Nokia and F5 Networks Enter Into Global Alliance
Nokia OEMs F5's Internet Traffic and Content Management Software,
Pursues Joint Technology Development Opportunities and Makes
Investments in F5 Networks
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. & SEATTLE--June 28, 2001--Nokia (NYSE:NOK)
and F5 Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:FFIV), the leading provider of Internet
Traffic and Content Management (iTCM) products, have joined forces to
strategically align their products, channels, technology offerings and
development activities.
This alliance brings together two leaders in their respective
markets to provide corporate and managed service provider customers
with more efficient ways to manage and control the unique Internet
security and network traffic management issues they face today while
preparing for those of future mobile network environments.
Under the terms of the agreement, Nokia Internet Communications
has signed a two-year OEM license and reseller agreement for F5's full
suite of iTCM products, immediately enhancing its existing market
leading Internet security appliance portfolio. This enhancement
enables simplified implementation of firewall, VPN and server farm
load balancing applications to further increase the high availability
and scalability of Nokia's industry leading Internet security
appliances.
Over the next several months, Nokia and F5 will also identify and
pursue a number of joint technology development initiatives. Specific
areas of interest include, but are not limited to, secure network
management solutions, integration of F5's iControl capabilities and
applying iTCM technologies to both mobile infrastructure and mobile
content delivery applications.
Nokia also takes a 10 percent stake of unregistered common stock
in F5 Networks with an option to purchase an additional 10 percent of
F5's common stock. Additionally, Nokia has the right to nominate a
representative to F5's Board of Directors.
"We're very pleased to align with Nokia who has established a
powerful brand name around the globe and continues to set the pace for
delivering innovative mobile communications and Internet security
solutions," said John McAdam, president and CEO of F5 Networks. "With
this alliance, F5 significantly broadens its channel reach,
strengthens its market position, and takes giant steps toward enabling
the mobile Internet."
"Nokia is dedicated to bringing a new level of security and
reliability for doing business over both wired and mobile networks,"
said Mika Vehvilainen, senior vice president, Nokia Internet
Communications. "F5's solid iTCM offering adds a critical building
block to Nokia's strategy of enabling the trusted Internet
transaction. We look forward to working with F5 to immediately enhance
the value of our existing Internet security solutions and develop new
innovative technologies to better serve our customers."
An audio conference call open to analysts and media will be held
on Thursday, June 28, 2001 at 8am PDT.
Participants may dial into the conference by calling:
US Toll Free (Int.) + 1 888 942 8516; or
USA Toll for International (Int.) + 1 712 257 3661
Passcode: 1981193
For more information on Nokia's Secure Network Solutions
portfolio, please visit nokia.com and click on Secure
Network Solutions. For more information on F5 Network's iTCM
portfolio, please visit f5.com.
About Nokia Internet Communications
Nokia Internet Communications, headquartered in Mountain View,
California, provides world class Network Security and Virtual Private
Network solutions that ensure the security and reliability of
corporate enterprise and managed service provider networks. Nokia is
committed to enhancing the end user experience by bringing a new level
of security and reliability to the network, enabling an Internet
transaction that is personal and trusted -- each and every time. For
more information, please visit nokia.com and click on
Secure Network Solutions. |
