Wednesday March 17, 7:30 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: AboveNet Communications, Inc.
Blackboard Leverages AboveNet's
Global One-Hop Network to Deliver
Online Learning Services
SAN JOSE, Calif., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- AboveNet Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:
ABOV - news), the architect of a global one-hop network that brings together
high-bandwidth content sites and ISPs in a centralized co-location facility, today announced
an agreement with Blackboard Inc. through which Blackboard will co-locate its servers at
AboveNet's Vienna, VA Internet Service Exchange(TM) (ISX(TM)). Blackboard is a leader
in the fast-growing online education market, and counts more than 100 colleges, universities
and associations among its customers. By co-locating at AboveNet, Blackboard will be able
to offer faster, more reliable access to its online services to instructors and students around
the world.
''We selected AboveNet because their superior connectivity allows us to offer a truly global
online learning environment that can be reached at any time from any where,'' said Michael
Chasen, President of Blackboard. ''AboveNet combines a reliable and scalable solution
with world class customer service, allowing us to focus on meeting customer demand in the
online education and training market.''
Blackboard's products and services provide a clear migration path from hosting single
classes on the Web to creating fully-networked virtual campuses. Blackboard's Web site,
Blackboard.com, is a fast growing Web community site that allows individual instructors to
create free online classrooms on Blackboard's servers. Blackboard's entry-level server
product, Blackboard CourseInfo, is used to create and maintain scalable course Web sites at
a wide range of universities and associations. Blackboard's upcoming enterprise-level
system, Blackboard Campus, provides a comprehensive locally-installed online campus that
integrates seamlessly with university administrative systems and can be extensively
customized for the institution's unique look and feel.
''Online learning is one of fastest-growing applications on the Internet, and access to
high-quality, scalable network bandwidth is vital to its continued success. We deliver the
performance and bandwidth capacity Instructors need to accommodate the fluctuating number
of students online at any one time,'' said David Dembitz, Senior Vice President, Sales and
Marketing of AboveNet. ''Our relationship with Blackboard demonstrates our commitment
to support new and emerging uses of the Internet. We are delighted to provide Blackboard
with a solution that improves the quality of the online learning experience for its customers.''
About Blackboard Inc.
Blackboard Inc. is an online education company that provides one of the world's most
popular and effective platforms for teaching and learning over the Internet. Blackboard's
products -- CourseInfo and Campus -- enable higher education, K-12 and professional
training organizations to host their own courses online. Blackboard.com, the company's Web
site, provides free course Web sites and resources to a rapidly growing community of
teachers and learners around the world. Blackboard product customers include leading
institutions such as Cornell University, Yale University, Georgetown University, Arizona
State University, the University of Tennessee, Maricopa Community College, and many
more. Additional information about Blackboard can be found at
blackboard.com.
About AboveNet Communications Inc.
AboveNet Communications, Inc. is a premier provider of Internet connectivity and
co-location solutions for high bandwidth and mission-critical applications. AboveNet is the
architect of the Internet Service Exchange (ISX) -- a world class network that provides
co-location services for Content Providers and ISPs interested in developing business and
strategic partnerships. The AboveNet Global One-Hop Network(TM) is designed to deliver
fast, scalable and reliable connections to the Internet and improves the Internet experience
for all end-users. With its Tier 1 status and ISO 9002 certification, AboveNet is positioned
to serve the global community of the Internet. For more information on AboveNet and its
service offerings visit the company's Web site at above.net. |
