ISE, DB Sign Get New Fiber Optics Network

RCN Metro's Financial Services Network Ring will Support ISE's New Trading System Migration.

The International Securities Exchange (ISE) and Deutsche Borse Systems (DBS) today announced that they have signed an agreement with RCN Metro Optical Networks, a division of RCN Corporation (NASDAQ: RCNI) and a premier provider of fiber optic-based network solutions, to deploy RCN Metro's low latency fiber network (Xtreme Network) to connect ISE's current and future data center sites. This connection will act as a critical pathway in support of ISE's migration to its new options trading system, which is being developed using the expertise of ISE and DBS and is scheduled to roll out in Q4 2010.

In addition to supporting ISE's data center migration, RCN Metro will also serve as a key network carrier to connect trading members located in North America to both ISE, the world's largest equity options exchange, and its parent company, Eurex, one of the largest derivatives exchanges in the world. Eurex is jointly operated by the Deutsche Börse Group and SIX Swiss Exchange.

"By using RCN Metro's fiber ring connectivity pathway, we will ensure a smooth migration of critical data and applications from our existing data centers to our new sites. This is the next step in continuing the existing partnership that exists among the ISE, DBS and RCN Metro in North America, and we believe RCN Metro's fiber network will be an important factor in the successful implementation of ISE's new options trading system," said Daniel Friel, ISE's Chief Information Officer, in a release. "We have been very pleased with the high reliability and low latency of RCN Metro's services and the commitment they bring to meeting the demanding requirements of the financial services industry."

"Whether migrating critical data and applications between data center sites or establishing a connection to a new trading system, low latency and reliability remain essential requirements to a firm's success - downtime is never an option," said Felipe Alvarez, RCN Metro's President, in the release. "As the provider of choice to the financial services industry, RCN Metro is keenly aware of the industry's unique needs and concerns and is committed to providing the ISE and DBS with the most reliable and lowest latency network connectivity available via the industry's first network ring designed exclusively for financial services customers."