Leading Global Internet Exchanges Develop Universal API

The world’s leading Internet Exchange operators AMS-IX (Amsterdam), DE-CIX (Frankfurt) and LINX (London) have joined forces to develop a common Application Programming Interface (API) – to provision and configure interconnection services.

This so-called IX-API would help improve productivity for their members, customers and partners alike. It allows users to self-manage their existing and new interconnection services such as peering more effectively, from ordering new ports to monitoring provisioning processes.

“DE-CIX’s ambition has always been to make customers lives easier and connect them anywhere they need to be on the planet,” said Dr Thomas King, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of DE-CIX. “Therefore, we are pleased to have come together with our partners to create this IX-API from scratch. We are convinced that this new industry standard will be adopted by other Internet Exchanges and interconnection providers. There is a high percentage of member and customer crossover between all three exchanges, working with the same remote peering partners and data centers. A universal API tool is a huge step forward for the industry.”

Interxion, Epsilon

The consortium of the three Internet Exchanges also called on common member and connectivity partner Epsilon and data center partner Interxion to act as pilot customers for the new software. Both partners’ tests came out with positive results. This so-called IX-API will be used by Interxion to facilitate on-demand remote peering, enabling peering services to be provided from all Interxion data centers in Europe.

By working with these partners, Interxion provides on-demand access to Europe’s leading Internet exchanges,” said Michael Rabinowitz, Director Marketing & Strategy, within Interxion’s Connectivity segment. “The IX-API that makes this possible allows our customers to use a common infrastructure in multiple markets, allowing them to expand more efficiently to other locations and new markets.”

“Epsilon has always been a strong advocate for the development of common APIs in the global networking community,” said Mark Daley, Director, Digital Strategy and Business Development, Epsilon. “We are honored to be the first connectivity provider to implement the IX-API within Infiny. Our Customers and Partners will benefit from faster, automated provisioning and improved service visibility when connecting to enabled IXPs from any of the 220+ data centers on our global network.

AMS-IX, LINX

“At AMS-IX, we are very proud that the three largest exchanges are joining forces, working together and reaching consensus to realize the joint IX-API project,” said Henk Steenman, Chief Technology Officer of AMS-IX. “In a highly competitive market, we have found a common ambition and drive for the greater importance of the Internet.”

“Our software and engineering teams have collaborated, working hard to create this modern RESTful API based on OpenAPI Specification v3 for managing IXPs customers and services,” said Richard Petrie, Chief Technology Officer, LINX.