Akamai Teams With Realnetworks for Streaming Media Delivery; Akamai Integrates RealNetworks' Streaming Software Into Global Network

Business Wire, Sept 18, 1999

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 1999--

Akamai Technologies, which operates a global Internet content delivery service that speeds up Web performance, announced today the incorporation of software technology from RealNetworks(R) to support the delivery of RealAudio(R) and RealVideo(R) content in the Akamai network. RealNetworks is licensing RealProxies for integration across Akamai's global network. In addition, Akamai is developing a customized service for the fast and reliable delivery of streaming content created using RealNetworks' RealSystem(TM) G2.

"Our support for RealNetworks-based content demonstrates Akamai's commitment to providing our customers world-wide with the best high performance service for delivering streaming media," said George Conrades, chairman and CEO of Akamai. "Our customers want the high quality of RealSystem G2 streaming media which is both a proven and recognized leader in today's interactive arena. RealNetworks has become pervasive with content creators and Internet users through its award-winning technology, broad deployment of millions of players, and vast number of content sources available in RealAudio and RealVideo formats."

In addition, the two companies are collaborating on NetAid, an initiative aimed at ending extreme poverty. Akamai, in its role as a sponsor of NetAid (www.netaid.org), has donated and deployed more than 300 servers over multiple carrier networks. On October 9th, these Akamai servers will be used by Cisco Systems and RealNetworks to webcast the NetAid concert live via the Real Broadcast Network (RBN) using RealSystem G2. By offering a scalable network capable of supporting 125,000 simultaneous streams, NetAid has the potential to be the Internet's largest streaming media event to date.

About RealNetworks

RealNetworks, Inc. (Nasdaq "RNWK"), based in Seattle, is the recognized leader in media delivery for the Internet. It develops and markets software products and services designed to enable users of personal computers and other consumer electronic devices to send and receive audio, video and other multimedia services using the web. RealNetworks can be found on the World Wide Web at www.real.com

About Akamai

Akamai Technologies is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Akamai provides a global Internet content delivery service that improves Web site speed and reliability and protects against Web site crashes due to demand overloads. Currently, Akamai has 900 servers deployed in 15 countries across 25 telecommunications networks, providing Akamai's customers with guaranteed global Internet content delivery service. Akamai (pronounced AH kuh my) is Hawaiian for intelligent, clever and cool.