AWS region opens in Hyderabad, India

Amazon Web Services officially opened Asia Pacific (Hyderabad) Region, its second region in India.  The new Hyderabad facility offers three Availability Zones. 

Hyderabad, an important talent hub for IT and entrepreneus, is the capital and largest city in the state of Telangana. 

AWS noted its ongoing expansion in India. The company first established a presence in the country in 2011, with the opening of an office in Delhi.

In 2016, AWS launched the Asia Pacific (Mumbai) Region giving enterprises, public sector organizations, startups, and SMBs access to state-of-the-art public cloud infrastructure. In May 2019, AWS expanded the Region to include a third Availability Zone to support rapid customer growth and provide more choice, flexibility, the ability to replicate workloads across more Availability Zones, and even higher availability.

There are currently 33 Amazon CloudFront edge locations in India: Mumbai, India (10), New Delhi (7), Chennai (7), Bangalore (4), Hyderabad (3), and Kolkata (2) in India. The edge locations work in concert with a CloudFront Regional edge cache in Mumbai to speed delivery of content. There are six AWS Direct Connect locations, all of which connect to the Asia Pacific (Mumbai) Region: two in Mumbai, one in Chennai, one in Hyderabad, one in Delhi, and one in Bangalore.

Finally, the first AWS Local Zones launched in Delhi, India for bringing selected AWS services very close to a particular geographic area. AWS has also announced plans to launch three more AWS Local Zones in India, in the cities of Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.

https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/aws/now-open-the-30th-aws-region-asia-pacific-hyderabad-region-in-india/

AWS Region opens in Spain

Wednesday, November 16, 2022  AWS, Data Centers, Spain  

Amazon announced the opening on AWS Region in Aragón, Spain. The regions is officially named Europe (Spain) and the API name is eu-south-2. The AWS Europe (Spain) Region has three Availability Zones (AZ), enabling the deployment of applications across multiple data centers. Each Availability Zone is a fully isolated partition of AWS infrastructure that contains one or more data centers.Availability Zones are separate and distinct geographic...

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AWS opens in Zurich

Wednesday, November 09, 2022  AWS  

Amazon Web Services officially opened AWS Europe (Zurich) Region.With the launch of the AWS Europe (Zurich) Region, AWS has 90 Availability Zones across 28 geographic regions, with announced plans to launch 21 more Availability Zones and seven more AWS Regions in Australia, Canada, India, Israel, New Zealand, Spain, and Thailand. AWS Regions are composed of Availability Zones that place infrastructure in separate and distinct geographic locations....

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Nxtra by Airtel builds hyper scale data center in Kolkata

Nxtra by Airtel, which is a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, has begun construction on a new hyper-scale data centre in Kolkata. 

The project aims to be the largest data center in east India when it enters service in 2024, representing an investment of Rs 600 Cr. The 25 MW facility in Kolkata at New Town will be a green facility, sourcing clean energy for its operations since its inception. Once ready, it will be Nxtra’s 1st large-scale facility in east India in addition to its already existing 12 large and 120 edge facilities across India, further cementing Nxtra’s position as the nation's largest network of data centres. 

“Nxtra and Airtel are delighted to lead West Bengal's transition into a digital-first economy and would like to thank the state government for their unstinting support. We believe that there is immense potential in the region, our state-of-the-art, carrier-neutral, hyper-scale data centre will not only serve West Bengal but the entire eastern region including north-east and our neighbouring countries, said Mr. Rajesh Tapadia, Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer, Nxtra by Airtel.

Nxtra by Airtel will invest over Rs 5000 cr over the next four years to expand its capacity by 3X to over 400 MW. The company has already invested and partnered with eight organisations to develop renewable energy power plants across India to source more than 180,000 MWh of renewable energy. Nxtra has the ambition to reach net zero by 2031. 

https://www.nxtra.in

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OIF Update: External Light Source and CPO, 400ZR Survey, new WG chairs

The OIF provided the following updates following its  Q4 Technical and MA&E Committees Meeting, which were held in Hawaii and virtually November 1-3, 2022.

