Going global: Savvis expands network, unites with Bridge

From a local ISP to a national carrier's carrier to an internetworking service provider, Savvis Communications has worn many hats. Now the company is reaching a global level with the expansion of its IP/ATM-based ProActive Network.

Last week at the NetWorld+Interop show in Atlanta, Savvis announced that its network officially has merged with the network of parent company Bridge Information Systems, a provider of financial information. The union, in addition to buildout that has occurred to both companies' networks since the acquisition, increases Savvis' existing network nearly five times, said Rick Bubenik, chief technical officer for Savvis.

With this, the company will enter "all the major industrial financial markets in the world," covering 87 markets internationally, said Charles Buckley, product manager for Savvis.

Savvis provides virtual private networking, managed data networking and Internet services to corporations. It also sells internetworking services, connecting smaller and remote offices to their regional headquarters.

While Savvis has a strong target with vertical financial corporations - building on Bridge's name and reputation - it also is working to bring services to medium-sized and small businesses, Bubenik said. He predicted that the company will cater to businesses of all sizes equally in the future.

The merged network will boost both companies' prospects, said Frank Dzubeck, president of Communications Network Architects. On the business side Savvis needs its parent's funding. On the industry side, the trend of blending services is driving the change, he said. "To be very competitive and not just be a niche supplier, you need to have a more robust product line."

Even as it settles into its latest change, Savvis is prepping for yet another adjustment. Bridge is planning to spin off Savvis again in 2000, Buckley said.