To: Michail Shadkin who wrote (3003 ) 6/28/2001 7:45:36 AM From: Bocor Respond to of 6873 PRESS RELEASE: F5 Networks, Nokia Set Alliance >FFIV 28 Jun 07:11 Nokia and F5 Networks Enter into Global Alliance MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. & SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 28, 2001-- Nokia OEMs F5's Internet traffic and content management software, pursues joint technology development opportunities and makes investments in F5 Networks 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 and applying iTCM technologies to both mobile infrastructure and mobile content delivery applications. Nokia also takes a 9.9 percent stake of unregistered common stock in F5 networks with an option to purchase an additional 10 percentof 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.