Digital Realty continues to expand its connectivity to cloud computing platforms. Today the company said that it is boosting customer access to the IBM Cloud in 15 markets around the world. The expansion follows a similar move earlier this year to improve connectivity to the Oracle cloud.
Creating more on-ramps to cloud computing platforms is a priority for data center operators, as it gives cloud providers access to a larger pool of the enterprise customers that represent some of their best prospects, while adding cloud options to Digital Realty facilities.
“Providing enterprise connectivity to the extensive range of services available through IBM Cloud via Direct Link ensures customers not only have access to the compute and storage resources they need, but they are also able to leverage more advanced cloud applications like analytics, blockchain technology and the Internet of Things,” said Digital Realty Chief Technology Officer Chris Sharp. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with IBM to enable our mutual customers to access the cloud services they need to accelerate their own business growth, no matter where they may be located.”
IBM Cloud was previously known as SoftLayer, and has an extensive presence in data centers operated by Digital Realty, which lists SoftLayer as a customer in six locations, leasing about 300,000 square feet of data center space.
Digital Realty has often touted the presence of cloud providers on its “connected campuses” as an oportunity for tenants to create low-latency links to cloud platforms. Today’s announcement expands secure access to applications in the IBM Cloud through Digital Realty’s Service Exchange platform, augmenting existing IBM Cloud Direct Link Dedicated Hosting deployments across Digital Realty’s global portfolio.
“Businesses are turning to the cloud to extract new value from their data and deliver better customer experiences faster than ever before,” said Kit Linton, Vice President of Network, IBM Cloud. “The combination of Digital Realty’s extensive global reach and highly resilient connectivity from IBM Cloud Direct Link can help businesses build the protected, hybrid cloud environment they need to innovate at scale.”
Direct access to IBM Cloud is now available through the Digital Realty Service Exchange and IBM Cloud Direct Link via more than 70 Digital Realty data centers in Amsterdam, Ashburn, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Miami, Phoenix, Portland, New York, Santa Clara, Seattle, Singapore, Sydney and Toronto.
The Digital Realty Service Exchange provides private low-latency access over a single interface to service providers, reducing congestion for business-critical workloads like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain technology. Service Exchange enables users to manage physical and virtual connections through a single port.