Akamai and Novell to Integrate Cache Interface Standard
Akamai is teaming with Novell to build upon the existing and successful interoperability between caches and value-added services such as Akamai's Internet content delivery service, FreeFlow. The added functionality will be derived from the development of a new standard for communications called the Cache Interface Protocol. The protocol enables caches to store content currently carried on the Akamai network and to report on their performance - such as the number of hits served - to Web site owners, through Akamai's content delivery service. This development will expand the level of functionality in the caching market, long awaited by ISPs and Web site owners.
Announced in March 1999, the Novell Internet Caching System is a highly scalable, plug-and-accelerate caching appliance architecture available for license by OEM partners. Licensees include Compaq, Dell, Microbits, NEC, Quantex, Pionex and others who have already begun shipping caching appliances based on Novell ICS. When used as a "Web server accelerator," Novell's ICS features reverse-proxy cache deployment that speeds up corporate Web and Intranet servers tenfold, eliminating slow download times. This type of caching involves placing a cache in front of a Web server to off-load the traffic burden through intercepting inbound requests for static content.
In addition to the integration of the new Cache Interface Protocol, Novell's ICS will be the first caching solution to incorporate Akamai's FreeFlow Launcher technology to enable Web site owners to easily modify Web page content for delivery by Akamai's global Internet content delivery network. The new feature called "ICS Launcher" combines the benefits of Novell's lauded Web site acceleration with Akamai's FreeFlow service.
"In addition to functioning as a network cache, Novell ICS enhances the speed at which source Web servers can respond to user requests," said Daniel Lewin, chief technology officer at Akamai. "Akamai's customers have requested the integration of ICS and FreeFlow so they can quickly 'Akamaize' Web content, enabling delivery from our global network. Novell's support for the Cache Interface Protocol and ICS Launcher is an important benefit not only to both companies, and to the industry in general, but to Web site customers that rely on Novell ICS."
Akamai and Novell are also announcing their intention to cooperate on the development of software that will leverage Novell's ICS and Akamai's global network to facilitate scalable streaming media distribution.
"Through joint development with Akamai, we are providing the strongest Internet content delivery for ISPs, major Web content publishers and enterprises worldwide," stated Drew Major, Novell's Chief Scientist. "With the continued investment in our caching technology, Novell is focused on delivering a rich performance platform for new networking services that will create new e-Business opportunities for our partners."
About Akamai
Akamai Technologies is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts and has offices in San Mateo and Cupertino, California, and Europe. Akamai is the leader in distributed content, streaming media, and applications delivery, serving over 225 of the Web's most popular properties including over 100 leading e-commerce companies. Akamai has deployed the broadest global network for content, streaming media, and applications delivery with more than 2000 servers in over 40 countries directly connected to more than 100 different telecommunications networks. Akamai (pronounced AH kuh my) is Hawaiian for intelligent, clever and cool.
| Contacts: |
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| Jeff Young Akamai Technologies 617-250-3913 jyoung@akamai.com |
--or-- | Marco Greenberg NYPR 212-367-9600 marco@nypr.com |
| Lisa Bradlow NYPR 212-367-9600 lisa@nypr.com |
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Companies work together to enhance interoperability between Novell's Internet Caching System and Akamai's Internet content delivery service, FreeFlow
CAMBRIDGE, MA, September 22, 1999 - Akamai Technologies, which operates a global Internet content delivery service that speeds up Web performance, announced today that it has formed a broad technology relationship with Novell (NASDAQ: NOVL). Key to the relationship is the development of specialized protocols that facilitate communications between Novell's Internet Caching System (ICS) and Akamai's global network of servers. Joint development between the two companies will culminate in a number of initiatives to deliver enhanced Internet infrastructure services.Akamai is teaming with Novell to build upon the existing and successful interoperability between caches and value-added services such as Akamai's Internet content delivery service, FreeFlow. The added functionality will be derived from the development of a new standard for communications called the Cache Interface Protocol. The protocol enables caches to store content currently carried on the Akamai network and to report on their performance - such as the number of hits served - to Web site owners, through Akamai's content delivery service. This development will expand the level of functionality in the caching market, long awaited by ISPs and Web site owners.
Announced in March 1999, the Novell Internet Caching System is a highly scalable, plug-and-accelerate caching appliance architecture available for license by OEM partners. Licensees include Compaq, Dell, Microbits, NEC, Quantex, Pionex and others who have already begun shipping caching appliances based on Novell ICS. When used as a "Web server accelerator," Novell's ICS features reverse-proxy cache deployment that speeds up corporate Web and Intranet servers tenfold, eliminating slow download times. This type of caching involves placing a cache in front of a Web server to off-load the traffic burden through intercepting inbound requests for static content.
In addition to the integration of the new Cache Interface Protocol, Novell's ICS will be the first caching solution to incorporate Akamai's FreeFlow Launcher technology to enable Web site owners to easily modify Web page content for delivery by Akamai's global Internet content delivery network. The new feature called "ICS Launcher" combines the benefits of Novell's lauded Web site acceleration with Akamai's FreeFlow service.
"In addition to functioning as a network cache, Novell ICS enhances the speed at which source Web servers can respond to user requests," said Daniel Lewin, chief technology officer at Akamai. "Akamai's customers have requested the integration of ICS and FreeFlow so they can quickly 'Akamaize' Web content, enabling delivery from our global network. Novell's support for the Cache Interface Protocol and ICS Launcher is an important benefit not only to both companies, and to the industry in general, but to Web site customers that rely on Novell ICS."
Akamai and Novell are also announcing their intention to cooperate on the development of software that will leverage Novell's ICS and Akamai's global network to facilitate scalable streaming media distribution.
"Through joint development with Akamai, we are providing the strongest Internet content delivery for ISPs, major Web content publishers and enterprises worldwide," stated Drew Major, Novell's Chief Scientist. "With the continued investment in our caching technology, Novell is focused on delivering a rich performance platform for new networking services that will create new e-Business opportunities for our partners."
About Akamai
Akamai Technologies is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts and has offices in San Mateo and Cupertino, California, and Europe. Akamai is the leader in distributed content, streaming media, and applications delivery, serving over 225 of the Web's most popular properties including over 100 leading e-commerce companies. Akamai has deployed the broadest global network for content, streaming media, and applications delivery with more than 2000 servers in over 40 countries directly connected to more than 100 different telecommunications networks. Akamai (pronounced AH kuh my) is Hawaiian for intelligent, clever and cool.
