[2329] in Commercialization & Privatization of the Internet
CIX Press Release DRAFT
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Mitchell Kapor)
Fri Feb 14 10:30:11 1992
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 1992 10:28:01 -0500
To: com-priv@psi.com
From: Mitchell Kapor <mkapor@eff.org>
Cc: cix-board@cix.org
Sprint and PIPEX Join CIX, Kapor named CIX Chair
February 14, 1992
The Commercial Internet Exchange (CIX), has gained its fifth and sixth
members.
US Sprint Communications Co. has joined the Commercial Internet Exchange
(CIX). Sprint recently announced the Sprintlink service, which offers a
nationwide LAN interconnection service based on TCP/IP protocols.
Robert Collet, Manager of Engineering Services, said: "Sprint joined the
CIX to enable its customers to reach those of other Public Data Network
providers. We also believe it's the best forum to nurture the growth of
the commercial PDI industry."
In addition, Unipalm Ltd in Cambridge, UK has joined the CIX. They will
shortly be opening the "PIPEX" (Public IP Exchange) service, selling
commercial IP access in the United Kingdom. This extends the reach of the
comercial Internet from North America to Europe.
Peter Dawe of Pipex said "A connection to CIX is essential for us as a
network
provider, in order to ensure full connectivity for our customers. I look
forward
to a European Internet Exchange providing a similar service."
Last year, the Commercial Internet Exchange Assocation (CIX) was formed as
a trade association open to all commercial internet TCP/IP network
providers/carriers. All members agree to exchange traffic at a fixed and
equal cost set by the association. The primary goal is to provide
connectivity among cooperating TCP/IP carriers, which have no restrictions
on the type of traffic allowed.
Today, there are six CIX members: BARRnet, CERFnet, PIPEX, Performance
Systems International (PSI), UUNET Technologies, and US Sprint. All
members connect at the CIX-West interconnection point in Santa Clara, CA.
As of this writing, over 3000 commercial firms can be reached through the
CIX member networks, with no restrictions on use. The top 20 computer
companies in the US are all connected via the CIX, and many are delivering
commercial support services (e.g., software/hardware and consulting) over
it.
The CIX is structured to grow and migrate with the emerging needs of the
commercial internet. Many multinational carriers and at least three dozen
regional networks in the US, Europe, and Japan have expressed interest in
joining. In response to this interest, the CIX membership has developed
plans to improve network technology support services that benefit the
entire community. The CIX will also actively encourage new services on the
commercial internet.
Kapor named CIX Chairman
The CIX Board has elected Mitchell Kapor to serve as Chairman. Mr. Kapor,
who became a CIX Board member last year, is co-founder and president of
the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an organization concerned with
educating the public and policymakers about computer-based communications
media and information networks.
"I believe strongly in the CIX model of commercial interconnection without
restriction. Entrepreneurs as well as users need to understand that the
net is 'open for business'", Mr. Kapor said.
Previously, Mr. Kapor founded Lotus Development Corporation and served as
its Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chairman. He is currently also
an Adjunct Research Fellow at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government in the
area of information technology policy.
The other CIX Directors are: Martin Schoffstall, Vice President & Chief
Technical Officer, Performance Systems International; RichardAdams
Jr.President, CEO, UUNET Technologies; Susan Estrada, Executive Director,
CERFNET; and Robert Collet, Manager, Engineering Services, Sprint
Government Systems Division.
For further information, contact:
cix@cix.org
-or-
Mitchell Kapor
mkapor@eff.org