New White Paper – Management of External Light Sources and Co-packaged Optical Engines

• Properly managing optical engines and external light sources requires an efficient system management architecture. A newly launched white paper from OIF outlines the recommended system management architecture that enables co-packaged optical transceivers to use lasers as external light sources. It also describes how OIF’s Common Management Interface Specification (CMIS) can manage transceivers and light sources. The key feature is placing the intelligence for controlling the continuous wave light sources in the host board controller, not in the optical engines.

400ZR Demonstrations and Plugfests Survey – Deadline December 7

OIF is launching a survey designed to gather feedback from network operators and stakeholders on OIF’s 400ZR demonstrations and plugfests. The survey also includes collecting input on the interest of an 800ZR and/or 800LR OIF demo and reaches of interest for 800G (800LR, 800ZR, > 800ZR).

The survey is available and open to all who can represent their company’s viewpoint – module vendors, system vendors and network operators. Multiple responses per company are also allowed. Responses will be collated anonymously and summarized for presentation to the public. Interested parties, please email survey@oiforum.com. The deadline for completing the survey is December 7.

Working Group Chairs Re-Election

OIF members re-elected Working Group Chairs (for two-year terms):

• Mike Klempa, Alphawave IP Group – Physical & Link Layer (PLL) Interoperability Working Group Chair
• Jeffery Maki, Juniper Networks – Physical Layer User Group Working Group Chair

Guest Speaker – Francis Alueta, Hawaiian Telecom

As Director, Network Reliability, Alueta, presented a high-level overview of Hawaiian Telcom’s investment in its next-generation network, the landmark Southeast Asia (SEA) US Trans-Pacific Cable System and backbone transport network. Next generation network plans include pushing a low-latency network edge closer to the customer and deploying a resilient, 400G backbone network. He also outlined some of the unique challenges they face as an island chain, geographic limits to route and path diversity options and climate change.

“Big Mahalo for OIF allowing me to present an overview of the architectural and operational challenges we have to overcome, as we transform our network,” said Alueta. “The work OIF continues to do will allow us to address those challenges and ensure a resilient network for our customers and the people of Hawaii.”

https://www.oiforum.com/

 

http://www.oiforum.com

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Ciena to acquire Tibit for next-gen PON, and completes acquisition of Benu Networks

Ciena agreed to acquire Tibit Communications, a start-up based in Petaluma, California, focused on next-generation PON technologies. Ciena, which is Tibit's largest investor and customer, will acquire the remaining shares of Tibit that it does not already own in a cash-free, debt-free transaction currently valued at approximately $210 million, with the merger consideration to be paid in cash. In addition, Ciena will enter into certain employee retention arrangements in connection with the transaction. 

Tibit combines PON-specific hardware and OS into a micro pluggable transceiver that can be easily integrated into a carrier-grade Ethernet switch. Unlike the closed and proprietary approaches of traditional Optical Line Terminal (OLT) vendors, Tibit’s open, microplug OLT technology enables rapid PON deployment in any environment. The company was founded in 2016.

Ciena said this acquisition will enable it to build on its market traction and accelerate its time to market, specifically with more vertically integrated, next-generation PON solutions that support residential, enterprise, and mobility use cases, including 10G XGS-PON with development paths to deliver 25G and higher PON in the future.

“The global PON market is growing at a rapid pace and this acquisition will provide the opportunity to take Tibit’s differentiated products to market at scale through Ciena’s extensive service provider customer base. And, as a combined team, we will continue to support and leverage Tibit’s existing network of relationships with system integrators and other equipment vendors,” said Edward Boyd, Vice President of Engineering and Chief Technology Officer of Tibit Communications.

Ciena also confirmed that it has acquired Benu Networks, a privately-held company headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, focused on advanced subscriber management. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Benu has developed a portfolio of field-proven, cloud-native software solutions, including a virtual Broadband Network Gateway, which are highly complementary to Ciena’s existing portfolio of broadband access solutions. Benu will provide Ciena with the ability to deliver a single solution that integrates routing, OLT, subscriber management and network services, thereby reducing both capital and operating expenses and improving sustainability for our customers.

