We provide intelligent Web switches that enable our customers to deploy a
global Web network architecture to optimize e-commerce transactions and the
delivery of Web content. Our products, which are specifically designed for the
Web, are intended to enhance the performance, scalability, availability,
reliability and security of our customers' Web sites. Using patented technology,
our switches intelligently route requests for Web content or transactions to the
network server that is best able to handle the request at that moment based on
information about:
- the requesting party;
- the content or transaction requested; and
- the structure and changing conditions of the customer's Web network.
In recent years there has been dramatic growth in both the number of people
using the Internet and the amount of e-commerce taking place over the Web. To
attract and retain Internet users, companies are continually increasing the
amount and the sophistication of the information and services offered on their
Web sites. This has resulted in significantly more complex Web sites, typically
consisting of a variety of different types of servers connected by traditional
networking devices such as switches and routers. While the increasing importance
of the Internet to the businesses of many companies makes it critical for those
companies to effectively manage their Web site traffic and provide visitors with
a positive experience, the increasing complexity of their Web networks is making
it more difficult to do so. We believe many companies are seeking to develop a
Web network architecture that improves the ability to conduct e-commerce on
their Web sites, intelligently directs Web traffic and enables these companies
to offer new and enhanced Web services.
Our intelligent Web switches enable our customers to deploy a Web network
architecture that:
- facilitates e-commerce transactions;
- enables companies to give preferred or differing treatment to specific users
or specific types of content requests;
- directs Web requests to the network server best able to handle those requests
based on information about the requesting party, the Web content or
transaction requested and the customer's Web network;
- identifies hot content, such as a breaking news story, and automatically
triggers the copying of that content to dynamically add capacity to handle the
requests for that content;
- intelligently redirects requests for content or applications unavailable due
to a Web site failure to another Web site or server which has the requested
information;
- protects against attempts by computer hackers to disable servers or keep
servers busy performing useless tasks without significantly impairing
performance;
- addresses a range of customer needs, from those of smaller Web sites to the
high-performance demands of large, complex Web hosting operations; and
- tracks detailed statistics about the performance of the network, servers,
applications and content.
Our objective is to be the leading provider of intelligent Web switches
that enable the deployment of a global Web network architecture to optimize
e-commerce transactions and the delivery of Web content. To achieve this
objective, we are pursuing the following strategies:
- targeting leading Web hosting and application service providers and e-commerce
companies;
- aggressively expanding our direct sales force and increasing the size and
productivity of our indirect sales channels;
- maintaining our technological leadership;
- pursuing strategic alliances with key customers, Web hosting and application
service providers; and
- continuing to deliver superior service and support to our customers.
Our customers include Web hosting and application service providers,
e-commerce companies, Internet service providers and other enterprises deploying
applications on the Web. Our Web switches enable our customers to solve many
e-commerce problems and to offer new and enhanced Web services. As of December
31, 1999, over 100 companies have deployed our switches in their Web networks.
Our customers include EMC, Exodus Communications, Global Crossing, NaviSite and
Road Runner.
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