DE-CIX stands at the forefront of the interconnection industry, delivering premium interconnection services across a vast network of carrier and data center-neutral Internet Exchanges. Spanning Europe, the Middle East, North America, Asia, and Africa, DE-CIX is renowned for its commitment to providing top-tier technical quality and cutting-edge support, consistently meeting and exceeding the interconnection needs of its diverse clientele.
Founded in 1995, DE-CIX’s Internet Exchange in Frankfurt is acclaimed as the world’s leading interconnection platform, boasting an impressive peak traffic management of over 16 Terabits per second. This pioneering platform sets the standard for interconnection services worldwide.
DE-CIX’s innovative approach is exemplified by its operations in India. Here, DE-CIX India offers an unparalleled Interconnection Platform that integrates Internet and Cloud Exchange services on a Single Access Port. DE-CIX India is celebrated as the country’s largest Interconnection Platform, connecting over 600+ networks and DE-CIX Mumbai became Asia’s leading internet exchange amongst 153 countries and 29 IXs, driving the digital infrastructure forward.
DE-CIX’s relentless pursuit of excellence ensures a seamless and secure flow of data across its networks. The company’s unwavering dedication to innovation and customer support underscores its status as a leader in global interconnection services, continually enhancing and expanding its offerings to meet the evolving demands of the digital age.
Leading the Way in Interconnection Innovation
In the ever-evolving world of rapid technological advancements, DE-CIX India shines for its steadfast commitment to innovation. The company proactively anticipates industry shifts and stays ahead of emerging trends, ensuring its services evolve to meet the ever-changing demands for seamless connectivity.
DE-CIX India’s dedication to future-proofing internet infrastructure is evident in the continual refinement and enhancement of its Peering, DirectCLOUD, and MAPS services. DE-CIX India distinguishes itself in the interconnection industry with a suite of exclusive services that sets it apart from competitors. Here’s a closer look at the key offerings and the unique advantages they provide:
- Peering Service: DE-CIX India’s peering services offer direct connections to Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), video streaming services (OTT & IPTVs), DNS Root Servers, and social media networks. Networks interconnected at DE-CIX India can bypass approximately 92% of Internet traffic, leading to substantial reductions in Internet bandwidth usage. This service identifies optimised routes for data packet transmission, resulting in lower latency, reduced expenses, enhanced network reliability, increased business profitability, and elevated end-user satisfaction.
- DirectCLOUD Service: DE-CIX India’s DirectCLOUD Service provides a unique platform for accessing leading cloud service providers (CSPs) such as Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Oracle Cloud, and AWS. This service allows Enterprises, SMEs, and SMBs to connect directly to multiple cloud platforms from a single access port, eliminating the need for multiple hops. The direct connection reduces latency and ensures a more robust and secure link to cloud resources. By leveraging DirectCLOUD, businesses can achieve faster data transfers, enhanced application performance, and improved scalability for cloud-based operations.
- Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS): MAPS is a specialised peering service that ensures optimised routing, decreased latency, and enhanced network performance up to the extent of 90% and consistently leading to a 50% reduction in trouble tickets when accessing Microsoft SaaS services like Microsoft 365, Azure Cloud, and Microsoft Dynamics. These services empower businesses with agility, resilience, and efficiency in today’s dynamic digital landscape.
DE-CIX India is a comprehensive interconnection platform offering enterprise-grade solutions such as DirectCLOUD and MAPS (Microsoft Azure Peering Service) along with robust peering services. All these services can be accessed through a single access port, making DE-CIX India a leader in delivering seamless, efficient, and high-performance interconnection solutions.
Transformative Leadership at DE-CIX India
Mr. Sudhir Kunder has been the driving force behind DE-CIX India’s remarkable ascent over the past five years. Embodying the best qualities of a leader, coach, mentor, and peer, his impressive journey with DE-CIX India is marked by significant achievements and transformative growth. With over 30 years of experience in the Telecommunications, FMCG, Retail, and Information Communication Technology industries, Mr. Kunder currently serves as the Chief Business Officer for DE-CIX India. In this role, he oversees the company’s business operations in India and the SAARC region. His extensive background in telecommunications, across various functions such as business, operations, marketing, and sales, has been instrumental in propelling DE-CIX’s business growth.
Under Mr. Kunder’s innovative leadership and strategic vision, DE CIX India has secured its position as Asia’s leading interconnection platform. Notably, DE-CIX Mumbai has emerged as the No. 1 exchange in terms of connected customers, amongst 153 countries and 29 IXs. During his tenure, DE-CIX India experienced an extraordinary 250x growth in revenue while maintaining the same organisational structure, a testament to his effective leadership.
