Looking Glass Networks Inc. (Booth 107), a facilities-based provider of metropolitan data transport services, has launched CentraGLASS, a service that includes hosting and colocation services for customers needing high-bandwidth connections.

Looking Glass says the service provides a neutral business environment and will offer numerous connectivity options with large, established carriers, creating a virtual marketplace for companies to offer their services to others.

Initial deployments of CentraGLASS in the United States will include data centers in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and Washington, D.C.

There is broadening demand in the hosting marketplace, according to Looking Glass, for data centers that cater to Web hosting companies, content providers and other bandwidth-intensive customers. CentraGLASS will offer flexible packages, add-on services and access to the Looking Glass transport networks.

Looking Glass views the new CentraGLASS data-center services as a natural extension to the companys current product offerings. Looking Glass is targeting customers launching new ventures, such as multimedia service providers, hosting companies, gamers and VoIP providers, all of whom require a cost-effective, carrier-neutral environment in which to grow their businesses.

The service provides around-the-clock support from its network operation control center, secure facilities, local technician support and easy access to the Looking Glass network.