Extol and XConnect launch Asia Interconnect Exchange

• Gives service providers cost-effective access to IP interconnection services
• Transition to IP interconnection crucial for development of new services: Extol

KUALA Lumpur-based ICT solution provider Extol and London-headquartered XConnect, which specialises in federation-based interconnection and telephone number registry services, have announced the launch of Asia Interconnect Exchange (AIX).
 
AIX, not to be confused with IBM’s variation of the Unix operating system, would provide local and regional service providers with hub-based IP (Internet Protocol) interconnection services, the two companies said in a statement.
 
This would allow such providers to connect their next-generation networks and VoIP (Voice over IP) communications seamlessly via a single platform, they claimed.
 
Extol and XConnect said they are launching AIX to facilitate growth in IP services in the region and ensure that service providers can realise the operational efficiency, cost-savings and innovation that comes with the adoption of IP.
 
AIX allows service providers to interconnect to multiple networks via a single IP connection to the AIX hub, supporting the interworking of voice and advanced IP services, such as HD (high definition) voice, video and Unified Communications (UC) between fixed, mobile and over-the-top (OTT) service providers.
 
“We are committed to delivering and facilitating innovation in the Malaysian and Indonesian ICT sectors and AIX will be a driving force for IP adoption in the country,” said Mohd Badaruddin Masodi, president, Extol Corporation, Malaysia.
 
“The transition from legacy TDM (time-division multiplexing) networks to IP interconnection is crucial for the development of new IP services and we believe that with a partner like XConnect, we can make a lasting impact on ICT in the region.
 
“Our collaborative efforts will result in advanced and efficient VoIP interconnect solutions for our customers and new opportunities in IP in the future,” he claimed.
 
The partnership combines XConnects expertise in federation-based interconnection and number registry services with Extol’s market knowledge and service provider relationships, the two companies said.
 
Together XConnect and Extol are offering carriers, service providers, unified communications and video conferencing providers access to interconnection services that will ensure growth in IP adoption and innovation across the region, they added.
 
“AIX makes IP interconnection simple, secure and accessible for service providers across Malaysia and Indonesia,” said XConnect president John Wilkinson.
 
“We are focused on collaborating with leading service providers around the world and delivering the hub and federation-based interconnection services they need. From our partnership with DE-CIX in Germany to AIX in Malaysia, we make IP interconnection seamless, simple and profitable,” he claimed.
 
Malaysia is one of the fastest growing communications markets in Asia, with VoIP traffic alone set to grow at CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) of 18% to 2018, according to Ovum.
 
In addition, mobile broadband connections are due to increase at a CAGR of 11% over the next five years as LTE (Long-Term Evolution) rolls out. This will take the total number close to 44 million by 2018 or a 165% population penetration.
 
“With such high growth from IP-based communications there will be an increasing demand for interconnection from both legacy and IP networks, and at a cost base that supports new business models,” said Catherine Haslam, senior analyst at Ovum.
 
“Federated or hub solutions represent an effective way of meeting both the technical and business requirements for the future of interconnection,” she said in the statement issued by Extol and XConnect.
 
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