Celebrating 30 Years of AMS-IX: A Legacy of Connectivity and Innovation

At the heart of AMS-IX lies a vibrant platform where industry giants like Adyen, Amazon, Apple, Booking.com, Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, TikTok, Netflix, and Odido converge, creating a bustling hub of digital activity. With a mission to facilitate connections between networks, including internet service providers (ISPs), content providers, and streaming services, AMS-IX has become one of the largest internet exchange points globally.

Global Expansion

AMS-IX has expanded its influence beyond Amsterdam, establishing 14 internet exchange points worldwide. This global presence has attracted international businesses to Amsterdam, solidifying the city's position as a digital mainport alongside the port of Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport.

Technological Innovation

As a pioneer in embracing cutting-edge technologies, AMS-IX has implemented state-of-the-art solutions, including 100 Gigabit Ethernet, Software-Defined Networking (SDN), and Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). Responding to the growing demand for internet capacity, AMS-IX has added 400 Gigabit ports to its network, ensuring a future-proof and resilient internet infrastructure.

Sustainability Initiatives

AMS-IX is committed to environmental responsibility. Through the deployment of new, energy-efficient network equipment in the Equinix AM5 data centre, the company has achieved an impressive 85% reduction in energy consumption at that location. The equipment has already been replaced in several data centres and will be done at all locations in the Netherlands in the near future, to reduce energy consumption and upgrade the platform.

Community Engagement

AMS-IX actively collaborates with industry partners, fostering knowledge exchange and educational initiatives to inspire the next generation of internet professionals. This commitment to community engagement aligns with our vision of creating a better society through a better internet.

The roots of AMS-IX trace back to the early 1990s when the internet in the Netherlands was in its infancy. Academic institutions at the Science Park in Amsterdam sought to exchange data directly, leading to the establishment of AMS-IX in 1994. In its nascent years, AMS-IX rapidly grew with the support of various entities, including NIKHEF, SARA, CWI, SURFnet, and NLnet. Today, with over 1000 connected parties from around the world, AMS-IX has become a cornerstone of internet connectivity, with equipment located in 16 different data centres across the Netherlands.

As we celebrate the achievements of the past 30 years, AMS-IX remains dedicated to its mission of promoting internet connectivity, enhancing sustainability, and fostering innovation. We are excited about the future as we continue to contribute to the digital evolution, creating a safer, more efficient, and connected world. Thank you for being part of our journey. Here's to the next 30 years of connectivity and innovation with AMS-IX!