Mr. Kunder’s customer-centric approach has influenced all aspects of DE-CIX’s business. His focus on Customer Delight and a Customer-First vision has guided customer acquisition, network development, technology implementation, marketing strategies, and billing and collection processes. Even during critical times, such as the lockdown, he ensured all data centers were connected through multiple paths by visiting them personally.
During a critical period for the industry, Mr. Kunder introduced and successfully implemented several initiatives that led to remarkable results. These achievements were realised within just 2.5 years of his leadership. His strategic thinking and leadership style have been pivotal in DE-CIX India’s meteoric rise, cementing its reputation as Asia’s top interconnection platform.
Mr. Kunder holds a management degree from KC College and has completed leadership development courses at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and the Tata Management Training Centre. His management style is rooted in situational leadership, adapting as an innovator or activator depending on the situation. He firmly believes that people are the most important asset, and this belief has enhanced his ability to collaborate with team members and stakeholders, as well as make difficult decisions.
Mr. Kunder’s journey with DE-CIX India exemplifies his expertise, leadership, and dedication. His customer-centric approach and innovative thinking have significantly contributed to the company’s growth and success in India’s interconnection landscape. Under his guidance, DE CIX India continues to set new benchmarks in the industry, reflecting his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Addressing Challenges and Commitment to Excellence
Mr. Kunder shares that one thing that continuously acts as his motivational tool is DE-CIX India’s unwavering commitment to providing customers with top-notch services focusing on reliability, security, and business efficiency. A notable challenge that DE-CIX India has identified is the lack of awareness regarding the advantages of onboarding their interconnection platform among numerous new Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Enterprises, SMEs, and SMBs.
This challenge highlights the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive support throughout the customer lifecycle, encompassing sales, pre-sales, and post-sales, and ensuring the financial and technical well-being of their connected organisations.
DE-CIX India’s broad engagement with customers throughout their lifecycle empowers the company to facilitate the onboarding process and address future requirements by educating customers on leveraging existing fiber infrastructure within SMEs, SMBs, and Enterprise networks.
An example of this commitment is Narayana Nethralaya, a renowned eye care institution in Bangalore, which faced high latency issues impacting its digital operations. By adopting DE CIX India’s DirectCLOUD service, the institution witnessed an impressive 90% reduction in latency, from 330 milliseconds to just 40 milliseconds.
In terms of availability zones, DE-CIX India faced challenges from their data center partners regarding the financial viabilitywid of establishing DE-CIX availability zones in Hyderabad and Bangalore. Mr. Kunder and his team intervened to advocate for their partner’s interests, articulating the customer perspective to the telco provider and facilitating the provision of pioneering pricing structures. This advocacy enabled the deployment of 100G capacity in these new markets. Moreover, DE-CIX India’s support extends to SAARC customers, where they facilitate legal onboarding to the Indian ecosystem and provide guidance on securing favorable pricing agreements with transport providers. This has resulted in accelerated onboarding processes and widespread adoption within organisations, further solidifying DE-CIX India’s reputation as a leader in the interconnection industry.
Mr. Kunder’s dedication to addressing these challenges and his proactive approach to customer engagement reflect DE-CIX India’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. Through these efforts, DE-CIX India not only meets the current needs of their customers but also anticipates and prepares for future demands, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the interconnection landscape.
Aligning Collective Goals
Mr. Kunder’s leadership revolves around empowerment, innovation, and collaboration. He prioritises clear communication and transparency to align everyone with collective goals. By fostering trust and respect, he cultivates an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and innovative ideas flourish.
His management style is situational leadership, emphasising teamwork, empowerment, and continuous development. He equips the team with tools, support, and trust to foster creativity and instill a sense of ownership. Collaboration is paramount for optimal results, underpinned by ongoing training and skill enhancement.
Expanding Network to 600+ Networks
In the future, Mr. Sudhir Kunder and the DE-CIX India team are steadfast in their commitment to embracing future innovations and maintaining their position at the forefront of the ever-evolving digital landscape. The organisation continues to invest in expanding its infrastructure, and entering new markets like Bangalore and Hyderabad, to make it more robust, reliable, and dependable.
The introduction of the 400 Gigabit Ethernet Access Technology at DE CIX Mumbai represents a significant leap in connectivity, offering customers lightning-fast speeds and unmatched reliability for their data exchange needs. Additionally, the ongoing conversion of the current network to an 800 Gigabit capacity, which has already been implemented in Mumbai, will further enhance the network’s capabilities. DE-CIX India is now delving into other markets where they are currently deployed, ensuring that cutting-edge connectivity is accessible to a wider customer base.
With the recent approval of the National Long Distance (NLD) license, DE-CIX India is poised to establish an enterprise arm that will enable them to enhance their service portfolio and provide comprehensive life cycle management to their customers. This strategic move will allow DE-CIX India to serve a broader spectrum of customers across India and neighbouring countries, providing comprehensive interconnection solutions tailored to their specific needs.
