AboveNet Launches Dedicated Server Solutions Based on Cisco Micro Webserver for Small Business Web Hosting; AboveNet offers High Performance Internet Presence to Businesses at Low Monthly Costs.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 10, 1997--AboveNet Communications today announced a new Internet service based on Cisco's MicroWebServer that provides an efficient and reliable Web presence for small businesses.

Available now, AboveNet will offer Micro WebCondo, a service that includes a high-speed connection to the Internet and a dedicated Web server at an introductory lease price of $99 per month.

The MicroWebCondo service provides small business users with an easy-to-use Web server coupled with robust Internet connectivity at an affordable price. "Customers can lease the product and have access to AboveNet's impressive connectivity for just $99 per month, which puts `class A' Internet productivity and premium service within everyone's reach. We're very pleased to be able to bring this exciting package to a broader base of customers," said Sherman Tuan, president, AboveNet.

"Small and branch offices are looking for cost-effective Web publishing solutions that can be quickly implemented with minimal complexity and which are scalable and easy to set up and maintain," said Christine Hemrick, vice president and general manager of the Internet Appliances and Application Business Unit at Cisco Systems, Inc. "The Cisco Micro Webserver coupled with AboveNet's reliable high-speed connectivity service gives small business owners a one-step solution to establish a presence on the Web."

Slightly smaller than an average laptop computer, the Micro Webserver is a cost-effective, "plug-and-play" Web server appliance that gives enterprise, small business, branch office, and educational customers an easy way to establish an Internet presence or provide Intranet-base, Intra-office communications. Configurable in minutes using a Java graphical user interface (GUI) management application, the Micro Webserver packages both hardware and the embedded Web software kernel within a small footprint and offers removable media storage for content creation and Web authoring.

Together with the Micro Webserver, Internet connectivity with reliable bandwidth from 64 kbps to 2 Mbps is provided at AboveNet's Internet Service Exchange facility with a direct connection to San Jose's MAE (Metropolitan Access Exchange) West, "main post office" where 50% of all the nation's Internet traffic is routed to their respective destinations and or to other connectivity providers.

"As more and more businesses become dependent on the Internet, there's a greater demand for affordable, reliable and fast Internet access and presence," said Sherman Tuan, President of AboveNet. AboveNet's Internet Service Exchange facility provides the same premium Internet connection service to small and large servers alike."

Pricing and Availability

AboveNet offers the Micro WebCondo service at a monthly fee of $99.00. Accessibility, or "bandwidth" can be increased from a base 64 Kbps to 2 Mbps for an additional charge of $.50 per Kbps, per month. A minimal activation charge begins the service at AboveNet's Internet Service Exchange. Users can also purchase the Micro Webserver product directly from Cisco and through Cisco two-tier distribution resellers at $995.

AboveNet Communications

AboveNet Communications, the San Jose, Calif.-based Internet Service Exchange (ISX) facility addresses bandwidth and mission criticality needs of Internet Service Providers, (ISPs) large commercial websites and growing numbers of entry-level "webcentric" businesses and their customers. Through its superior network and routing technology, AboveNet is creating the infrastructure for Internet 2, "above-the-Net" with reliable, high speed, non-congested, Internet connectivity and data transport.

AboveNet's WebCondo, ISPCondo and MicroWebCondo provide class A, non-stop, non-congested co-location connection and monitoring to the Internet for content providers and ISPs. Proprietary technologies, such as EtherValve and Dynamic Packet Flow Management support rapidly scalable bandwidth from 64 Kbps to 100 Mbps, real-time monitoring, asymmetric routing and proactive network management.

AboveNet's Internet Service Exchange facility has direct MAE West access and redundant connections to all of the major Internet connectivity providers. AboveNet's facility provides unprecedented security, reliability and high speed to all its customers. AboveNet is building the foundation for the next generation Internet through its growing metropolis of web-related products and services that will create a reliable super information highway for business and commerce into the 21st century. -0-

Note to Editors: Cisco Systems and Micro WebServer are trademarks, and Cisco and the Cisco logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. Web Condo, ISPCondo, MicroWebCondo, EtherValve and Dynamic Packet Flow Management are registered trademarks of AboveNet Communications.

CONTACT: AboveNet

Chuck Scifers, 408/367-6693

[e-mail]

or

Complete Communications

Dianne Douglas, 415/584-4906

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