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Utilizing interconnection for success

Enterprises are adopting emerging technologies and building futureproofing infrastructure to navigate the new normal .

• Nearly half ( 49 %) of digital leaders in Hong Kong said they believe interconnection – the direct and private exchange of data between organizations – will help them to navigate the challenges they face due to COVID-19

• Those stating avoiding the public Internet is critical for the daily function increased to 44 %, up from 29 % last year they see interconnection as a key facilitator of Digital Transformation up 11 % on last year ’ s results .

A large majority ( 71 %) of digital leaders in Hong Kong have also prioritized to improve their cybersecurity posture . Moving infrastructure to the digital edge has become a priority for more digital leaders in Hong Kong , up from 38 % in 2019 to 60 % this year .

Concerns that the pandemic will have put the brakes on companies ’ expansion plans lessened

• 42 % of businesses still have plans to expand into new regions , countries or metros , according to the digital leaders in Hong Kong surveyed

• Of that 42 %, more than half ( 52 %) plan to achieve this virtually , rather than by investing in physical IT infrastructure in-market

Jeremy Deutsch , President , Asia-Pacific , Equinix , said : “ During the pandemic , Asia-Pacific has seen demands for interconnection from digital leaders to manage distributed workforce and make the best use of resources . This is reflected in the findings of our study with over 60 % of IT decision-makers in Asia-Pacific confirming that interconnection will help them to navigate the challenges faced as a result of COVID-19 , and 56 % believing interconnection can help their business gain competitive advantage within the marketplace .

“ With our global footprint , robust ecosystem and a wide array of interconnection solutions , we plan to continue to bring and interconnect the digital infrastructure to help digital leaders thrive in the new era .”

The Global Interconnection Index ( GXI ) Volume 4 , a market study recently published by Equinix , forecasts that overall interconnection bandwidth – the measure of private connectivity for the transfer of data between organizations in Asia-Pacific – will achieve a 47 % compound annual growth rate ( CAGR ) from 2019 to 2023 . The expected growth is driven by Digital Transformation , and specifically by greater demands from enterprises extending their digital infrastructure from centralized locations to distributed edge locations .

Larry Tam , Managing Director , Hong Kong , Equinix , said : “ With COVID-19 significantly accelerating transformation in a broad range of industries in the Hong Kong market , enterprises are adopting emerging technologies and building future-proofing infrastructure to navigate the new normal .

“ This report clearly identifies the top priorities that are of most concern to digital leaders in Hong Kong as they move to improve cybersecurity , efficiency and cost-effectiveness during the pandemic . We believe a secure and reliable interconnection platform will enable digital leaders to address concerns and move with speed and agility to stay ahead of the competition and grasp new business opportunities .” p

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