Equinix, Inc. a leading provider of network-neutral data centers and Internet exchange services, has announced it has entered into an agreement with DR Fortress, LLC for the sale of the Equinix Honolulu Internet Business Exchange (IBX) center. The transaction, which was expected to be completed by 12 December, will enable Equinix to focus on more strategic markets, such as New York, Chicago and Washington, DC, where it will be opening new centers in 2007.
Originally acquired by Equinix from Pihana Pacific in 2002, the existing Honolulu center and staff will be managed by DR Fortress, a Hawaiian-based operator of managed collocation facilities.
"The Honolulu IBX was acquired several years ago as a part of Equinix's acquisition of Pihana Pacific," said Peter Van Camp, CEO of Equinix. "Removing this asset from our portfolio will enable Equinix to continue its traditional focus on top tier markets where we have ambitious expansion plans for 2007 and beyond."
Equinix and DR Fortress have developed a comprehensive plan to ensure a smooth customer transition. The operational, engineering and technical staff for the facility will remain in place, transitioning from Equinix to DR Fortress once the sale is complete. Many of these staff members were part of the original design team that built the center in 2000.