30 April 2003 Broomfield, CO Lightwave -- Level 3 Communications Inc. will provide network services in the U.S. to Euronext.liffe, one of the largest exchanges for equities, bonds, derivatives, and commodities in Europe.
Euronext has signed agreements to purchase private line, co-location, and metropolitan dark fiber services to provide the financial exchange company's LIFFE CONNECT electronic trading platform service to the Chicago Board of Trade, the world's oldest futures exchange.
"Level 3's reach, commitment to co-location and ability to demonstrate the physical diversity of its network were key factors in our selection process," explains Mark Hemsley, managing director, market solutions at Euronext.liffe. "In particular, we were also pleased with Level 3's willingness to offer flexible leasing options for its metropolitan dark fiber services."
Level 3's dark fiber services help customers reduce their local loop expense and increase the physical diversity of their network. The company's 2,100-mile metropolitan backbone is complimented by Level 3's network expansion capabilities, which extend Level 3's fiber reach by constructing route extensions and integrating third party fiber where customer demand requires.
Additionally, Level 3 operates more than 70 carrier-neutral data center facilities in 66 markets in the U.S. and Europe. Co-location customers in most major cities can access 8 to 10 other network providers in each Level 3 facility.
Level 3's diverse physical backbone network also ensures that private line service provided to Euronext is protected from equipment failures and fiber cuts. As a result, Euronext will receive nearly 100 percent availability on its Level 3 private line service.
Euronext is also purchasing network services from Level 3 in Europe.