Akonix Appoints Ron Hegli as Vice President of Engineering; Adds Experienced Technical Executive to Lead Development During Rapid Growth and Product Expansion.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 17, 2004

- Akonix Systems, the leading developer of enterprise-wide, real-time communications management software, today announced the addition of Ron Hegli to its executive management team. As Vice President of Engineering, Hegli will head the company's rapidly expanding product development organization, and will report to Akonix President and CEO, Peter J. Shaw.

Hegli joins Akonix from Websense, Inc., where he was Vice President of Engineering and Chief Architect. Under his guidance, Websense's product expanded from an add-on filter of Web sites into a unified platform that provides the most flexible policy-based management of employee computer use in the industry.

Hegli was instrumental in developing the organization, processes and product architecture to support Websense's Initial Public Offering in March 2000. Over the past five years, Hegli guided the development and design of Websense Enterprise through rapid growth, as the engineering organization grew from 20 to over 100 people, and the company grew to over $111 million in annual billings, serving more than 20,000 customers.

Hegli previously served as Vice President of Engineering for TriTeal, Inc., managing the launch of its first product and guiding growth of the development organization for more than four years.

"We are delighted to have attracted Ron to Akonix," said Peter J. Shaw. "His knowledge and experience in delivering mission-critical enterprise applications provides a perfect fit for Akonix as we build on our industry-leading technology for enabling safe, secure and productive use of instant messaging for enterprises. As we continue to add customers and expand our product offerings across these emerging real-time applications, Ron will be an important member of the executive team."

Hegli has more than 20 years' experience managing and developing complex enterprise software solutions. He started his career with General Electric Company as an Edison Engineer, and was a principal engineer with Digital Equipment Corporation. Hegli also served as Director of Product Programs for San Diego-based Nuera Communications Inc., a carrier-class IP telephony solutions provider.

"I'm extremely excited about joining Akonix," said Hegli. "With the appropriate management, security and integration, instant messaging has the potential to transform the way organizations conduct business. Akonix offers a unique opportunity to join the technological leader in this new market, offering unlimited potential in its award-winning, innovative products, strong customer base and outstanding financial position."

Hegli holds a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Oregon and a M.S. in Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley.

About Akonix

Akonix Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of enterprise-class software solutions that help companies secure and manage the use of instant messaging (IM) and other real-time communications technologies.

The company's offerings help organizations prevent unsanctioned use of both consumer IM and P2P file sharing, while providing security, management and control for authorized IM usage. Akonix's award-winning solutions address industry and government compliance requirements (SEC, NASD, FERC, HIPAA and Sarbanes-Oxley).

Akonix's solutions are in use by more than 100 customers, with enterprise-wide deployments across a wide range of industries. Akonix is privately held and venture capital funded by Menlo Ventures, Mission Ventures, Palomar Ventures and Windward Ventures. For more information and/or to request a trial visit www.akonix.com.

Akonix is a registered trademark of Akonix Systems, Inc. All other trademarks, tradenames, service marks, service names and images mentioned and/or used herein belong to their respective owners.