When we launched Partners in Peering, we were excited to kick things off and start delivering critical information from our partners, peers and customers to you and everyone else in this connectivity and digital infrastructure industry. Now, with a number of episodes under our belt, we think it’s time to look back on what we’ve shared to date. 

From intent-based network management platforms to managed IT services, fiber networking and IXs, we’re happy to say that this platform has been host to some brilliant minds, wonderful conversationalists and an array of interesting discussions. 

So, without further ado, here’s the roundup — and remember, if any of these episodes are of particular interest to you, you can check them out in their full glory here. 

Rich Connectivity, Key Partnerships and Beyond with Console Connect

In this episode, our Partners in Peering podcast hosts were joined by Lisa Wright, AVP of Ecosystem Partners at Console Connect. As one of the partners within our cloud ecosystem at 1623 Farnam, Console Connect also plays a distinct role in supporting the heart of our digital world by delivering a software defined interconnection platform and a global network infrastructure for better-than-ever connectivity. 

In our conversation with Lisa — a tech industry native for 15 years with a career that has touched nearly every aspect and vertical within this ecosystem — jumped head first into a wealth of information about direct interconnection. Here’s one of our favorite sound bites from Lisa when she was offering an anecdote about how she responded to a colleague that asked how peering should be offered to customers and why it’s key: 

“Did you know that everybody at one point in their lives, even in daily interactions and even in your personal life, [makes use of] an internet exchange point? This is the hub of the industry where all the different networks get interconnected with each other, and it allows you to get to certain web domains or websites faster.” 

If anyone needs to brush up on their interconnection information or just wants to see how exciting this industry really is, we highly recommend giving this discussion a listen. We certainly enjoyed it — and it’s here for you in its entirety. 

Service Provider Secrets and Must-Haves With WIN Technology 

The next episode featured Ricky Smith, the Senior NMC Manager at WIN Technology, the only managed IT services provider that also owns and operates a fiber network across the Upper Midwest. As Midwest natives ourselves here at 1623 Farnam, we were eager to get the download from Ricky on everything he’s seen in this neck of the woods network-wise. Where is demand coming from, how are we meeting demand and more.  

Regional connectivity is a core part of the growing, deepening network fabric our country — and our world — runs on. So, with that in mind, how are we serving both our own and our customers’ operational goals both now and in the future? How do services from an IX assist in these pursuits? These were all topics we explored in this conversation. Not to mention, we also discussed the intersection between connectivity and economic stability. 

We think Ricky said it best when he noted, “Now, you aren’t doing business without [proper] internet infrastructure. The level of criticality is just giant. So, if you can have somebody that has competencies on the whole path end to end…that is very important.” 

From content and cloud providers to enterprises and service providers, this discussion offers something that touches every inch of our evolving ecosystem, so check it out here. 

Building Better Networking on a Global Scale with FullCtl

In the fourth episode of Partners in Peering, we welcomed Chris Grundemann, Founder and CEO at FullCtl. FullCtl, founded in 2022, is on a mission to make secure interconnection possible for everyone — everywhere. This is accomplished through information sharing and advanced automation, which helps unlock collective intelligence through shared connections. 

To discuss this mission further alongside other interconnection hot topics, Chris, a 20-year industry veteran, joined our podcasts hosts for a wide-ranging conversation about peering, global connectivity, the state of the industry (and its history) and more. 

A highlight from our discussion? Chris noted, “I see networking as a historical arc. The first thirty years of networking was really about [asking ourselves]: Does this work right, is it the right choice, is this going to work at all? The next thirty years was about… improving the user experience, decreasing latency, and increasing resiliency and reliability.” We couldn’t agree more — but where does he think this arc is leading us? Well, in his opinion, despite our near-ubiquitous internet connection on a global scale, there’s still some areas where we can improve and iterate. Not to mention, getting buy-in from a complex ecosystem is a particular nuance here. 

To learn more about what this industry luminary sees for the future of peering and interconnection, be sure to check out the full episode. 

This is just the beginning of Partners in Peering, and we’re continuing on our journey of delivering insights, technology updates, strategic tips and more from experts across our industry. Who knows, you or someone you know could be our next guest. 

Have someone you want us to feature on Partners in Peering? Do you have something to say that you think our audience needs to hear? Let us know through our submission form.

Otherwise, stay tuned for more — we hope to see you in the next episode.