LINX expands Azure Peering partnership with Microsoft in US

The London Internet Exchange (LINX) has announced the expansion of its partnership with Microsoft in the United States with the launch of the Azure Peering Service at LINX NoVA. The development coincides with the 10th anniversary of LINX NoVA, the largest neutral and sole multi-site internet exchange point (IXP) in Northern Virginia.

The London Internet Exchange is one of the largest and oldest internet exchange points (IXPs) in the world. It serves as a neutral meeting point for internet service providers (ISPs) and network operators to exchange internet traffic between their networks. LINX facilitates the direct peering of these networks, allowing them to exchange data more efficiently and cost-effectively.

LINX plays a crucial role in the global internet infrastructure by facilitating the exchange of traffic among diverse networks. Its presence in London, a major hub for international telecommunications, contributes to the efficient functioning of the Internet for users and businesses in the region and beyond.

Known as the Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS), this tailor-made solution is ideal for networks using Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, and Dynamics 365. MAPS, which has already been implemented at two of LINX's UK hubs in London and Manchester, offers a direct connection to all public Microsoft cloud services, including Azure, 365, and Dynamics 365. This direct connection has no minimum traffic requirement, thereby providing more extensive access for various network sizes.

The move further enhances LINX NoVA's reputation for providing a robust and well-connected ecosystem, bringing together a gamut of networks, content providers, and service providers across multiple data centres in the Northern Virginia metro area. This digital hub acts as a catalyst to advance connectivity and innovation, thus pushing the digital economy forward in the region.

Mike Hellers, the Product Manager for LINX, expressed enthusiasm about the launch of MAPS at LINX NoVA. He shared his delight in making the Managed Access Point Service (MAPS) available in the United States, specifically noting the growing interest from enterprise, government, and public sector networks at LINX's UK interconnection hubs.

Hellers emphasised that bringing MAPS to the LINX member network community in the US is a valuable addition, providing a unique service that will likely interest new networks joining LINX.

Mike Hellers said, "We are excited to announce that MAPS is now available at LINX NoVA. We are seeing an increase in interest at our UK interconnection hubs for MAPS, from networks particularly within the enterprise, government and public sector."

"So being able to bring this to our US member network community is a real value add, and also a unique service that some new to LINX networks will be interested in discussing."

The introduction of MAPS at LINX NoVA reaffirms its determination to enhance the digital landscape in the United States. The partnership with LINX opens up a plethora of opportunities for network operators, content providers, and service providers, who can leverage the formidable interconnection hub at LINX NoVA for their peering needs.