360networks Uses Carrier Ethernet To Win New Data Center Business

CEN Feature (Oct 13 2011) Wholesale

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   As the cloud computing world continues to expand, Seattle-based 360networks is seizing the moment by bringing Carrier Ethernet-based connectivity to data centers in its footprint and beyond. The facilities-based wholesale provider of converged Ethernet and IP services is making the most of  today’s opportunities thanks in large part to it decision to embrace Carrier Ethernet technology in early 2011, according to Mike Kozlowski, Ethernet product director for 360networks. 

   “We are excited by this converged platform in that we can aggregate everything through this port and simplify the cost structure for our customers,” he adds. 

   360networks recently expanded its network to two new points of presence. redIT data center in San Diego supports the global IT community with private, customizable cloud services and data centers in the southwestern U.S. and Latin America. The second POP, Phoenix-based IO PHOENIX is a large commercially available data center that has achieved Tier III Design Certification from the Uptime Institute for Phase 1.

   “When we connect data centers, Carrier Ethernet is a big part of that and most of the providers within a facility are looking for IP or Ethernet. We want to deploy our Carrier Ethernet switches within that facility to support their requirements,” says Coma.

   redIT has already seen a “significant interest” in 360networks services from its customer base, adds Mark Barlow, Chief Operating Officer of redIT U.S.

   Crossing the bridge

   In addition to connecting data centers with other data centers, Carrier Ethernet is helping 360networks provide Ethernet and IP-based services to its other fastest growing market segment – wireless providers. The wireless carriers want to connect their switches across the “middle mile” and Carrier Ethernet enables 360networks to do just that by providing them with virtual private lines back to multiple carrier hubs and exchanges, says Rick Coma, senior vice president, 360networks. 

   Both market segments are going to “drive 360networks’ Ethernet opportunity down the road,” he adds. And both segments appreciate the benefits of 360networks’ efforts to establish network-to-network interfaces (NNI’s) with other carriers. The NNI’s enable 360networks’ customers to connect with facilities outside of  the wholesaler’s broad serving area, which basically expands from Seattle to Chicago to Dallas and to Los Angeles.

   A good plan

   In 2010, 360networks began planning its Carrier Ethernet strategy  to take advantages of the technology’s efficiency and scalability. The company liked the ability to put multiple customers onto a single backbone, as well as customers’ ability to take down a full Gigabit port or a 10 Gbps port and scale their capacity, accordingly. 360networks also saw the advantages of being able to let its customers configure their networks from a single hub port and fan out to multiple locations, says Coma.

   “The economics of the port set us up very well for data center applications and the whole concept of cloud computing, where the network becomes blurred and it is the drawing down of assets instead. This is a nice feature that we put into the portfolio,” he adds. 

   The tendency for businesses to be pushing things into the cloud means that data centers themselves will be expanding the capacity as well as the number of potential customers 360networks can serve, he says. So, Carrier Ethernet is a big part of 360networks’ business going forward, and that includes reaching new customers in Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities. And the company has the resources to support it, including the underlying optical physical transport network, and including some dark fiber rights, says Coma.  

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