CMGI - CMGI, Novell, Sun team to Form `CMGion` the Newest Majority-Owned Operating Company - 500 Beiträge pro Seite

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CMGI Forms Newest Majority-Owned Operating Company with Support from Leading Technology Players; CMGI, Novell and Sun Team to Form `CMGion`
Business Wire - April 11, 2000 08:50
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ANDOVER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2000--


New, Open Internet Operating Network Will Allow Others to Connect
as "ions" to Access Comprehensive Suite of Net Services

Strategic Investors to Contribute a Total of
$40 million to the New Company

Editor`s Summary:
-- CMGI has formed a new majority-owned operating company,
"CMGion," based in Andover, Mass., with CMGI Chairman and CEO David
Wetherell serving as interim CEO.
-- CMGion`s core business is the development and deployment of a
new Internet operating network service designed to enhance the
performance and functionality of the Internet by enabling a global
network of profile-based services that will improve the efficiency of
virtually any web-based application.
-- CMGion will "mine the flow" of Internet traffic by optimally
profiling and delivering any type of content, creating an
"infostructure" to support privacy-enabled, profile-driven personal
portals that are platform-aware, location-independent,
device-independent, omnipresent and totally seamless to the user.
-- CMGion enjoys two of the world`s leading technology companies
as co-founding partners. Novell and Sun each plan to support CMGion
with investments of capital and technologies. Novell plans to provide
the software platform including protocol, directory and caching
services based upon its directory-enabled Net infrastructure model
(DENIM) as the core technologies for CMGion`s unified global network.
Sun plans to provide appliance and server platforms and key operating
system components and optimizations.
-- Each partner has agreed to invest $20 million in the new
venture.
-- CMGion incorporates anonymous profiling technology from Engage
and services from key network partners such as NaviSite, which is
deploying a global infrastructure through partnerships with companies
such as Level 3 Communications.
CMGI, Inc. (Nasdaq:CMGI), the world`s largest and most diverse network of Internet companies, today announced it has formed a new majority-owned operating company, named "CMGion," ("CMG-Internet Operating Network") to be based in CMGI`s corporate headquarters in Andover, Massachusetts. Joining CMGI in this next-generation Internet venture are Novell, Inc. (Nasdaq:NOVL) and Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq:SUNW), each of whom intend to lend both capital and technical support subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the negotiation and signing of definitive agreements between CMGion and each of the parties.

CMGion`s mission is to create and deploy a next generation Internet Operating Network (or "ion") designed to enable a unified global network of profile-based services. The CMGion platform will be uniquely designed to enable more efficient delivery of applications and content on a global basis. An open, global, Internet-based network service, CMGion will enable corporate web sites, application and Internet service providers, and proprietary networks to leverage all of its services, much as "ions" connect to a molecule.

Defining a New Role in the Internet Economy

Among its primary roles, CMGion will act as an "infomediary" between clients and servers. Central to CMGion`s Internet "proxy" platform are protocol, directory and caching services. In turn, these services enable network participants to enjoy optimal user/site anonymous profiling and delivery of data types including standard, static content, as well as on-demand multimedia (audio/video) data types. CMGI envisions "ion" as a source of technical, economic and business model leverage for participating members. By virtualizing key aspects of client/server functionality involving session management, identity, and content management, CMGion expects to provide a myriad of value-added services.

Demonstrating the Power of Integration: Connecting More "ions" to CMGion

Offering flexibility, speed and the unique ability to link private and public systems, CMGion will publish application program interfaces (APIs) that will enable developers and network service providers to create next generation infomediaries.

These infomediaries represent a critical role in the B2B Internet Economy, linking content, consumers (corporate or individual) and information flow. Integrating the infomediaries to the CMGion platform offers greater efficiency, operating leverage and the unique ability to anonymously monitor, measure and quantify activity in order to continually improve the online experience for each constituency.

