CloudCIX to provide new infrastructure from Cork base

DATA storage service provider Cork Internet eXchange (CIX) has just launched CloudCIX, a new communications infrastructure geared towards SMEs in the Munster region.

This initiative will initially lead to the creation of eight high-skilled post-graduate jobs in software, networking and technical support with the potential for further growth in the future.

The people behind CloudCIX believe that over the next 12 months the service will mature into a world class, cost effective offering capable of competing with Amazon and Microsoft Azure.

More immediately, on foot of cloud ventures like the EMC, VMWare and Cisco launch of cloud enterprise VCE (which is now also partnering with SAP), it seems that Cork is fast becoming a global hub for data storage and other centralised server services.

Naturally, Bob Grantham, business development manager with CloudCIX in Hollyhill, Cork, is predicting exciting times ahead for this initiative, its partners in Dell and MPSTOR, and for any enterprises in need of data management solutions.

Bob Grantham said: “With the cloud, our SME customers do not need to have computer server hardware on their own premises. We provide them with higher compute power and highly resilient networks, so they don’t need a large IT staff, and no great IT capital outlay. They also get to focus on their core business.

All of the major fibre network providers are linked into CIX’s centre in Hollyhill — Eircom, BT, eNet and ESB Telecom. So too are most of the main telecoms companies.

Cork Internet eXchange delivers communications infrastructure for the Munster region. It is currently the internet connectivity hub for 20,000 homes and businesses in the region.

CloudCIX partners Dell and MPSTOR are equally enthusiastic about the future of cloud services in the region. Dell’s director of SMB Advanced Solutions Group for Ireland and UK, John Gunning, said: “The platform is based on Dell PowerEdge C–Servers, the OpenStack Cloud Platform and Dell Crowbar deployment software. Dell’s Data Center Solutions (DCS) team was formed over four years ago to directly address a new segment that developed in the marketplace, the ‘hyperscale’ segment.

“This segment was characterised by customers who were deploying 1000s if not 10,000s of servers at a time. These customers saw their Datacentre as their factory and technology as a competitive weapon. Along with the large scale they were deploying at, they had a unique architecture and approach — specifically focused on density and energy efficiency.

“Cork Internet Exchange are able to leverage this same technology that powers 21 out of 25 of the world’s largest cloud environments and can pass on these efficiencies and technology gains to their customers.”

Between them, CIX’s 56 current clients employ more than 1,800 employees. CloudCIX has been running for a few months with selected customers such as Supply.ie and SharpView.

Supply.ie operates an online marketplace for Irish businesses within CloudCIX. SharpView have built a SaaS CRM solution on the platform for resale to their customers using CloudCIX.