AMSTERDAM -- The Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AMS-IX) takes responsibility for the management and operations of the Caribbean Internet Exchange (CAR-IX) and rebrands it to AMS-IX Caribbean. Members of AMS-IX approved of this initiative after a 24-hour voting procedure. Previously the members of CAR-IX had already agreed to the change in a members meeting. With this initiative AMS-IX aims to further develop the Internet ecosystem in the Caribbean.

In 2008 AMS-IX used its successful business model formula to help found CAR-IX. The neutral model proved to be the catalyst that was needed and the support of the running minister and Bureau Telecommunications and Post at the Dutch Antilles secured funding. Although AMS-IX has been responsible for the design of CAR-IX and for operating the technical platform since the start of the Internet exchange, CAR-IX BV took care of the administrative, financial- and commercial operations.

The AMS-IX/CAR-IX technical operations contract expired after three years and CAR-IX preferred to continue the relationship. With AMS-IX’ new formula of deploying exchanges in principal marketplaces it was decided to integrate CAR-IX fully into the AMS-IX environment.

Additional to the business integration AMS-IX will also invest in new equipment for the exchange platform based on the latest standards and AMS-IX design.

“CAR-IX already has been successful since its launch in 2009, says Job Witteman, CEO of AMS-IX. “Download speeds for users in the region increased over 300% and cost savings for the participants were considerable. By having control over all operations of the Caribbean Internet hub, AMS-IX can coordinate all activities more closely, which helps making it even more effective.”

Amsterdam Internet Exchange B.V. (AMS-IX)