New Products/Services Offer Improved Experience and Greater Leverage

For the first time ever, CMGion will offer the ability to "mine the flow" of Internet traffic at the network level, augmenting server and user-level anonymous profiling. Leveraging technology developed by CMGI`s Engage (Nasdaq: ENGA), CMGion will profile any content type, including new multimedia products. The ability to conduct network-level profiling offers unparalleled insight into network design, user interests, time-of-day network activity and media measurement information that can dramatically impact network design, efficiency and cost factors.

From the content user`s perspective, this next-generation monitoring and profiling capability promises a more efficient, easier to use, and far more responsive experience. Advertisers will gain an added measure of independent monitoring of network activity (supporting market sizing and targeting efforts and advertising decisions), while network hosting centers will enjoy the potential to dynamically reconfigure network resources to effect greater efficiency and profitability.

CMGion constitutes the next Internet technology platform: the core "infostructure" enabling tremendous leverage in delivering content and services to platform-independent users (e.g. PCs, set-top boxes, Palm Pilot/Windows CE devices, wireless, wired, and satellite applications). Most importantly, while the systems are complex and the leverage significant, the services of CMGion are totally transparent to the user. Termed the "personal portal," the CMGion enabled infostructure has the potential to revolutionize Internet usage by optimizing every aspect of the Internet experience involving publishers and subscribers, buyers and sellers.

The Initial Strategic Partners to CMGion

Supporting this development in Internet infrastructure and enablement, each partner plans to provide specific expertise and technology to CMGion subject to the negotiation and signing of definite agreements between the parties. Under such agreements, Sun plans to provide appliance and server platforms and key operating system components and optimizations. Novell plans to provide the software platform including protocol, directory, and caching services software based on its recently announced directory-enabled Net Infrastructure model (DENIM) architecture. CMGion will combine these offerings, while providing a key platform for profile-based services that are delivered between centrally hosted web sites and caching services located at the network edge.

Jumpstarting the CMGion network will be CMGion`s access to NaviSite`s (Nasdaq:NAVI) existing data centers and application management infrastructure in addition to the three to five dozen additional hosting nodes that NaviSite expects to integrate by calendar year-end through agreements with a variety of partners, such as the one announced today with co-location facilities provider Level 3 Communications. NaviSite`s combination of strong, distributed application hosting and management services coupled with CMGion technology and services will create the world`s largest, distributed Internet ASP facility. CMGion will pursue other ASP partners to further extend the network infrastructure in the weeks ahead.

Leveraging proprietary software from Engage, CMGion will tightly integrate anonymous profiling services with popular operating systems including Solaris, Linux, Unix, Tru 64 and Novell`s Net services software. The resulting product is expected to offer far more efficient hosting, static and dynamic content distribution, application hosting, and caching.

CMGI chairman and chief executive officer, David Wetherell, said, "This represents a historic moment in the evolution of the Internet. CMGion reflects the considerable leverage of top professionals working together for a common objective. More importantly, "ion" represents the next generation of commerce, content and community enablement over the medium of the Internet. Never before have users demanded so much refinement from a technology base that is commercially only five years old. The introduction of wireless Internet access, new forms of Internet access tools (such as PCs, palm-sized, and other "toaster" devices) and increasingly complex content such as voice and video represent a new gauntlet for service providers to recognize and overcome."

"CMGI has always been a pioneer in enabling, and simplifying the user experience - for both corporate and individual users," added Wetherell. "We see CMGion as introducing a next generation solution to a current generation problem. `ion` represents cooperation and integration on a truly global scale. It is a technology, a platform, and an enhancement vehicle for public and private applications alike. We anticipate CMGion setting the bar that will be used to measure the performance of an entire industry."

Eric Schmidt, chairman and CEO of Novell, Inc., said, "This venture is a critical partnership that not only validates our vision of one Net, but demonstrates the value and architectural approach of our DENIM-based Net services software in a pure Internet environment. CMGion and its customers will reap a new level of benefits from our enterprise-proven protocol, directory, and caching services as the software platform for CMGion`s unified global network."

