Network Appliance Delivers Highly Scalable Data Storage and Streaming Media Solution to theDial

Business Wire, Nov 28, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 28, 2000

Network Appliance (NASDAQ: NTAP), a leading provider of network-attached data access and content delivery solutions, today announced that theDial has deployed a Network Appliance(TM) storage solutions and they are evaluating NetCache(TM) solutions to enhance their ability to efficiently store and serve streaming audio to customers over their innovative interactive audio network.

theDial has moved its data storage from direct-attached SCSI devices to NetApp(R) filers, network-attached solutions, thereby increasing reliability, scalability, and performance. theDial uses NetApp filers as a multiprotocol solution, storing files generated from applications running on platforms with Linux, Sun Solaris, and Windows NT(R) operating systems. On the filer, theDial stores WAV files -- which can be as large as 30MB each -- and files in the Windows Media Technologies (WMT) and Real Networks' RealSystem G2 format all indexed by an Oracle(R) database.

Delivering Improved Throughput

Lance Neubauer, Information Systems Director for theDial, says, "Network Appliance takes advantage of the multi-trunking capabilities of their filers to establish multiple, redundant 100 megabit connections to the network. The benefit for theDial is high throughput; for the user, faster downloads of streamed files means increased productivity and less time waiting for a desktop computer to finish the downloading process."

As Neubauer continued, "We need a flexible, highly scalable IT platform that enables us to grow rapidly and efficiently. The Network Appliance filers and NetCache solutions are key components of that platform, delivering the security, reliability, and performance we need from data storage and caching devices."

Building an Interactive Streaming Media Network

According to Neubauer, theDial's IT platform positions it to build a streaming media network in the future. He says that establishing a relationship with industry leaders such as Network Appliance enables theDial to benefit from the synergy and experience of the industry leaders in streaming media.

"We are pleased theDial has selected Network Appliance solutions for reliable, scalable storage and highly efficient delivery of streaming audio content," said Mark Santora, senior vice president of marketing at Network Appliance. "We're also looking forward to helping them use filers and NetCache appliances as an end-to-end solution for their streaming media network."

About theDial

theDial streams its original "really cool audio entertainment" through a proprietary interactive Player on a variety of Top 100 Web sites. Found on partner sites such as ClassMates.com, FortuneCity and Women.com, theDial gives listeners humorous, original commentary on topics from pop culture and sports to lifestyle reports and bizarre Web sites -- along with a wide selection of music formats. theDial produces more than 1,300 original pieces of entertainment per month. Branded for an individual site's audience and look, theDial Player sets itself apart from other entertainment sites with its proprietary and interactive "GO!", "HISTORY" and "SEND PLAYER" buttons, which give listeners the opportunity to get more information about what they're hearing or missed and forward theDial Player and audio clips to friends.

About Network Appliance

Network Appliance, Inc., a veteran in network file storage and content delivery, has been providing data access solutions since 1992, and is a member of both the S&P 500 and NASDAQ 100 index. Major corporations and service providers, including Lycos, Yahoo!, Citicorp Securities, Siemens, Lockheed, Cisco, Motorola, and Texas Instruments have deployed NetApp solutions.

The company pioneered the concept of the "network appliance," an extension of the industry trend toward dedicated, specialized products that perform a single function. NetApp storage and content delivery platforms (filers and NetCache appliances) are coupled with powerful content distribution and reporting software. This end-to-end solution offers seamless data management from the back-end data center to the edge of the network quickly, simply, and reliably. The Network Appliance product portfolio utilizes the company's innovative data access software, known as the Data ONTAP(TM) operating system, as well as standards-compliant hardware. It also offers multiprotocol support and transparent integration for UNIX(R) and Windows(R) environments.

Note to Editors: NetApp is a registered trademark and Network Appliance, NetCache, and Data ONTAP are trademarks of Network Appliance, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. UNIX is a registered trademark of X/Open Company Limited, in the U.S. and other countries. Oracle is a registered trademark of the Oracle Corporation. All other brands or products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and should be treated as such.