As an Interconnection Platform, DE CIX India’s connected network is set to expand to encompass more than 600+ networks in the upcoming period. Their footprint will become prominent in nearly all National and International Data Centre providers aiming to establish and expand their presence in India. Furthermore, DE-CIX India is moving forward with further enablement into countries in the SAARC region, facilitating connectivity for customers who seek to connect with DE-CIX Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata.
Through these strategic initiatives and investments, Mr. Sudhir Kunder and the DE-CIX India team are driving forward the organisation’s mission to provide cutting-edge interconnection solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers in India and beyond. Their relentless pursuit of innovation and expansion ensures that DE-CIX India remains a trusted partner for businesses seeking seamless connectivity and digital transformation.
Celebrating Milestones
Mr. Sudhir Kunder proudly shares that DE CIX India has reached remarkable milestones and achieved notable accomplishments, propelling the company on a successful journey. Here are some key highlights of DE-CIX India’s impressive achievements under his leadership:
DE-CIX Mumbai, two and a half years ago, quickly surpassed 153 countries and 29 IXs, becoming the largest Internet Exchange in the Asia-Pacific region. This rapid ascent to the top of the APAC interconnection landscape stands as a testament to the strategic vision and operational excellence driving the company.
A pioneering achievement for DE-CIX Mumbai was becoming the first Internet Exchange to implement Internet Routing Registry Database (IRRDB) Filtering. This innovative move set a benchmark in the industry, enhancing the security and efficiency of Internet routing, and demonstrating DE-CIX India’s commitment to technological advancement and best practices.
In 2021, DE-CIX Mumbai was honored as the “Brand of the Year” by Global Hues. This accolade underscores the strong reputation and influence that DE-CIX Mumbai has achieved within the industry, reflecting the brand’s excellence and leadership. Continuing its trajectory of rapid growth, DE-CIX India was featured as one of the “10 Fastest Growing Companies 2022” by The Inner Review Magazine. This recognition highlights the company’s rapid market expansion and its success in establishing a dominant presence in the interconnection sector.
The title of “Cloud Innovator” for the fiscal year 2021 was bestowed upon DE-CIX India, showcasing its innovative contributions to cloud technologies and services. This honour reflects the company’s forward-thinking approach and its impact on the evolving cloud landscape.
Further cementing its reputation, DE CIX India was acknowledged as the “Fastest Growing Interconnection Platform” by the Global Achievers Award 2021. This recognition underscores the company’s pivotal role in facilitating seamless connectivity and communication, driving the digital transformation of businesses and individuals alike.
Under Mr. Kunder’s visionary leadership, DE-CIX India continues to set new benchmarks in the industry, with a strong focus on innovation, security, and customer satisfaction. These achievements are a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence and its significant impact on the global interconnection landscape.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in the Interconnection Industry
For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the interconnection industry, Mr. Kunder offers valuable insights based on his extensive experience and successful leadership at DE-CIX India. Here is his advice:
- Understand the Market: Thoroughly researching the interconnection and networking industry is crucial. Entrepreneurs should aim to understand its dynamics, key players, and emerging trends.
- Focus on Innovation: In a rapidly evolving industry like interconnection, innovation is key. Entrepreneurs should seek ways to differentiate their services, whether through innovative technology, unique pricing models, or exceptional customer service. Staying ahead of the curve can provide a significant competitive advantage.
- Build Strong Partnerships: Forging strategic partnerships with key players in the industry, such as network providers, content delivery networks, data centers, and cloud service providers, is essential. Collaborating with established companies can help new businesses gain credibility and access new markets, facilitating growth and expansion.
- Prioritise Reliability and Security: Reliability and security are paramount in the interconnection business. Entrepreneurs should invest in robust infrastructure and comprehensive security measures to ensure uninterrupted service and protect their customers’ data. This commitment to reliability and security builds trust and fosters long-term customer relationships.
- Provide Exceptional Customer Experience: Customer experience can be a significant differentiator in a competitive market. Entrepreneurs should focus on delivering exceptional service, addressing customer needs promptly, and building long-term relationships with their customers. A strong emphasis on customer satisfaction can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
- Recruit, Groom, and Mentor the Right Candidates: Building a successful team is pivotal. Effective recruitment involves identifying candidates who possess the requisite skills and align with the company’s values. Mr. Kunder believes that while aptitude can be developed, the right attitude is invaluable. Grooming entails providing ongoing development opportunities, nurturing a growth mindset, and preparing individuals for future leadership roles. Post-mentoring involves offering continued support and fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing. These processes lay the foundation for a cohesive and high-performing team that drives innovation and long-term success.
For Details : rishabh.shukla@de-cix.in | +91 8879676802
