Caching Appliance is Cheap and Simple

The NetCache C1100 is an ultra-thin caching appliance that is cheap, small, and easy to deploy. It should make POPs cheaper to deploy and easier to maintain.

by Wayne Kawamoto [May 15, 2000]

Network Appliance, Inc. announced the availability of its NetCache C1100 Web caching and streaming media appliance that delivers a scalable infrastructure platform for the management of Web content, content distribution, and service delivery to Internet service providers.

Designed for enterprise remote offices and ISP point-of-presence (POP) deployment, the NetCache C1100 supports a broad set of Internet protocols that include HTTP, FTP, and NNTP, as well as all three leading streaming media formats.

Based on the NetCache architecture, the NetCache C1100 appliance is supposed to transparently mirror content closer to end users, which should reduce redundant Internet traffic and eliminate network and server bottlenecks. The NetCache C1100 broadens NetApp's existing line of web caching and streaming media solutions, which include the NetCache C700 appliances.

"NetCache is the industry's first cost-effective content management and distribution solution that facilitates the delivery of rich Web content to the edges of a network," says Mark Santora, vice president of marketing for Network Appliance. "As Network Appliance's first sub-$10,000 system, the NetCache C1100 appliance cost-effectively addresses the need for enterprises and ISPs to scale and extend their networks, to offer high-quality Internet content and distribution services anytime and anywhere."

"The NetCache C1100 will allow us to enhance our ISP information infrastructure, improve customer access and speed downloads of rich, digital content and streaming media via the Web at a very attractive price/performance level," says Eric Dorsch, senior director, professional services, Cable and Wireless. "The NetCache C1100 stands to play an important role in providing enhanced network services."

The NetCache C1100 has dual 10/100MB Ethernet ports, and uses a microkernel OS to achieve higher availability. But the best features are the price, and the size — the C1100 is only 1U (1.7") high.

Pricing and Availability
The NetCache C1100 starts at (U.S.) $5,950.

Related Article
A more in-depth review of a more expensive appliance, the NetCache C720S.

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