Euro-IX Press Release
[printer friendly version]EURO-IX HOLDS SECOND INTERNATIONAL FORUM TO IMPROVE INTERNET SERVICES
3rd of April 2003
Following the success of its first international forum, Euro-IX (the European Internet Exchange Association) has held its second event aimed at further increasing co-operation between Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) and improving the efficiency and security of the Internet.
The forum was held this week in Turin, Italy, and attracted increased numbers of European IXPs over last year, with around 50 delegates attending from 22 organisations.
The event was hosted by TOP-IX (Torino Piemonte Internet Exchange). Its president, Giovanni Ferrero, said: "These forums are becoming more and more important to our businesses, which is reflected in the number of European IXPs represented this year. Because of the nature of the Internet it is important that we are able to explore new technologies, share opportunities and discuss business issues to make sure that we continue to provide the best possible service."
During the forum, presentations and interactive think tanks were held in which delegates could learn about and discuss aspects related to business operation. IXPs were keen to explore and exchange ideas on how their services could be further extended or developed to increase their value.
The progress of current Euro-IX projects was reviewed. This included the Network Monitoring Project which has reaped the benefits of being able to utilise the combined skills and resources of various exchange points and has resulted in the development of IXP-Watch. This software package, initially developed by Rob Lister at LINX, is designed to give early warning of flooded traffic that could disrupt an exchange, has already been adapted for use by the following exchange points in Europe: AMS-IX (Amsterdam), DE-CIX (Frankfurt)and VIX (Vienna).
The migration from older technology to new technology was a topic of significant interest as well as the commercial aspects involved with sourcing, implementing and providing upgraded services.
During the forum a keynote speech was delivered by Gordon Lennox of the European Commission. He highlighted the opportunity that exists for Euro-IX to use its extensive skills and knowledge - and the combined influence of its members it represents - to become more involved in proposed legislation that directly affect IXPs. He stressed that IXPs can work directly with the Commission and not rely on agencies.
Kurt Erik Lindqvist of Netnod (Sweden) said: "These forums provide an excellent opportunity for us to debate ways in which we can improve our service through sharing information and discussing with our European colleagues many different aspects of our business. The value of these forums is clearly evident by the substantial increase (25%) in European IXPs applying for Euro-IX membership, since the 1st Euro-IX forum held in Barcelona in September 2002."
Note to editors:
1. Euro-IX was established in May 2001 to co-ordinate technical standards across the continent, develop common procedures, and share and publish statistics and other information. It provides a portal website with a framework for standardised presentation of key information about individual and independent Internet exchange points.
The portal is an internal knowledge base and communication platform for all members of Euro-IX for the sharing and exchange of information and best practice relating to implementation, operation and administration of Internet exchange points.
Currently 26 exchange points across Europe are members of Euro-IX. Details are available at www.euro-ix.net.
2. Internet exchange points connect the networks of, primarily, ISPs and CDSPs (content service delivery providers) to permit efficient exchange of Internet traffic between them.
3. Most European exchange points are 'mutual' organisations, owned equally by all the organisations which connect their networks (known as 'peering') there.
For further information contact:
info@euro-ix.net
Phone +31 20 305 89 93