That the pandemic has given a sharp acceleration towards the digital transition is now established, but how can it be measured? Some data comes from the Global Interconnection Index (GXI) which is published annually by Equinix , in which technology providers and digital service providers will increase private connectivity bandwidth 5 times by 2023 . Regarding the overall interconnection bandwidth , which specifies the extent of private connectivity for the transfer of data between organizations, this will grow by 45% year over year from 2019 to the 2023.

What emerges from the Equinix Global Interconnection Index

According to Equinix, the support of companies that are focusing on digital to react to the crisis generated by the pandemic will push the increase in the interconnection band. Companies with digital infrastructure will be able to extend their competitive advantage, and drive business growth instead of just following it, as will happen to those who still depend on service providers to transform their business models.

Almost one third of the entire bandwidth will be absorbed by sectors such as banking, insurance, manufacturing and commercial and professional services. The reason? The race to the edge: These types of companies are moving more and more workloads from the central datacenter to the network perimeter. Another factor that will contribute to the growth in bandwidth will be the increased adoption of AI and machine learning in sectors such as health and life sciences, government and education.

Another aspect on which the report focuses is the fact that companies are maximizing their digital advantage by trying to have a presence in those places where the greatest number of users are concentrated, the greatest number of suppliers and the most intense activities, where it is easier “to do network “, that is, to create an ecosystem of interpersonal relationships that helps to grow the business.

“ The COVID pandemic – 19 did nothing but accelerate the digital transformation path that companies across the region were already undertaking “ – stated Eugene Bergen Henegouwen, President EMEA of Equinix – “ The forecasts of 45% of the CAGR in Europe are indicative of the growing demand from businesses to improve their interconnection capacity in order to compete in an increasingly digital economy. It is now even more important for businesses to find innovative ways to interconnect with their customers and partners to gain competitive advantage in an increasingly remote and dispersed environment “.

” The growing need of companies to accelerate its evolution from traditional to digital models is leading to a sharp increase in demand for interconnection services “- commented Emmanuel Becker, Managing Director Italy of Equinix – “ To meet this need, Equinix is ​​currently developing a new International Business Exchange ™ data center in Milan, ML5, which is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2021. ML5 will offer a state-of-the-art colocation, as well as a series of advanced interconnection services that will help Italian companies continue their digital transformation path “. ì