Sphera Gives Web Hosting Providers Easy Access to Streaming Media Capabilities; World's Most Popular Web-Based Audio/Video Applications Deployed Through Sphera HostingDirector

Business Wire, June 11, 2001

Business/Technology Editors

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 11, 2001

Sphera Corporation, a leading provider of hosting automation software, today announced that is has joined the RealNetworks(R), Inc. RealPartner Program. Through its relationship with RealNetworks, the global leader in Internet media delivery, Sphera gives hosting providers quick and easy access to essential streaming media capabilities via its flagship product HostingDirector(TM). As hosting providers compete to offer new applications and services, Sphera responds by integrating the industry's most popular technologies and products, like the RealSystem(R) 7.0.

"We are pleased that Sphera has joined our RealPartner Program," said Kevin Foreman, general manager, Developer and Partner Relations Group, RealNetworks, Inc. "Sphera's HostingDirector is capable of interacting with RealSystem Server to help manage content from a remote location and run multiple servers from a single interface, strengthening hosting providers' competitive offerings."

Sphera HostingDirector brings together the most extensive list of applications available to hosting providers today. HostingDirector's next generation open architecture ensures the ease of integration necessary for hosting providers to quickly deliver revenue-generating services. As the market demand grows for advanced audio and video capabilities, the addition of RealNetworks' products to HostingDirector will allow providers to leverage the Web's most sophisticated multimedia technology.

"Differentiation is the name of the game. Remaining competitive, and profitable, in today's changing economy requires hosting providers to offer value-driven applications and services to their customers," said Tamar Naor, CEO of Sphera Corporation. "By integrating advanced multimedia products from RealNetworks, Sphera is leading the charge to equip hosting providers with the most sought-after applications on the Web."

About Sphera

Founded in 1998, Sphera is pioneering a new approach for IDCs, ISPs and Web hosting providers to deliver value-added applications and Web services. Experienced in the day-to-day challenges facing hosting providers, Sphera has developed an extensible Web hosting platform that delivers on the promise of end-to-end service automation. The company's flagship product, Sphera HostingDirector, automates the Web hosting industry by offering a comprehensive management infrastructure that enables reliable hosting, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sphera technology puts the power of time, resources and control back into the hands of the hosting provider, resulting in new sources of revenue growth and greater profitability to the corporate bottom line. Sphera is headquartered in Boston, with additional offices in Virginia and London, and R&D facilities in Israel. For more information about Sphera and its products, call us at 781-685-4962 or visit our Web site at http://www.sphera.com.

Sphera and HostingDirector are trademarks of Sphera Corporation. RealNetworks and RealSystem are trademarks or registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.