Equinix, a global interconnection and data center company, has announced a collaboration with Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing arm of Alibaba Group.

Equinix has 179 data centers across 44 markets around the world.

Through the collaboration, the companies will provide enterprises with direct, scalable access to Alibaba Cloud via the Equinix Cloud Exchange.

This access is provided in Equinix's Hong Kong, Silicon Valley, Sydney, and Washington, D.C., International Business Exchange data centers.

Greg Adgate, vice president of global technology partners and alliances, Equinix, comments, “as one of the world's leading and fastest growing cloud computing companies, Alibaba Cloud represents a significant partnership for Equinix as we continue to empower businesses around the globe to build secure, private clouds, without compromising network and application performance.

“We are thrilled to offer direct access in markets across the U.S., Asia and Europe, and look forward to bringing additional markets online in the near future.

According to Equinix, the cloud computing market continues to grow rapidly in Asia, and specifically China.

The Chinese cloud market is expected to grow at 40% per year through 2020, reaching $20 billion, according to the U.S. International Trade Administration.

Equinix says access to Alibaba Cloud is critical for multinational customers looking to expand their cloud-based applications into this growing region in a secure and high-performing manner. 

Yeming Wang, deputy general manager, Alibaba Cloud Global, “the global reach of Equinix Cloud Exchange makes it simple for Alibaba Cloud to access new markets.

“We are pleased to provide greater value and bring our services closer to enterprises by leveraging Equinix's powerful, on-demand cloud connectivity, and in particular to provide greater connectivity to the Chinese market.

The Equinix Cloud Exchange, which offers direct and private access to multiple cloud service providers, such as Alibaba Cloud, is currently available in 21 markets globally including – Amsterdam, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, New York, Osaka, Paris, Sao Paulo, Seattle, Silicon Valley, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Washington, D.C., and Zurich.