Data center industry group AFCOM has become part of iNET Interactive, a leading publisher of content for the web hosting industry, the companies said this week.
AFCOM was founded in 1980 to provide networking and education opportunities for data center professionals, and currently has more than 4,500 members and 40 chapters worldwide. The group is known for its twice-yearly Data Center World conferences.
iNET Interactive operates online communities and news sites, including Web Hosting Talk, the primary forum for the hosting industry, as well as the HostingCon conference. Earlier this year iNET acquired The Web Host Industry Review, a leading publication covering the web hosting sector.
AFCOM said the deal will provide the group with access to the resources of a larger organization and improved online expertise to fulfill its mission. AFCOM's current team will continue as part of iNet Interactive, including Jill Yaoz, president of the AFCOM association and chairperson of Data Center World.
"Becoming a member of the iNET Interactive family is a milestone for AFCOM as it expands the breadth and depth of our services," said Yaoz. "Both my team and I will remain deeply involved with our current services and conferences, but we also look forward to rolling out enhanced offerings through iNET Interactive’s leadership. I am confident that iNET Interactive will continue to grow and develop AFCOM with the same passion and commitment that has driven this organization for thirty-plus years."
"AFCOM is a perfect fit to the iNET Interactive family," said Troy Augustine, iNET Interactive president and CEO. "Our goal is to further enrich AFCOM’s services for its valued members, while strengthening iNet Interactive’s presence in the data center, web hosting and technology markets."
The Spring Data Center World conference is set for March 18-22, 2012 at The Mirage in Las Vegas. The keynote speaker will be Vivek Kundra, who just completed his duties as the United States' first chief information officer. For a look back at the fall 2011 show, see Highlights from Data Center World Fall 2011.