Web Site Performance To Be Tested In Terrorist Attack Aftermath; Gomez Performance Network Delivers Hourly Impact Analysis Across Financial, Travel Segments

Business Wire, Sept 17, 2001

Business/Technology Editors

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 2001

As Americans strive to regain a sense of normalcy in the aftermath of September 11th's tragic terrorist attacks they will inevitably turn to the Internet for assistance. This natural reflex tests the performance constraints of many leading finance and travel Web sites, some of which were unable to keep pace with surging traffic in the hours following the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks, according to Gomez, Inc., the Internet Quality Measurement firm.

Consumers and corporate users are expected to flock to the Internet this week to resume trading and, perhaps more critically, to check on all financial assets amid uncertain and potentially volatile market conditions. Others will want to check flight availability and delays or attempt to resolve customer service questions following the resumption of civilian air travel. Few will want to handle these critical inquires via the phone or in person - where long hold times and lines await them.

Gomez Performance Network (GPN), a Web-based service that delivers real-time Web site performance diagnostics from controlled points across the Internet, has closely monitored site performance and availability of major financial and travel services firms during the last few months. GPN will provide regular updates on finance and travel Web site availability and reliability, and analyze how major firms are responding to the expected virtual onslaught. These updates will be made available via GPN's Web site, Gomeznetworks.com.

"More than ever, Web site availability and reliability are key components in the delivery of quality Internet services," noted Jeff Banker, vice president of Gomez's GPN business unit. "How major financial and travel services sites' perform in the coming weeks will be critical to the Internet's continuation as the medium of choice for self-directed consumers."

"Reliability and availability will be among the first things investors confront when getting reacquainted with their financial services sites following this national tragedy," added Dan Burke, Gomez's director of brokerage services. "If financial services sites are slow or unresponsive it could negatively impact investor sentiment and ultimately consumer confidence."

About Gomez

Gomez provides online customer experience measurement services to help firms build successful e-businesses. Gomez Performance Network is a leading provider of Web page and transaction performance monitoring solutions to Fortune 1000 companies. GPN enables companies to measure the performance of their global Web sites in real-time, enabling them to continuously monitor site availability and responsiveness, worldwide.

Gomez, Gomez.com, GomezPro, Gomez Performance Network, Performance Media and Internet Quality Measurement are trademarks and/or service marks of Gomez, Inc.