The Dallas IBX project represents "a significant investment," anEquinix spokeswoman tells GlobeSt.com. The structure is openingwith five major tenants--InterNAP Services Corp., Level 3Communications Inc., NorthPoint Communications, QwestCommunications International and WorldCom Inc.--and there's more tocome, says the spokeswoman. The structure is opening with 30% ofthe space leased, GlobeSt.com has been told.

"The Dallas area has become an increasingly important technologyhub for North America," says Peter Van Camp, CEO for the MountainView, CA-based operation. The centers provide a secure home for theInternet where content providers, ASPs and e-commerce companieshave the ability to interconnect with a choice of best-in-classcarriers, ISPs, and site and performance management companies.Meanwhile, tenants also can deliver content faster, access multiplenetworks, eliminate local loop charges, increase transaction-basedrevenues and increase customer satisfaction via a higher qualitycustomer web experience. Equinix says tenants can lower trainingand staffing needs while servicing larger customer bases.

The centers contain mission-critical hardware, 24/7 securityguards, biometric hand-geometry scanners on all doors and cages,disaster protection and tightly controlled customer access.Equinix's telecommunications and technical support staff areavailable 24 hours a day, seven days a week.