Dear SwiNOGers,
This is a short message targeting small and medium Swiss-based Internet Service Providers.
A few days ago I started reaching out a few ISPs, mostly in the region of Zurich/Zug/Bern/Basel, to discuss the possibility of a smart collaboration in a “cooperative” and “constructive” way.
I actually wanted to check out if there was any enthusiasm on the idea of building together a network to reach major European Internet Exchange, buy Transit in bulk, peer with larger networks and setup a larger DDoS mitigation service. The idea came when I saw that many smaller ISPs deploy the same type of network, seeking the same advantages and struggle to deploy a wider reach outside Switzerland due mostly to a lack of available manpower or financial backing.
Amongst a more human collaboration between tenants, various cross-business opportunities, the idea is to collaborate on:
- Establishing a privileged network of trusted companies and people - Enhancing IP Transit Connectivity quality and costs by playing on larger value scales - Enhancing IP Peering Connectivity by reaching various European IXs over the same infrastructure - Enhancing campus-interconnection in Zurich by lowering costs for inter-DC connectivity in Zurich (DWDM/DF) by sharing the same infrastructure - Build and share a larger DDoS mitigation platform
These challenges are part of day-to-day hassles that every ISPs companies have to deal. Scepticism of a working business-model has been highlighted by various interested parties. Other topics such as IP Transit rates erosion costs vs. high transport costs and port-fees have been thoroughly considered too.
Therefore, for Swiss ISPs who are interested and willing to take a look, we’d like to invite you to join our discussion board – www.swissnog.ch – please keep in mind that this is in no means a board affiliated with SwiNOG and that if you want to debate about it you are most welcome to join rather than reply here.
We look forward to seeing you there!
-- Gregory