Summary: PCCW launched the Console Connect ‘Software-Defined Interconnect’ platform, which builds on its November 2017 acquisition of the company of the same name. We talked with PCCW earlier this year to get insight into the planned service.
Details: Console Connect is available globally and uses PCCW’s global IP network which is available in 150 countries. It provides private connections to public clouds including AWS Azure and Alibaba, and by 3Q18 PCCW aims to have all major CSPs as well as major SaaS providers on the platform. It enables automated provisioning and routing so customers can quickly and easily connect to CSPs, IaaS and SaaS providers, as well as connect their data centres and offices. Customers can get started with a single port and cross-connect. There are tools to manage multiple connections, monitor connection performance, view bandwidth allocation and utilisation, and adjust bandwidth as needed. The networking community feature has been designed for knowledge sharing and for customers to grow their network with new service providers and partners in their supply chain, and enables chat and messaging for real-time collaboration.
Angle: Console Connect is not the only such service on the market but PCCW has an advantage in that it is a longstanding network operator. Unlike the competition, it has no network costs to pay as it is using existing owned infrastructure, and it should therefore have a greater chance of success than Console did on its own or even with the acquisition of IX Reach (the latter was not bought by PCCW). Although it doesn’t have a history of operating in the enterprise space, the target market for Console Connect, PCCW does have a good reputation and longevity in the carrier space, a solid financial standing, an existing multinational customer base and – crucially – an extensive global network. It is present in most Asian markets and, as a Hong Kong-based company, also has connections into the Chinese market as the inclusion of Alibaba at launch demonstrates. Console Connect also goes beyond competitive offerings with the networking community.
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