IHG Hybrid Multicloud Network Case Study | Equinix customer story
115m+
customers with mobile edge connectivity27
countries supported5+
presence across global regionsDelivering seamless travel experiences at the edge
With Equinix’s globally interconnected infrastructure set up for hybrid multicloud networking, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) rapidly moves data and applications between regions for its over 115 million customers using the IHG One Rewards mobile app.
IHG can add partners, bring in new SaaS providers and can keep moving in a very agile manner, adding more innovation on top of that without having to rebuild the network.
Eric Norman Head of Infrastructure, Architecture, Innovation, InterContinental Hotels Group
Aiming for cloud optimization
IHG welcomes 10,400 customers to its properties every day. The company had already made incredible strides from a technology perspective, including going all-in on virtualization and automation. But to support those new capabilities and get closer to its customers, IHG needed an optimized hybrid multicloud network with performance hubs located around the globe.
Modernizing with Equinix
IHG partnered with Equinix to deploy physical infrastructure in five regions to support 1,600 hotels in 27 countries and build a foundational software-defined network, providing the agility to connect to partners, SaaS vendors and clouds globally.
Utilizing its global backbone built with diverse, high-bandwidth connections, Equinix’s hybrid multicloud networking solution connected IHG’s on-premises systems, public clouds, colocation facilities and SaaS applications while enhancing performance and simplifying operations. Virtual networking functions via Network Edge and software-defined connectivity using Equinix Fabric linked IHG infrastructure quickly and securely, placing vital networking functions at key convergence points for maximum efficiency.
The customer mobile device has now become the edge. We have to deliver functionality not only for the experience to book their travel, but also their experience inside the property.
Eric Norman Head of Infrastructure, Architecture, Innovation, InterContinental Hotels Group
Future-proofing digital hospitality at global scale
One year after launching the IHG One Rewards mobile app using its new hybrid multicloud networking solution, IHG had enrolled over 115 million customers. The company now shifts data and applications quickly and easily from one region to another, providing customers with higher-performance, in-region services. Through the app, IHG also delivers innovative services that meet customers where they are at the edge, from booking a stay to the experience inside the property once they get there.
Equinix’s high-performance data centers and global footprint for hybrid multicloud networking also future-proof IHG’s operations. The group now develops agile services, brings in new partners and SaaS providers as needed and continuously deploys new innovations without having to rebuild the network. And as customer expectations continue to evolve, IHG has the flexibility to change offerings and scale seamlessly without sacrificing network stability.
Benefits
Flexible, private connectivity
Equinix Fabric® offers IHG rapid global deployment and easy reconfiguration, while dedicated physical connectivity via Equinix Cross Connect ensures top-tier performance. Private connectivity provides robust security, high reliability and predictable performance for mission-critical applications.
Scalable, flexible network architecture
Leveraging virtual network functions (VNFs) and software-defined connectivity for rapid and agile expansion of networks functionally and geographically, IHG can seamlessly scale, enter new markets and make network adjustments in real time.
Reduced network complexity
By simplifying network and security infrastructure using industry-standard functions globally, IHG gained a consistent management experience through a unified portal.
Maximized performance
Connecting clouds and edge locations directly enables IHG to optimize network architectures without relying on centralized network architectures, reducing latency and improving resource utilization.
