GCC-based telecoms operators Du and Batelco have launched a joint venture, Arc, with a mission to simplify intra-regional connectivity in the Middle East.
Arc aims to offer interconnected data centre solutions for carrier, cloud and content providers and major enterprise companies, a statement from the UAE and Bahrain telcos said.
They added that in its initial phase, Arc will offer connectivity solutions to over 30 points of presence across the Middle East, Asia and Europe, integrated with data centres in the UAE and Bahrain, in addition to bridging cross connectivity with major regional cable hubs.
“The challenge for network-centric businesses in the Middle East is to rapidly connect, optimise and control their services while having presence as close as possible to users,” said Mahesh Jaishankar, CEO designate at Arc.
“So far, it has been costly, complex and time-consuming to roll out applications and services across markets in the Middle East. Arc directly addresses these challenges and provides a seamless platform for cross border connectivity, similar to what we have seen in other regions around the globe.”
Arc aims to create a single platform for developing agile network ecosystems, offering prompt access to data networks and data centre infrastructures across the region.
“Today’s ICT market is all about agility and experience. It’s about seamlessly connecting hubs and growing your ecosystem across the region,” said Ananda Bose, board member of Arc and chief wholesale and corporate officer at EITC, Du's parent company.
“We’re proud to be investing in Arc and supporting an innovative business that will ultimately benefit the region and the entire value chain, from carriers through to end users.”
Adel AlDaylami, board member of Arc and chief global officer Batelco Global, added: “For digital transformation and cloud adoption to grow in the Middle East, it needs to be simpler to connect and host solutions at the edge of the network.
"Arc is a powerful yet a simple solution that has been long overdue in the Middle East.”