by: Bernhard Pusch
Over the past year, the growing importance of the internet and rapid advances in artificial intelligence have reshaped how users interact with AMS-IX’s platform, opening up new opportunities for growth, while macroeconomic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions have continued to create cost pressures for customers and suppliers. In response, the management team has focused on maintaining resilience, safeguarding performance, and carefully capturing opportunities, with the Board closely involved—monitoring developments, reflecting on progress, and engaging in open, constructive dialogue to support the company’s position in a dynamic environment.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the role of critical internet infrastructure is becoming increasingly important. Governments and stakeholders are placing greater emphasis on resilient digital backbones, alongside the continued relevance of open and European-rooted internet infrastructure. This growing recognition brings with it a stronger “license to operate,” placing a clear responsibility on AMS-IX to remain stable, reliable, and forward-looking, while supporting digital autonomy and the evolving needs of our community within a trusted and sustainable ecosystem.
Over the past year, management has devoted significant attention to the general economic outlook and its implications for the organisation’s long-term trajectory. A key focus has been the five-year forward-looking perspective, ensuring that AMS-IX is positioned not only to sustain its core peering services but also to grow beyond them in a deliberate way.
In close dialogue between management and the Board, the five-year plan was thoroughly reviewed and refined, resulting in a more focused and realistic strategic direction. These discussions have also centred on strengthening AMS-IX’s role as a key part of the European infrastructure, while maintaining the high standards of availability and trust expected by its members. In parallel, increased emphasis has been placed on cost discipline, operational efficiency, and prioritising initiatives for value creation.
Competition in the Dutch market has intensified, resulting in increased price pressure and margin considerations. In response, management has taken decisive actions to stabilise and grow the customer base, particularly in Amsterdam, while continuing to support the development of exchanges globally.
Despite this challenging environment, the organisation has delivered solid operational performance and made meaningful progress in streamlining operations and strengthening its foundation for the future. Innovation efforts are evident in the successful deployment of new platform capabilities and the launch of new services, including early developments in time services and the AMDEX project. These initiatives, combined with ongoing community engagement and expansion across exchanges, have contributed to strengthening the ecosystem and establishing a clearer path toward sustainable, long-term growth.
Another important area of attention has been organisational resilience and people. Changes within key roles, including at the CTO level, have been managed with care, with responsibilities effectively redistributed and continuity maintained within the leadership team. More broadly, the Board has emphasised the importance of employee engagement and satisfaction. In a period of change, maintaining a positive and forward-looking culture is essential. The implementation of employee surveys and ongoing dialogue helps us monitor this closely and remain attentive to the needs of our teams.
Looking ahead, the Board remains confident in the organisation’s direction. The combination of a stable operational foundation, an experienced management team, and committed staff provides a strong platform for continued development. At the same time, priorities will remain centred on stability, security, and value creation for members and stakeholders, while further enhancing cost discipline, service innovation, and community growth.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the departing Board members, Bart van der Sloot and Eric Loos, for their dedication and contributions over the past years. Their efforts have been instrumental in supporting the organisation through a period of transition and continued development. At the same time, we warmly welcome the new members, Anna Claiborne and Salam Yamout, to the Board. Their diverse perspectives and expertise further strengthen our collective capabilities and support both continuity and renewal in our governance as we move forward.
The past year has required significant adaptability across the organisation. The AMS-IX team have played a central role in maintaining operational performance while continuing to deliver high-quality work in a changing environment. Their commitment and resilience have been key to sustaining progress. We also recognise the efforts of management, who have successfully navigated organisational transitions, delivered on key milestones, and maintained a clear focus on operational excellence alongside strategic development.
Finally, we would like to thank our members, customers, suppliers, and the broader community. Your continued trust, collaboration, and engagement are essential to our mission. Through initiatives that enhance connectivity, such as CROSS-IX services and community-driven developments, we aim to deliver increasing value while supporting the resilience and openness of the internet ecosystem.
I look forward to the year ahead with confidence, and with a shared commitment to stability, innovation, and long-term value creation.
On behalf of the Board,
Bernhard Pusch
Chair
