Internet Software Consortium, SFINX/Renater, Telehouse, NEC and Foundry Networks Deploy Root Nameserver in Paris.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 22, 2003

New Server Strengthens European Internet and Brings Enhanced

Performance to the Region

Internet Software Consortium (ISC) in cooperation with SFINX/Renater, Telehouse, NEC and Foundry Networks, have put into service and will operate a new F-root nameserver in Paris, France. The new server will be a mirror of the F-root server operated and managed by ISC in the U.S. This server is the third F-root mirror ISC has deployed in Europe this year. The SFINX (Service for French INternet eXchange) is one of the major Internet exchange points in Europe, providing interconnection for more than 70 national and international operators.

"With the launch of our new DNS service, SFINX is reinforcing its strategic position among Internet exchange points," said Franck Simon, SFINX Technical Manager. "The SFINX, thanks to a partnership with ISC, has launched a DNS root-server service following the deployment of a F-root nameserver mirror within the SFINX-Telehouse2 POP. The new service will be able to deal with DNS requests both in IPv4 and IPv6. The launch of this root-server mirror is the first step of a program that aims to deploy a stronger and more robust Internet service in France with the goal of optimizing exchanges between key actors in the framework of a global quality of service. This new offering complements the numerous services already available to SFINX users. These services include secondary DNS service for .fr domains, NTP service, and advanced services such as IPv6 or Multicast."

Yosuke Fukuma, Director General at Telehouse Europe, Paris commented "I am delighted that Telehouse has been selected to host the F-root nameserver here at our Voltaire site. It's a great privilege for us play such a key part in supporting ISC activities through the provision of high level security, power, technical support plus a range of other services. Hosting this root nameserver underlines Telehouse's commitment to the continuing development of the internet."

Joao Damas, Senior Programme Manager for ISC, said, "By installing a root nameserver in Paris we will strengthen the European Internet, making it more robust. ISC's root nameserver, which is accessible over IPv6 transport, is also contributing to the development of the future of the Internet. We are also happy to have had the participation of NEC, by providing the latest technology in server hardware for use in this project. By deploying mirrors of the F-root nameserver around the globe we have made the Internet less vulnerable to malicious attacks."

The root nameserver plays an important role in the Internet, performing the look-up and translation between human-friendly site names and Internet system addresses. There are nine root nameservers in the USA, one nameserver in Asia and two nameservers in Europe. Nameserver mirrors effectively distribute the service to more locations thereby improving the overall performance and responsiveness of the Internet while providing increased protection from malicious attacks.

"We are very pleased that our high-performance switches are an integral part of this network expansion to enhance the resilience and performance of Internet services throughout the region," said Bob Schiff, director of product marketing for the Enterprise Business Unit of Foundry Networks. "The Telehouse2 Point of Presence is one of Europe's busiest hubs and demands the high level of resilience, scalability and intelligent traffic management capabilities delivered by the Foundry solution."