SHARPER IMAGE SELECTS ULTRADNS FOR MANAGEMENT OF DNS INFRASTRUCTURE
Multichannel Specialty Retailer Chooses UltraDNS Managed DNS to Ensure Optimal Performance of Its Digital Brand
BRISBANE, Calif., July 28, 2004 -- UltraDNS™ Corporation, the world`s leading Managed DNS Service Provider, today announced that The Sharper Image Corporation (Nasdaq: SHRP), a specialty retailer renowned as a leading source of innovative, high-quality products, has implemented the UltraDNS Managed DNS Service to ensure the optimal performance of its mission-critical Web presence. By engaging UltraDNS to manage its DNS (Domain Name System) infrastructure, The Shaper Image benefits from a global network that provides significant performance enhancements for this critical component of Web operations.
The Sharper Image has a unique and differentiated multichannel business strategy that leverages the opportunities offered by e-commerce. As one of the first retailers to establish an online presence in 1995, The Sharper Image realized that Web operations would be a key factor in its success and has continually sought best-of-breed providers to manage its infrastructure requirements. The Sharper Image first deployed on the UltraDNS platform in 2002 to help achieve its objectives of 100 percent uptime coupled with the highest levels of customer service in order to provide a superior shopping experience.
"We chose UltraDNS in order to have real-time DNS manageability for our Web properties and to ensure that we would have no disruption of business due to DNS failure," said Greg Alexander, senior vice president of Information Technology at The Sharper Image. "Our brand promises our customers the most innovative products that take advantage of the latest technologies and the highest level of customer service. The technology partners we select to help us deliver this value proposition, like UltraDNS, have to be consistent with that philosophy."
Managed DNS Service enables companies to maintain real-time control over zone data through a full-featured Graphical User Interface (GUI). The GUI allows for hierarchical delegation of management functionality so that multiple system administrators can have different levels of simultaneous access and control over assigned domains. This feature prevents bottlenecks in accessing the zone data and allows for a complete view of all domains under management. Additionally, this multi-threaded access enables the enterprise to modify its DNS information in real-time based on operational business requirements.
"The Sharper Image holds a clear distinction among online properties for delivering innovative, cutting-edge products that sophisticated consumers demand," said Ben Petro, president and CEO of UltraDNS. "UltraDNS fits a similar profile for companies looking for advanced services in DNS management as our customers realize the tangible value that our technology solutions deliver in supporting mission-critical networks."
About The Sharper Image
The Sharper Image is a specialty retailer that is nationally and internationally renowned as a leading source of new, innovative, high-quality products that make life better and more enjoyable. A significant and growing proportion of sales are of proprietary products created by the Company`s product development group, Sharper Image Design. The Company operates more than 160 stores throughout the United States and mails millions of its award-winning catalogs each month. The Company`s products may also be purchased on the Internet via its online store at sharperimage.com. The Company also has an online auction site where consumers can place bids to win Sharper Image products at lower prices; the auction site is accessed from the home page of the Company`s Website. The Company also markets its products through business-to-business sales for corporate marketing programs and wholesale customers.
About UltraDNS
Based in Brisbane, Calif., UltraDNS Corporation is the world`s leading Managed DNS Service Provider with over eight million domains currently under management, delivering solutions that enhance the reliability and performance of the world`s largest directories and the mission-critical applications that access them. UltraDNS offers highly scalable solutions - both as a managed services provider and as a developer of custom infrastructure solutions - built on its unique Directory Services Platform and proprietary, patented technologies. UltraDNS infrastructure services, such as Managed DNS, address the growing need for fast, reliable responses to directory queries in today`s converging Internet/telecom environment. By connecting a user`s information request to the proper directory and assuring a quick, accurate response, UltraDNS plays a key enabling role in delivering content, information and data to users when, where and on whatever device they choose. The company was founded in 1999 and is funded by Reuters Group PLC, VantagePoint Venture Partners and New Enterprise Associates. For more information please visit www.ultradns.com.
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