Over the past ten years, interconnection has undergone a dramatic transformation – and OIX has played a pivotal role in driving that change. In a recent conversation, Chris Grundemann and Sagi Brody share their insights on how the industry has evolved and the lasting impact of OIX’s mission.
A decade ago, interconnection operated, as Brody notes, as a walled garden” – a market dominated by a handful of vendors who set the rules, controlled pricing, and left little room for negotiation of collaboration. The message was often, “It’s our way or the highway,” as customers had no choice but to trust vendors, even when issues arose.
The emergence of OIX marked a turning point. By advocating for openness,transparency, and standardization, OIX challenged industry norms, pushing vendors to share more about their technical designs, adopt standardized pricing, and embrace a more collaborative approach. For the first time, customers had access to clear, reliable information – empowering them to make informed decisions.
Today, the interconnection landscape is unrecognizable compared to a decade ago.. The principles OIX championed —transparency, openness, and fairness — are now becoming industry standards. New and regional data center providers have emerged, reinforcing these principles and expanding opportunities for businesses worldwide.
As interconnection continues to evolve, openness and collaboration remain essential. Whether it’s managing complex Edge networks, integrating new technologies, or even exploring space-based interconnection, the foundation OIX has built will continue to shape the future.