Akamai to Increase Use of (3)CrossRoads Internet Access Service and (3)Center Colocation Space in Level 3 Data Centers in United States, Europe and Asia
Akamai to Expand Deployment of Edge Servers in Level 3?s Global Broadband Network
BROOMFIELD, Colo., Jan. 25, 2001 - Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) today announced it has expanded its relationship with Akamai Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:AKAM), a leading Content Delivery Service Provider (CDSP). The companies have formed a strategic alliance under which Akamai will increase its use of (3)CrossRoads Internet access service and (3)Center Colocation space in Level 3 data centers in the United States, Europe and Asia. The agreement allows Akamai to expand its deployment of edge servers in Level 3's global broadband network to deliver Akamaizedsm content from its servers to Level 3 wholesale customers and other users with access to the Level 3 network.
As a result of the alliance, Akamai can accelerate the delivery of Internet content and improve the quality and reliability of streaming media for Level 3 customers and other Internet users on a global basis. "Level 3 is pleased to be working with Akamai on a global basis to help them drive continued improvements in Internet performance and end-user experience," said Brian Horsfield, vice president of Global IP Services for Level 3. "This agreement with Akamai, who we believe is the leading content delivery service provider in the world, represents one of our most extensive and important global alliances to date."
Akamai's globally distributed network of servers enables the delivery of all forms of Internet content, including live and on-demand streaming media, as well as applications. Through this relationship with Level 3, Akamai is continuing to expand its global network of servers to deliver content closer to Internet end users with high-performance results. Akamai serves more than 3,675 customers worldwide, including 1,337 recurring customers, and has deployed more than 8,000 servers in 55 countries. "Our goal is to consistently expand our global network to deliver popular Web content closer and more reliably to end users," said Avi Freedman, vice president, chief network architect, Akamai. "As a recognized IP network leader, Level 3 is a logical choice for Akamai to broadly deploy our edge delivery servers. Akamai finds significant value in Level 3's capacity-built global network, its reach and its ability to provide burstability during periods of heightened Internet traffic"
About (3)CrossRoads Internet Access Service
(3)CrossRoads is an IP-based Internet access service that offers a wide range of interface types and access locations, including a Gigabit Ethernet (1,000 Mbps) customer interface option. Level 3 employs a unique network approach to track the destination of IP packets and monitor the bandwidth usage on its high capacity, continuously upgradeable fiber-optic network. (3)CrossRoads features Destination Sensitive Billing (DSB), the industry's first pricing based on the destination of Internet traffic rather than traditional flat rate pricing. The new service enables Level 3 customers to enjoy long-term cost savings and bypass congested Internet exchange points, minimizing latency and improving the end-user experience.
About Level 3 Communications
Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT), an international communications company, operates one of the largest Internet backbones in the world, connecting 180 markets in 18 countries. The company serves a broad range of wholesale, enterprise and content customers with a comprehensive suite of services including: Internet Protocol (IP) services, broadband transport and infrastructure services, colocation services, voice and voice over IP services, content delivery and media distribution services. These services provide the building blocks to enable Level 3’s customers to meet their growing demands for advanced communications solutions. The company’s Web address is www.Level3.com.
"Level 3 Communications,” "Level 3," the red 3D brackets and the Level 3 Communications logo are registered service marks of Level 3 Communications, LLC in the United States and/or other countries. Level 3 services are provided by wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc. Any other service, product or company names recited herein may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statement
Some of the statements that we make in this press release are forward looking in nature. These statements are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. These forward looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside our control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. The most important factors that could prevent us from achieving our stated goals include, but are not limited to our ability to: successfully integrate acquisitions; increase the volume of traffic on our network; defend our intellectual property and proprietary rights; develop new products and services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; successfully complete commercial testing of new technology and information systems to support new products and services; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; and meet all of the terms and conditions of our debt obligations. Additional information concerning these and other important factors can be found within Level 3’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important factors. Level 3 is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
