection in the region is set to change massively, with major hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong no longer being the epicentre of growth. This has sparked major investments in infrastructure across ASEAN, mainly in Jakarta, Manila, Johor Bahru, and Bangkok. In 2024, we were delighted to announce that our newest IX, DE-CIX Indonesia, was live and connecting customers, increasing our market presence in Southeast Asia to seven metro markets. Further expansion within these countries and to other countries in the region will be undertaken in due course.”
Additional Information
To illustrate DE-CIX’s impact, consider the economic benefits observed in Spain. A recent study found that every euro invested by the Spanish data centre industry contributes seven euros (about $7.65) to the gross domestic product. This underscores how strong internet infrastructure can drive economic growth. Additionally, DE-CIX Frankfurt, one of the world’s largest IXs, achieved peak traffic speeds exceeding 16 terabits per second, with global peak traffic rising to over 22 Tbit/s in 2023. These figures highlight the increasing demand for efficient data exchange in today’s digital world.
Personal opinion
Reflecting on my conversation with Frank, it’s clear that DE-CIX’s work goes beyond mere technological advancements. For ordinary users like myself, faster internet speeds and reliable connectivity mean seamless browsing, uninterrupted video calls, and efficient remote work. DE-CIX’s role in reducing latency and enhancing data exchange isn’t just a technical feat; it’s a crucial factor in improving everyday digital experiences. Their efforts to bolster infrastructure directly impact our ability to stay connected and productive in an increasingly digital world.
On a broader scale, DE-CIX’s expansion into emerging markets like the Asia-Pacific region is a game-changer. I find it exciting to see how their initiatives are opening up new opportunities in places previously underserved by high-speed internet. This kind of expansion not only connects more people but also fosters economic development and innovation in regions that can greatly benefit from improved digital infrastructure. DE-CIX’s commitment to bridging digital divides makes a tangible difference, bringing the benefits of modern connectivity to more people around the globe.
