IP satellite service provider takes a hit

Cidera, a provider of caching, streaming and content distribution services to ISPs, was forced to shut down its satellite services for 29 hours last week. The services were resumed at the end of the week with a note on the service provider’s Web site that read:   “Cidera is in the middle of negotiations to secure continuing operation of service. We are very sorry we had to turn service off at all, but at least it’s back up. Cidera’s service was restored 2/28/03. Our service is secured for the next 2 months, and we are working for eternal life.”

Cidera, a provider of caching, streaming and content distribution services to ISPs, was forced to shut down its satellite services for 29 hours last week. The services were resumed at the end of the week with a note on the service provider’s Web site that read: 

“Cidera is in the middle of negotiations to secure continuing operation of service. We are very sorry we had to turn service off at all, but at least it’s back up. Cidera’s service was restored 2/28/03. Our service is secured for the next 2 months, and we are working for eternal life.”

Cidera services are based on satellite connectivity that bypasses sometimes congested landline Internet segments to connect users directly with access points on the ‘Net. The company offers four services including Usenet News Service, Cache Turbocharging, Cidera Streaming Media Service and Big File Mover.

The company was founded in 1997 by Doug Humphrey, a well-known entrepreneur in the IP world. Humphrey also founded Digex and served as the ISP’s CEO until 1997 when he set up SkyCache, which changed its name to Cidera in 2000. (Check out Network World’s interview with Humphrey that took place in 2000, https://www.nwfusion.com/news/2000/0221carrier.html)

The company launched with the promise of faster, more reliable Internet access services for ISPs and enterprises operating content rich networks. But Cidera, like a large portion of the technology industry, has been struggling to stay afloat.

According to the “Washington Post,” Cidera employs six people, which is a far cry from the company’s 200-strong employee roster nearly three years ago.

Cidera says it turned off its own service, but is now working with WebUseNet, which provides network services to ISPs. The companies are in the process of finalizing a deal.