Akamai keeps taking it to the edge

Last month, I talked about Akamai partnering with Microsoft to develop support for Microsoft's .Net within Akamai's dynamic content delivery service called EdgeSuite. Now Akamai has partnered with IBM to push Java computing out to the edge.

Akamai executives have told me they see Akamai's network of more than 12,000 caching servers within 1,000 networks in 66 countries as a perfect platform for distributed computing. They say that by pushing computing out to the edge, businesses can save on hardware and bandwidth because the drain on central servers is reduced. In addition, performance, reliability and scalability are enhanced because the computing happens out closer to the end user.

Akamai says it will deploy WebSphere software alongside its EdgeSuite caching software to enable the edge processing of Java-based applications. The service is scheduled to be available in the fourth quarter of this year and Akamai and IBM have set up an early adopters program to help them work out the kinks.

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications is using the service, called EdgeSuite for Java based on IBM WebSphere, to improve the performance of its dealer locator application. Akamai says EdgeSuite for Java enables Sony to scale the application on demand without having to worry about having extra hardware standing by.

In October 2001, Akamai and IBM announced that they were teaming up to explore the possibility of running applications from the Akamai network.

Akamai backs .Net
Network World Web Acceleration Newsletter, 04/22/02

IBM previews future of WebSphere
InfoWorld, 05/13/02

Caching firms look to regroup
Network World, 05/20/02

BroadVision says upgrades will simplify portal mgmt.
Network World, 05/20/02

Denise Dubie is a Staff Writer covering network management at Network World. She also works as a freelance writer in the Boston area. You can reach her at ddubie@nww.com.