Talk about a global outlook: data centre provider Equinix has announced the launch of a new strategy to connect its data centres around the world through software defined networking (SDN).

The inter-metro connectivity, which enables users to dynamically connect its own infrastructure across Equinix locations as well as connect to any other customer, comes through the Equinix Cloud Exchange Fabric (ECX Fabric). For enterprises, it helps them with agility, while for service providers the move helps connect them with a global base of enterprise cloud buyers.

The new ECX Fabric capabilities are not quite available in all regions yet, however. All ECX locations in North America and EMEA are already catered for, including Frankfurt, London and New York, with 17 in total. Equinix says it will aim to roll out to new metros in the regions, such as Denver, Geneva and Milan, by early 2018, while extending connectivity to APAC areas later next year.

“As digital transformation intensifies, business possibilities have no limits and neither should an organisation’s IT infrastructure,” said Sara Baack, Equinix chief marketing officer in a statement. “Building a digital business requires the ability to reach strategic global destinations on demand, to access everyone that matters, and to bring people, clouds, data and things together.

“Today’s announcements and our future product and services roadmap are aimed at leveraging the Equinix global platform to serve as a strategic partner for companies on this journey,” added Baack.

According to figures from Synergy Research back in June, Equinix and Digital Realty, the company’s main rival in the colocation space, have extended their already substantial leads in the market. The primary reasons for this extension include Equinix completing the acquisition of 29 data centres from Verizon, alongside the planned merger of Digital Realty and DuPont Fabros.