Du signs deal with Equinix for new carrier-neutral hub

Dubai: Du on Tuesday announced they have entered into an agreement with Equinix, a US-based data centre operator, for a planned network hub in the UAE that will connect telecom operators to customers in the Middle East.

Using Equinix’s expertise network hubs, which are carrier-neutral, Du and datamena, a division of Du, will be able to connect content providers, cloud services and financial services over a mobile network starting from the first quarter of 2013.

“The world-class carrier-neutral hub is the first of its kind in the region,” Osman Sultan, CEO of Du said.

The hub will offer co-location services, inter-connection services for customers to connect together, and network connectivity from both outside and within the region as well as services from du, including infrastructure and security services.

Equinix plans to invest approximately $40 million on this facility in the coming years, Du plans to invest a similar amount in the corresponding time.

The facility, which is mid-sized, will host 650 cabinets and will be equipped with the necessary network equipment, including servers, according to Eric Schwartz, president of Equinix EMEA

“This alliance brings together expertise and capabilities that marry together well,” Sultan said.

Equinix, which has 900 networks worldwide and growing, promises to offer much for the new facility.

“We intend for this facility to measure up to those standards. Our customers are working with us from around the world to expand their infrastructure…we want to help our customers expand their operations here in the Middle East,” Schwartz said.

Du aslo plans to partner with a major data centre in Abu Dhabi, according to Sultan.