The Atlanta data center operated by zColo, the colocation unit of telecommunications provider Zayo Group, has received Open-IX certification. The company announced this week that the facility was confirmed as compliant with the industry association’s OIX-2 Data Center Certification.

Zayo currently operates 45 data centers in the US and France. The Atlanta location – at 1100 White Street SW – was acquired in July 2014 when Zayo purchased Colo Facilities Atlanta (AtlantaNAP), a locally based data center and managed services provider. Reliable and diverse network connections are a major aspect of the OIX-2 evaluation and, at the time of purchase, Zayo highlighted that 1100 White Street was connected via high-count and diverse fiber rings that would provide customers with more connectivity options.

“Becoming Open-IX certified further enhances the value we provide to our customers by increasing connectivity options and creating a neutral environment for low cost, flexible, scalable peering between content providers, carriers, and enterprises,” said Stephanie Copeland, president of zColo, in a press statement.

The non-profit Open-IX Association was formed in 2013 to encourage variety in the US internet exchange market. The industry body offers certifications for both internet exchange points and data centers; applicants for the OIX-2 certification must meet a list of physical and operational requirements to qualify.

Open-IX certified its first data center in January 2014. Zayo’s Atlanta location is now the 22nd data center to achieve the credential, “a testament to the growth and continued adoption of the initiative,” according to David Temkin, co-founder and chairman of the Open-IX Association.