AKAMAI AND IBM UNVEIL EDGE COMPUTING SOLUTION
Companies introduce early adopter program for EdgeSuite for Java based on
IBM WebSphere to deliver e-business applications on demand; Sony Ericsson
Mobile Communications signs on as early adopter
Cambridge, MA and Somers, NY - May 8, 2002 - Akamai Technologies, Inc.
(Nasdaq: AKAM) and IBM today unveiled EdgeSuiteSM for Java based on IBM
WebSphere - an edge computing service currently in development to help
enterprises maximize business efficiencies and scale by enabling Web
applications to execute at the edge of the Internet via Akamai`s global
network. The companies have formed a program for early adopters of the new
offering, including Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications. The service is
slated for availability in the fourth quarter of 2002.
A growing number of enterprises want to extend business applications to the
Web to increase the efficiency with which they sell products and services,
manage inventories and supply chains, and serve customers. These
Web-enabled business processes require the highest levels of availability,
reliability and performance due to their dynamic, mission-critical nature.
By deploying the distributed application environment provided by IBM`s
WebSphere in combination with Akamai EdgeSuite for Java running in a
globally distributed network, enterprises can benefit by further extending
their Java-based applications and Web services closer to customers, partners
and suppliers.
As a charter participant in the early adopter program, Sony Ericsson Mobile
Communications will use EdgeSuite for Java based on IBM WebSphere to enable
its sales-enhancing dealer locator application to scale on demand to reach
users worldwide. "It`s of critical importance to Sony Ericsson to leverage
the Internet`s reach and economies of scale to enhance existing business
processes and uncover new opportunities," said Mats Frisk, core application
architect, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications. "EdgeSuite for Java based
on IBM WebSphere will allow us to deploy applications that meet our
requirements for 24/7, global business operations. For example, we`ll be
able to show potential customers, accessing our site from anywhere in the
world, where to find the closest Sony Ericsson dealer."
"Our work with IBM will provide enterprises with the efficiencies of edge
computing by delivering a cost-effective solution that extends the power of
traditional computing models to achieve greater reach and reliability in a
distributed environment," said Chris Schoettle, executive vice president,
Technology and Network Infrastructure, Akamai. "With EdgeSuite for Java
based on IBM WebSphere, Akamai and IBM are helping customers extend
application execution to the Internet`s edge, thus simplifying the extension
of core business processes like supply chain management, customer service,
and sales lead generation to the Internet."
"IBM is delighted to collaborate with Akamai to help customers enjoy fast,
scalable and fault-tolerant applications that maximize business efficiency,"
said John Swainson, general manager, IBM Application and Integration
Middleware. "As more and more enterprises realize the advantages of
Web-enabling key business processes for cost savings and revenue-generating
opportunities, they require a combination like EdgeSuite for Java and the
industry-leading WebSphere software platform."
Akamai and IBM announced an agreement in October 2001 to explore the
technical feasibility of processing distributed applications from the Akamai
network using WebSphere software. Today, the companies announced that they
are working with early adopter customers to refine requirements for the
service, EdgeSuite for Java based on IBM WebSphere, which will enable
enterprises and developers to extend more business functions to the Web.
For example, by using EdgeSuite for Java based on IBM WebSphere:
-- A retail site could send credit card transactions directly to the payment
center, bypassing the origin server to improve performance and availability
in the event of an origin failure.
-- A manufacturer could compare offerings from various suppliers before
placing an order by integrating its inventory management system with
customers` supply chain systems.
-- A telecommunications provider could offer an interactive, searchable
knowledge base for trouble-shooting, shifting the workload to the edge of
the network and closer to the user seeking help.
-- A global automotive site could provide a car configurator that allows a
customer to choose features for their optimal car based on options available
in different countries.
EdgeSuite for Java based on IBM WebSphere will deploy application logic onto
the Akamai Platform, enabling powerful Web applications and Web services to
run close to requesting users with high performance and on-demand
scalability worldwide.
About IBM WebSphere
WebSphere is the market-leading Internet infrastructure software, or
middleware, for creating, running and integrating e-business applications
across a variety of computing platforms. Built on open standards such as
J2EE, XML and the new Web services standards, and endowed with IBM`s core
strengths of reliability, scalability and security, WebSphere server
software and development tools are used by tens of thousands of customers
and have shown 11 consecutive quarters of double-digit sales growth. For
more information: http://www.ibm.com/websphere.
About Akamai
Akamai is a leading provider of secure, outsourced e-business infrastructure
services and software. These services and software enable companies to
reduce the complexity and cost of deploying and operating a uniform Web
infrastructure while ensuring unmatched performance, reliability,
scalability and manageability. Akamai`s services give businesses a distinct
competitive advantage and provide an unparalleled Internet experience for
their customers. Akamai`s intelligent edge platform for content, streaming
media, and application delivery comprises more than 12,600 servers within
over 1,000 networks in 66 countries. With headquarters in Cambridge,
Massachusetts, Akamai provides services and industry-renowned customer care
to hundreds of enterprises worldwide, including dozens of Fortune 500
businesses. For information on Delivering a Better InternetSM, visit
www.akamai.com.
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