ISPA seeks Jinx host for 2009 to 2012

JINX enables ISPA members to interconnect networks and exchange local traffic in order to save costs and improve speeds and quality of service. In 1996, JINX's four links boasted speeds varying from 64 kilobits per second to 256 kilobits per second. Twelve years later, speeds of more than 20 links vary from 2 megabits to 1 gigabit per second, with an upgrade to 10 gigabits per second coming soon.

Prospective JINX hosts must be able to offer 24 hour on-site access for all ISPA members using JINX. The host's data centre will need to offer fully redundant air-conditioning systems, UPS and power reticulation systems as well as back-up generators, and fire protection systems. The site must also provide full access to the services of existing and future Electronic Communications Network Service Providers.

The host must be able to provide sufficient space for eight racks growing to 12 over a three year period, with a right of refusal for a further four.

Furthermore, the host should be able to provide additional hosting space on request to ISPA members requiring additional space beyond that offered by ISPA at JINX. Proposals from ISPA members as well as non-members will be considered.

Says Rob Hunter, ISPA's JINX Working Group Chair: "The new host will be chosen according to a range of service criteria: how much it will cost our members to move to its hosting facilities, the service and availability levels it is able to commit to, and value-added services such as monitoring, remote consoles, and security. In addition, preference will be given to sites that provide equal or better access to telco facilities than the current location."

The Internet Service Providers' Association (ISPA) is a non-profit South African Internet industry organisation. It was formed in June 1996 and currently represents over 150 Internet service providers with a diverse range of services and target markets. Members include non-profit providers and educational networks, as well as commercial service providers.