BT has launched its new Global Fabric platform, a network-as-a-service (NaaS) solution aimed at meeting the increasing demands of AI and multi-cloud environments. This platform is designed to enable businesses to adapt quickly and securely to fluctuating data needs, notably driven by AI.
The core network hardware of Global Fabric, known as points of presence (PoPs), has already been installed in more than 45 carrier-neutral cloud data centers worldwide. This number is expected to increase to 140 locations by 2025. PoPs serve as gateways for businesses to connect to multiple cloud environments, partners, and applications globally.
According to BT, this setup allows companies to scale swiftly and securely. Unlike traditional networks, which take weeks to configure, Global Fabric enables real-time adjustments, which boosts efficiency. Colin Bannon, Chief Technology Officer of BT Business, stated, “Global Fabric will help customers hit the cloud running. It will give them a choice of the world’s best cloud locations to interconnect with their customers, partners, and suppliers, making them easier to do business with not just today but tomorrow too.”
Ahead of the launch in early 2025, BT will release a demo of Global Fabric’s management portal by November. This demo will allow customers to test network configurations and explore API integrations.
This initiative has several advantages. Real-time adjustments and rapid scalability are significant improvements over legacy networks, which can be inflexible and slow to adapt. This can be crucial for businesses handling unpredictable AI-driven data spikes. However, the platform’s success will depend on wide adoption and seamless integration into existing infrastructures.
