Network Design

Sphera Optical Networks teams with Equinix to provide metro core services

April 16, 2001

Apr. 16, 2001--Sphera Optical Networks, Inc., an optical metro core network provider, and Equinix, Inc., creator and operator of neutral Internet Business Exchange (IBX) centers, announced that Sphera will connect its next-generation DWDM networks into Equinix IBX centers nationwide.

Sphera Optical Networks, Inc., an optical metro core network provider, and Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), creator and operator of neutral Internet Business Exchange (IBX) centers, announced that Sphera will connect its next-generation DWDM networks into Equinix IBX centers nationwide. As a part of the deal, Sphera will deliver network services to enterprises and Internet companies participating in Equinix's open marketplaces for Internet infrastructure services.

By offering services at Equinix's IBX centers, Sphera can provide Equinix IBX participants with immediate, reliable bandwidth to major carrier hotels, collocations facilities, data centers and other service providers within the metro core.

"With Sphera's network service offerings, IBX participants can transport protocol independent traffic, including SONET, SDH, fiber channel, ATM and IP, over a single optical network infrastructure," said Jay Adelson, CTO of Equinix.

Sphera operates its metropolitan area networks at the infrastructure transport level, providing Equinix IBX participants with a single source that addresses demand for high-capacity connections. Sphera will also offer its advanced network management capabilities in Equinix centers.

In addition to this agreement, Sphera has joined the Equinix MATRIX (Marketplace and Transactions Internet eXchange), which combines a browser-based, automated platform that enables transactions to be generated in Equinix's IBX centers between its customers and partners, such as Sphera.

About Equinix:

Equinix designs, builds and operates neutral IBX centers (Internet Business Exchange) which provide enterprises, content providers, ASPs and e-commerce companies with the power to choose from Internet partners. Equinix IBX centers are designed to provide enterprises and Internet companies with service delivery, availability of bandwidth from multiple networks, scalable interconnection, complete neutrality and multi-level physical security. For more information, visit www.equinix.com.

About Sphera Optical Networks:

Sphera Optical Networks, headquartered in New York City, is an optical metropolitan core infrastructure provider of high capacity services using DWDM technology. Sphera creates an environment of reduced provisioning intervals, expanded network reach, protocol independence, reliability and advanced network management capabilities for carriers, ISPs, ASPs and worldwide service providers. For more information, visit www.spheranetworks.com.