DE-CIX joins Mplify alliance to push NaaS standards
Fri, 15th May 2026 (Today)
DE-CIX has joined the Mplify alliance, becoming one of the first internet exchange operators to do so.
The move places the Frankfurt-based operator in an industry group focused on standardising and automating how network services are ordered and delivered across multiple providers.
Mplify, formerly known as MEF, brings together enterprises, service providers, cloud and technology companies, data centre operators, and systems integrators. The group is working on Network as a Service, or NaaS, which aims to let customers buy and manage connectivity in a more software-driven way.
For DE-CIX, the membership adds another standards body to a list that already includes long-running work through organisations such as the Internet Engineering Task Force. It plans to contribute expertise in peering, cloud connectivity, and AI connectivity, and to collaborate on the use of Mplify's Lifecycle Service Orchestration APIs as a framework for automating interconnection.
The decision also reflects a broader shift in the connectivity market, as operators respond to demand linked to artificial intelligence workloads, hybrid cloud use, and the need for faster changes to network services. Standard interfaces and common operating models have become more important as enterprises seek links that span different infrastructure providers and regions.
Standards push
DE-CIX has already been involved in efforts to automate interconnection through the IX-API project, a community initiative developed with AMS-IX and LINX. The work was designed to allow interconnection services to be deployed, scaled, booked, and cancelled through a standardised interface.
By joining Mplify, DE-CIX is extending that work into a broader industry setting, where service providers are trying to align on common APIs for cross-provider automation. This includes collaboration on standardised LSO APIs that support automated interconnection services across providers and domains.
Kevin Vachon, chief operating officer of Mplify, said standard frameworks are becoming more important as more providers seek interoperable service delivery.
"Mplify brings together the organizations building and delivering the next generation of AI-driven network services," said Kevin Vachon, Chief Operating Officer, Mplify. "As NaaS continues to evolve, standardized frameworks such as Mplify's LSO APIs, along with automation and certification, are becoming increasingly important to scalable, interoperable service delivery across the ecosystem. We're excited to welcome DE-CIX and look forward to their contributions as the industry advances AI-ready connectivity and digital infrastructure."
Network model
Internet exchange operators have traditionally focused on enabling networks to exchange traffic efficiently at shared locations. In recent years, several have expanded beyond that role by offering direct cloud connections, private interconnection products, and software-driven provisioning tools.
DE-CIX's strategy is centred on interconnection as a service, a model that places greater emphasis on automated ordering and management of connectivity products. The company already offers services aimed at direct connectivity between cloud environments for hybrid and multi-cloud deployments.
Dr. Thomas King, chief technology officer of DE-CIX, linked the membership to that strategic shift and to the company's work on common industry standards.
"At DE-CIX, we have joined the Mplify Alliance to contribute our expertise to the further development of NaaS standards," said Dr. Thomas King, Chief Technology Officer, DE-CIX. "With this initiative, DE-CIX continues to drive innovation, standardization, and the automation of connectivity services, reinforcing its evolution as a leading Interconnection and Network as a Service provider. In the cloud and AI era, automated NaaS solutions and secure, controllable connectivity to clouds and other networks will become essential to the success of networking projects of enterprise and wholesale customers."
Global footprint
DE-CIX operates interconnection services in 60 locations across Europe, Africa, North and South America, the Middle East, and Asia. Its platforms are accessible from data centres in more than 600 cities and connect thousands of carriers, internet service providers, content companies, and enterprise networks from more than 100 countries.
The group has also sought to distinguish itself through early adoption of higher-speed interfaces and operational automation. It introduced 100 GE ports in 2005 and 400 GE ports in 2019, connected its first customer on an 800 GE access port in 2025, and launched what it described as the first AI-focused internet exchange that same year.
Its Frankfurt exchange remains one of the largest globally, with annual traffic volume of more than 48 exabytes and close to 1,100 connected networks, according to the company.