VA Linux to Refer Network Service Providers to Akamai Accelerated Network Program.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

LinuxWorld 2001

CAMBRIDGE, Mass./FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 2001

Akamai Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKAM), the leading Content Delivery Service Provider (CDSP), and VA Linux Systems (NASDAQ: LNUX), the world's Linux leader, today announced an agreement through which VA Linux will promote the Akamai Accelerated Network program to network service providers throughout North America. In addition to providing hardware and professional services support for Akamai's network build-out, VA Linux will leverage its client base, industry recognition and world-class sales team to encourage the deployment of Akamai servers within ISP networks to improve the online experience of end users, at no cost to qualified networks.

"We're excited to work with VA Linux to continue the aggressive build-out of our content delivery network and extend the value proposition of the Akamai Accelerated Network program to greater numbers of ISPs throughout North America," said Jonathan Stefansky, vice president, network infrastructure, Akamai. "The efforts of VA Linux to help grow the Akamai network are complementary to our strategy for dramatically improving Internet performance by delivering content from the Internet's edge."

"As we continue offering best-of-breed servers to ISPs around the globe, it's a natural fit to promote the value of becoming an Akamai Accelerated Network," said Robert Russo, senior vice president and general manager of worldwide field operations, VA Linux Systems. "Popular Internet content residing on Akamai's network, combined with the power of VA Linux servers, creates a significant advantage for ISPs looking to improve subscriber satisfaction through enhanced Web performance."

The Akamai Accelerated Network program enables ISPs worldwide to co-locate Akamai edge servers within their Points of Presence (POPs) at no cost. By placing servers close to end users inside an ISP's network, the ISP can reduce the amount of transit bandwidth needed to deliver requested Web pages that include Akamaized(SM) content, streaming media and software downloads. As a result, end users benefit from faster downloads, enhanced quality and reliability of popular content from thousands of Akamaized Web properties.

VA Linux offers high performance servers designed to take advantage of the Linux operating system and maximize the performance of Internet applications. The free solution offered through the Akamai Accelerated Network program is well received by network providers who are looking to improve performance for their subscribers at no additional cost. With VA Linux servers deployed worldwide as part of Akamai's content delivery network, network providers can reduce bandwidth costs while improving performance for end users.

About VA Linux Systems

VA Linux Systems is the world's Linux leader. The expert provider of Linux and Open Source solutions for the Web, VA Linux offers a single point of contact for highly customized Linux servers and storage--featuring the industry's first Build-to-Order Software--as well as professional consulting services and support. VA Linux Systems' mission is to make its customers successful through the use of Linux and Open Source software in Internet infrastructure and enterprise-level software development. As part of its commitment to expanding the Open Source community, VA Linux Systems operates the Open Source Development Network (OSDN). A network of the leading Internet sites for Open Source development, distribution and discussion, OSDN includes SourceForge.net, freshmeat.net, Slashdot and Linux.com. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Fremont, California, with offices across North America, Europe and Japan, VA Linux is located on the Web at www.valinux.com.

About Akamai

Akamai is the leading Content Delivery Service Provider, serving 3,675 customers, including 1,337 recurring customers under contract worldwide. Akamai has the broadest deployment of servers for content, streaming media, and applications delivery with more than 8,000 servers in 55 countries directly connected within 473 different telecommunications networks.

Akamai Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 

The release contains information about future expectations, plans and prospects of Akamai's management that constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors including, but not limited to, the dependence on Akamai's Internet content delivery service, a failure of its network infrastructure, the complexity of its service and the networks on which the service is deployed, the failure to obtain access to transmission capacity and other factors that are discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents periodically filed with the SEC.

VA Linux Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

Certain statements in this press release, including statements relating to future market position, future product offerings and results, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different from expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, VA Linux Systems' and Akamai's future working relationship; continued introduction of new products; the evolving market for Linux-based systems; competition with larger and more established companies and smaller, general-purpose manufacturers; the company's ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; and other risks detailed in VA Linux's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which may be accessed through the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.