“The acquisitions of Tibit Communications and Benu Networks will extend our ability to support customers’ next-generation metro and edge strategies as service providers globally accelerate investments to modernize their networks and improve connectivity at the network edge,” said Scott McFeely, Senior Vice President, Global Products and Services, Ciena. “Tibit’s high-speed PON technologies and Benu’s subscriber management products, combined with Ciena’s current access and edge portfolio, will enable us to offer broader, more complete, and fully integrated broadband access solutions that combine routing, subscriber management, and PON features and functionality.”

https://www.ciena.com/about/newsroom/press-releases

 

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Mavenir launches Communications Platform as a Service

Mavenir launched its Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS), an integrated Software as a Service (SaaS) offering in the public cloud and offered in a pay-as-you-grow model.

The service offers Application Programming Interface (API) enablers and turnkey applications to deliver a customer engagement and business messaging monetization solution for Communications Service Providers (CSPs).

Mavenir CPaaS benefits for CSPs:

• Increase the monetization of their network assets — by enabling new business use cases and applications.
• Capitalize on business transformation trends like conversational commerce — CSPs can also expand their offering with Mavenir's CPaaS business messaging and customer engagement capabilities, delivering multi-channel mobile-native messaging experiences like RCS on Google Business Messages, Apple Messages for Business, SMS, and MMS.
• Create rich messaging experiences — Mavenir CPaaS includes turnkey applications like Smart 2FA, Campaign and Chatbot Studios, Visual Flow Builder, SMS Message Exchange for Webex and Microsoft Teams, Number Masking, as well as a set of programmable APIs for voice, video, omnichannel messaging, and WebRTC capabilities.
• Accelerate innovation and differentiation for specific industry verticals (e.g., healthcare, financial services, travel & hospitality, etc.).

"Consumer mobile messaging continues to accelerate and requires businesses to learn to engage customers on their preferred channels, on a global scale and at any time," said Jorgen Nilsson, President of Enterprise Connect Solutions at Mavenir. "The combination of immersive features and mobile business communication enablers into an integrated solution empowers CSPs with an even broader set of services to solidify their customer engagement initiatives, while expanding their share of revenue in the business communications value chain."

https://www.mavenir.com/press-releases/mavenir-launches-cpaas-integrated-offering-for-csps/

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DigitalBridge extends data center strategy in southeast Asia

DigitalBridge Group has acquired an ownership stake in AIMS Group, a leading operator of highly-connected ecosystem-centric data centers based in Malaysia. The company's Kuala Lumpur flagship Menara AIMS facility anchors the Malaysia Internet Exchange (MYIX). AIMS’ facilities provide highly inter-connected environments to a diverse customer base, comprising domestic and international telecommunications carriers, major enterprises, hyperscalers and content distribution networks. AIMS also operates a state-of-the-art purpose-built data center campus in Cyberjaya and a new facility in downtown Bangkok.

The investment stake was acquired from TIME dotCom Berhad by funds affiliated with DigitalBridge Investment Management. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close in 2023.

Digital Bridge also announced the formation of an edge data center platform focused on the high-growth markets of the Southeast Asia region.

“DigitalBridge’s expertise in investing, building, and operating data centers to the highest standards aligns perfectly with AIMS’ next stage of development,” said Justin Chang, Managing Director and Head of Asia for DigitalBridge. “AIMS is a leading operator in the region poised for significant growth, with a strong management team, a robust development pipeline and considerable expansion capacity. This is a terrific platform for DigitalBridge, and we are excited to partner with TDC, which has a long heritage of building connectivity-linked businesses across Southeast Asia.”

https://www.digitalbridge.com/news/2022-11-22-digitalbridge-announces-formation-of-edge-data-center-platform-in-asia-and-acquisition-of-a-stake-in-aims-group

DigitalBridge form Xenith Infrastructure Group for HKG and Singapore

Tuesday, August 02, 2022  Digital Bridge  

DigitalBridge Group and funds affiliated with Columbia Capital have formed Xenith Infrastructure Group, a new fiber platform serving hyperscalers, data center operators, carriers and enterprises in the Asia-Pacific regionXenith IG’s initial assets comprise conduit and fiber assets in Singapore and Hong Kong, which it acquired from Superloop.Xenith IG will be led by Clement Goh, who was appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2022....

