Tiscali International Network (TINet) Expands Interconnectivity into Five North American Markets with Switch and Data

Switch and Data (NASDAQ: SDXC), a leading provider of Internet exchange and colocation services, announced today that Tiscali International Network (TINet), the only global carrier exclusively dedicated to the wholesale market of IPv4, IPv6 and Ethernet connectivity services, is expanding across North America by establishing a network presence in five new Switch and Data sites. TINet is establishing IP/MPLS points of presence in Switch & Data sites in Atlanta, Dallas, Palo Alto, Seattle and Toronto.

TINet’s exclusive focus on wholesale enables the company to optimize its network design, processes and support structure. By deploying additional network points of presence in these five key North American communications markets, TINet is better positioned to fulfil its customers’ requirements for network scalability, reach and industry-leading support.

TINet’s recent expansion is a result of the company’s strong traffic growth and continued investment to enhance performance for its wholesale IP and MPLS customers. This deployment supports private peering via direct cross connects in six Switch and Data sites. Additionally, TINet has joined Switch and Data’s PAIX® Internet exchanges in Atlanta, Dallas, New York, Palo Alto, and Seattle to expand its public IPv6 peering agreements.

"Tiscali International Network is expanding its presence in the United States and Canada to serve broadband access providers, ISP’s and content providers,” said Maurizio Binello, Chief Operating Officer of TINet. “Switch and Data was the obvious choice for a North American colocation partner as they operate the broadest network-neutral Internet exchange and colocation footprint on the continent. This partnership allows us to quickly and easily deploy five new points of presence across the U.S. and Canada."

TINet’s core strategy is to expand the presence of its network and services into new regions with the goal of becoming one of the world’s six leading, truly global IP players. To achieve this goal, TINet is investing in scaling its network, opening sales offices in new locations and offering services tailored to wholesale customers to meet the increasing demands of its customers.

"Switch and Data is pleased to support Tiscali International Network’s expansion across the North American market to satisfy its growing customer demand,” said Ernie Sampera, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Switch and Data. “Our broad footprint of key PAIX Internet exchange sites and experience offering IPv6 interconnectivity made us the to support TINet’s North American rollout. We look forward to helping TINet meet new customers in our sites, and further improve its network performance while reducing its overall transit expense."

Wholesale focused carriers like Tiscali International Network, are currently deploying infrastructure in more and more regions to serve the ever expanding broadband footprint and the burgeoning demand for online rich media content. In a recent Cisco whitepaper, IP traffic volumes in Europe are predicted to more than quadruple from 1.4 terabytes per month in 2007 to 7.3 terabytes in 2011. The paper also forecasts that business traffic, which is now 75% of total global IP demand, will drop to 37% by 2011, as consumer video begins to dominate global IP traffic.