The IXLeeds evolution and regional benefits for the data centre sector – DataCentres North conference
DataCentres North Annual forum was held on the 11th and 12th of May at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester and brought together the region’s experts involved in the design, building, management and operation of data centres.
IXLeeds – For the Good of the Internet
Andy Davidson, Chair of IXLeeds, the Yorkshire Internet Exchange Point housed within one of aql’s carrier neutral facilities, gave a presentation about the IXP’s evolution and its role in developing the telecom and data centre market in Leeds and Yorkshire.
IXLeeds is the Yorkshire Internet Exchange point, hosted within one of aql’s Leeds data centres. The exchange brings value to aql and to the region by promoting cooperation between network operators in the north of England, improving the quality of local traffic and attracting Internet national and international companies in need of northern UK interconnection capability, including: Akamai, Metronet UK, Vodafone, Janet, Vaioni, Ask4, Phoenix, Fluidata, York data Services, Exa networks and others.
aql provides all space, power, cabling and support to IXLeeds for free, including cabling to members. This is because aql recognizes the importance of an Internet exchange, not only to aql, but also to the region. To learn more, visit: http://ixleeds.net/.
Whilst telling the IXLeeds initiative story, Andy Davidson explained how having a regional Internet Exchange point can help reduce bandwidth costs for local networks and improve the region’s Internet traffic quality and speeds. He also emphasized the importance of connectivity for the development of the sector: “Connectivity is a key fuel for growth”, as well as the benefits of the data network operators joining forces and collaborating as a community for the growth of the region.
After the presentation, Andy Davidson joined the panel along with Christian Spence from the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Mike Kelly, CEO of Datacentres, to discuss the datacentres landscape evolution, the value of Internet Exchange Points for data centres and the importance of carrier neutral interconnection facilities. The panel, chaired by Nicola Hayes, founder of Andrasta Consulting, gave the public a general overview of the region’s connectivity needs and cloud services offerings, as well as insight on future infrastructure developments and trends for the North.
