Expert Insight :
Expert Insight :
MARK PESTRIDGE
SENIOR DIRECTOR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE , TELEHOUSE EUROPE
It is misleading to think that the edge computing boom only presents an opportunity for smaller , local data centres to reduce latency and overcome intermittent connections . That is not the full picture . The industry should place a greater importance on the route that data takes , not so much on its geographical home .
The number of connections in a data centre is crucial to building a connected ecosystem of partners and ensuring data travels smoothly between each of them . Close-proximity , low-latency connectivity with vital networks and connectivity partners will be key to edge success .
This trend , much like data growth , is only expected to grow more pronounced over the coming years .
“ The past two years have seen the pandemic force many companies to digitise their business models which has further intensified the demand for digital services ,” says Poole . “ Companies are now making cautious preparations for a global economic recovery and as a result are implementing the expansion and deployment of digital infrastructure at a rate four times faster than pre-pandemic levels .”
Essentially , the past two years ( dear lord , has it really been that long ?) have seen business agility emerge as a core survival trait in successful enterprises . Ultimately , much of an enterprise ’ s ability to be agile is dependent on resilient , low-latency connections , and the ability to host data as close as possible to where it ’ s needed . “ To better facilitate the escalating need for agile , low latency interconnection , regional markets are increasing localised capacity to improve routing efficiencies and reduce latency ,” Poole explains . “ Data is being moved from remote locations to local carrier-neutral data centres hosting private and public Internet Exchange peering ecosystems .” By doing so , service providers are able to improve performance by lowering latency between end users and the origin of the content they access .
“ Latency is significantly reduced by bringing digital services to the edge , where data and information is consumed , generated and transferred between users and applications ,” Poole adds . Following where the demand leads , Equinix ’ s UK division is investing heavily in building regional edge data centres close to business hubs other than London , including a new Internet Exchange in Manchester .
114 February 2022