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DigitalBridge appoints Tae Ahn as MD of Asia Capital Formation 

Tuesday, July 19, 2022  DigitalBridge, People  

DigitalBridge Group appointed Tae E. Ahn as Managing Director and Head of Asia Capital Formation at DigitalBridge Investment Management. Based in Singapore, he will work alongside DigitalBridge’s existing team with a focus on capital formation, coinvestment and client relationship management across Asia-Pacific.Prior to joining DigitalBridge, he served as Senior Client Relationship Manager and Head of Korea at global private markets firm Partners...

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Intel elects BlackRock co-founder Barbara Novick to its board

 Barbara G. Novick, co-founder and senior advisor at BlackRock Inc., was elected to Intel's board of directors, effective Dec. 1, 2022. 

Novick will serve as an independent director and join the board’s Audit & Finance and Compensation committees.

Novick, 62, co-founded BlackRock in 1988 and continued as its vice chairman until February 2021, when she transitioned to senior advisor. In 2009, she established BlackRock's Global Government Relations and Public Policy Group to provide a voice for investors, which she headed until 2021; and from 2018 to 2020, she additionally oversaw BlackRock's Global Investment Stewardship team.

“As co-founder and leader of one of the world’s most successful investment firms, Barbara brings a unique perspective to Intel’s board,” said Omar Ishrak, chairman of the Intel board. “With her deep experience in investment and finance as well as broad business acumen, Barbara will be a strong advocate for the interests of our stockholders as Intel continues its transformation.”

https://www.intc.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1590/intel-elects-barbara-g-novick-to-board-of-directors

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Ericsson to open 6G research centre in UK

Ericsson plans to establish a new research unit in the UK as part of a multi-million-pound investment.

The company said it will inves tens of millions of pounds (GBP) over the next 10 years in a UK-based program that will focus on 6G research and breakthrough innovations. Research areas will include network resilience and security, artificial intelligence, cognitive networks and energy efficiency. The program will employ 20 dedicated researchers and support additional PhD students who will work alongside leading academics, CSPs and industry partners to lead 6G research projects that contribute to the development of global technology, network innovation and new product solutions.

DCMS Secretary of State Michelle Donelan says: “Ericsson's investment is a huge vote of confidence in the UK's innovative telecoms sector. This pioneering research unit will create new jobs, support students and bring together some of our country's finest minds to shape the future of telecoms infrastructure in the UK and across the globe.

Katherine Ainley, CEO, Ericsson UK & Ireland, says: “Ericsson has been connecting the UK for more than 120 years and this new investment underlines our ongoing commitment to ensure the country remains a global leader in the technologies and industries of the future.

Magnus Frodigh, VP & Head of Ericsson Research, says: “Ericsson is at the forefront of global research, innovation and developing open standards that will underpin a future of limitless connectivity and new technologies. Establishing a research program in the UK means the country will be well positioned to utilise its existing high international level of knowledge in wireless systems and technologies to produce ground-breaking 6G research that not only can help shape the future of global standards but also deliver a more connected, efficient and sustainable society.”

https://www.ericsson.com/en/press-releases/3/2022/ericsson-in-multi-million-gbp-6g-research-program-investment-in-the-uk

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AirGain to supply wireless modems for EV charging network

Airgain announced a multi-million dollar contract to supply its NimbeLink embedded modems to a leading manufacturer of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to its expanding nationwide network. 

Airgain’s line of NimbeLink embedded modems are end-device certified, bypassing what is often months of delay and tens of thousands of dollars in cost required to certify a device through cellular carriers. In addition, all RF components are included in the modem’s electronics, eliminating the need for RF design on the motherboard. The only requirement is a standard 20-pin connector, which allows for interchangeable modems and wireless modules. 

The company says this new contract is the latest for Airgain in a growing niche that includes several top manufacturers who require reliable connectivity for maintenance, status tracking, usage monitoring, payment processing, geolocation, etc.

“Connectivity is a catalyst to growth in EV charging,” says Brian Critchfield, Vice President of Marketing at Airgain. “Whether it is the customer who uses an EV charging station or the operator who manages it, connectivity is the backbone. With such rapid market growth upon us, manufacturers do not have time to wait for cellular carrier certification and often don’t have the RF engineers on staff to address the growing complexity in wireless. Airgain’s line of NimbeLink embedded modems simplify wireless connectivity by offering an elegant solution that shortens time-to-market and eliminates the need for in-house RF expertise.”

https://www.airgain.com

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