Ireland’s Internet Neutral Exchange Association (INEX) opening its first regional internet exchange in CIX Cork. (INEX Cork)
Founded in 1996, INEX has been providing IP peering facilities to more than 100 members, with six data centres currently based in the Dublin region. INEX Cork, will be based in the CIX data centre located in Hollyhill and is expected to begin operations in April of this year. As part of its remit, INEX Cork will also be operated as a standalone exchange.
“This is brilliant news for the tech sector and business in general. There has been a lot of activity in communications infrastructure in recent months with the arrival of the Hibernia Express subsea fibre cable, and the other planned international subsea fibre cables including IFSC- Ireland France Sub Sea Cable and Artic Fibre. The launch of INEX Cork internet exchange will help to stimulate the sector further. “Ronan Murphy Chairman IT@Cork
Welcoming the INEX Cork announcement, Dara Murphy, Minister for Data Protection and Cork North Central Fine Gael TD, said; "Cork is already the fastest growing region for Tech jobs growth outside Dublin, for both indigenous software firms and also leading multinationals, such as, Apple in Hollyhill. I am delighted that Ireland's Internet Neutral Exchange Association (INEX) have chosen the CIX data Centre in Corks Northside, as the first regional location for essential IP peering facilities that will provide faster internet speeds for Cork companies. This is a major investment in communications infrastructure for Corks Northside, and it will help the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to attract further high value businesses to Cork."
Jerry Sweeny, CEO of Cork Internet eXchange said "CIX is delighted that INEX Cork is becoming a reality. We have been encouraging INEX CEO, Barry Rhodes, since 2010 to make this happen. We are proud to offer INEX Cork free hosting and free cross connects for all who wish to join the Exchange."
INEX celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2016 and this will mark a major milestone with the launch of INEX Cork.
