BT and Equinix have announced an expansion of their strategic partnership, aimed at revolutionizing interconnectivity for multinational businesses. This initiative is designed to drive innovation and accelerate business outcomes by transforming the digital value chain.
BT’s AI-ready Global Fabric network-as-a-service (NaaS) platform is now integrated into more than 30 Equinix data centres worldwide, with plans to expand to over 40 locations within the next year. This expansion will cover the top 30 global business hubs, encompassing 95% of the world’s cloud interconnection traffic.
The extended reach will significantly enhance Global Fabric’s international footprint, positioning it as one of the most extensive NaaS platforms available. Upon full deployment, Global Fabric will offer connectivity through 140 points-of-presence (PoPs) across 40 countries, ensuring 74% direct access to hyperscale clouds and high-bandwidth pre-provisioned links to over 700 data centres.
Seamless and Secure Connectivity
Global Fabric empowers multinational businesses with secure, flexible, and reliable interconnectivity. By simplifying deployment and scaling with third parties, including customers and suppliers, businesses can optimize their digital ecosystems more efficiently.
The platform provides end-to-end visibility and control of both access and core networks, enabling superior network performance for workloads across operational sites, offices, and factories. It seamlessly interconnects to multi-cloud cores, linking applications and digital services such as AI. Built on a resilient architecture, Global Fabric offers instant connectivity adjustments, a stark contrast to legacy networks, which often require weeks to implement changes.
Equinix’s Role in Digital Transformation
Equinix’s global platform serves as a digital interconnection hub, linking businesses to a vast array of services. The platform facilitates access to approximately 2,000 network services, 3,000 cloud and IT services, 400 content and digital media services, and over 4,800 enterprises worldwide.
By integrating with Equinix’s platform, BT expands its capability to provide customers with an extensive selection of interconnection locations, ensuring seamless digital collaboration with stakeholders across their entire value chain.
Strengthening Quantum-Secure Communications
This partnership builds on BT Group’s existing collaboration with Equinix in quantum-secure communications. The two companies previously achieved the UK’s first quantum-secured data centre-to-data centre connection, reinforcing their commitment to cutting-edge digital security solutions.
The Future of Digital Interconnectivity
According to Equinix’s Global Interconnection Index, digital ecosystems are expanding at an unprecedented rate. By 2025, an estimated 80% of business-to-business sales interactions will take place via digital channels. Businesses that integrate industry value chains are expected to innovate 25% faster than their competitors.
Arun Dev, Global Interconnections at Equinix, stated: “Our partnership allows BT customers to interconnect with Equinix’s extensive global ecosystem of cloud and IT services, content and digital media providers, and thousands of enterprises housed in our data centres worldwide.”
Matt Swinden, Director of Digital Connectivity, Business at BT, highlighted the strategic value of this collaboration: “The BT-Equinix partnership is a prime example of our commitment to providing robust digital foundations for our customers. By integrating Global Fabric with Equinix’s global infrastructure and cloud services, we are expanding the choices available to businesses, enabling them to seamlessly interconnect their value chains. This initiative makes trading, partnering, and operating multinational businesses more efficient with BT.”
Main Image: Supplied
