The association currently operates two of the busiest Internet exchange points on the African continent: the Johannesburg Internet exchange (JINX) and the Cape Town Internet exchange (CINX). The exchanges function as a location for South African internet companies to exchange network traffic in the most cost-effective and technically efficient way. Both exchanges have seen very rapid growth in the last three years; the launch of a Durban exchange is imminent; and the association recognises a need to invest in what have become critical national resources.
Graham Beneke, co-chair of the association's INX working group explains, "Since 2009, increased competition in the Internet industry, coupled with the opening up of exchanges to more participants, has led to exponential growth in both traffic and interest in the association's Internet exchanges. Bringing Goburdhan on board to oversee the operation and continued growth of the INXes will mean that the association can provide better support to member and non-members alike who rely on this critical Internet infrastructure."
Goburdhan is no stranger to the South African Internet industry, having spent more than a decade working for one of South Africa's largest ISPs. He has recently returned from Mauritius, where he worked as the chief technical officer of AfriNIC, the regional IP address registry for the continent.
"The association is very pleased to have someone of his calibre on board, he brings considerable international, technical and operational experience with him in charting the future of the Internet exchanges," adds Beneke.
Goburdhan adds, "I am deeply honoured to have been appointed to this position and look forward to the responsibility of strengthening support to the peer community. With exciting developments happening in our ICT sector, I feel confident that there are great things on the horizon for the Internet exchanges and relish the challenge of being part of the team growing these critical resources."