"CMGI and Sun are natural partners in building CMGion - driving innovation on the Internet, delivered to any user, anywhere, from any device," said Scott McNealy, Chairman and CEO of Sun Microsystems, Inc. "Delivering CMGion to the world is going to demand scalable, reliable systems - and that means Sun. As the primary infrastructure provider to CMGion, we`re looking forward to lending our expertise in serving the largest global service providers in the world."

About CMGI and CMGI @Ventures

With 70 companies, CMGI, Inc. (Nasdaq:CMGI) represents the largest, most diverse network of Internet companies in the world, including both CMGI operating companies and synergistic investments made through its venture capital affiliate, CMGI @Ventures. CMGI leverages the technologies, content and market reach of its extended family of companies to foster rapid growth and industry leadership across its network and the larger Internet Economy. Compaq, Intel, Microsoft, Pacific Century CyberWorks and Sumitomo hold minority positions in CMGI.

CMGI`s majority-owned operating companies include Engage Technologies (Nasdaq:ENGA), NaviSite (Nasdaq:NAVI), 1ClickBrands, 1stUp.com, Activate, AdForce, Adsmart, AltaVista, CMGI Solutions, Equilibrium, Flycast, iCAST, MyWay.com, NaviNet, SalesLink, Tribal Voice and yesmail.com. CMGI @Ventures has ownership interests in 53 companies, including Lycos, Inc. (Nasdaq:LCOS), Critical Path (Nasdaq:CPTH), Silknet (Nasdaq:SILK), , MotherNature.com (Nasdaq:MTHR), Ventro (Nasdaq:VNTR) and Vicinity (Nasdaq:VCNT).

CMGI`s corporate headquarters is at 100 Brickstone Square, Andover, MA 01810. CMGI @Ventures has offices there as well as at 3000 Alpine Road, Menlo Park, CA 94028. For additional information, see http://www.cmgi.com and http://www.ventures.com.

Novell

Novell, Inc. (NASDAQ:NOVL), is a leading provider of Net services software that delivers services to secure and power all types of networks -- the Internet, intranets, and extranets; wired to wireless; corporate and public -- across leading operating systems. Novell`s Net services software provides the foundation for one Net -- a single global network that supports new applications and forms of business. Net Services software gives IT organizations a way to adapt and accelerate their transformation to e-business, simplify the management and control of all networks, create a secure foundation for doing business on the Net, and help deliver a consistent and high-quality experience to end users in all locations. Worldwide channel, consulting, education and technical support programs, along with strategic alliances, combine Novell Net services software with third-party products and services to form complete Net solutions.

For information on Novell`s complete range of products and services, contact Novell`s Customer Response Center at (888) 321-4CRC (4272), or visit Novell`s Web site at http://www.novell.com.

Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision -- The Network is The Computer(TM) -- has propelled Sun Microsystems (Nasdaq:SUNW) to its position as a leading provider of industrial-strength hardware, software and services that power the Internet and allow companies worldwide to ".com" their businesses. With $13 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 170 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations or beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions about future events, and these statements are subject to important factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this release address a variety of subjects including, for example, the expected benefits resulting from the business of CMGion and the expansion plans of CMGion. The following important factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements: CMGion may be subject to intense competition, CMGion may not execute successfully on its business plans and the growth required of CMGion may place too great a strain on its management and operations.


CONTACT: CMGI Public Relations CMGI Investor Relations
Deidre Moore Catherine Taylor
[phone] [phone]
cell [phone] [e-mail]
[e-mail]
or
Novell, Inc. Public Relations Sun Public Relations
Pamela Mahoney Anne Little
[phone] 800-970-8813 (pager)
cell: [phone] [e-mail]
[e-mail]

[investor_007]

CMGI forms new firm that builds network to improve Net


ANDOVER, Mass., April 11 (Reuters) - Internet investment firm CMGI Inc. <CMGI.O> said Tuesday it has formed a new majority-owned
operating company, "CMGion," that will develop a new Internet operating network designed to improve the performance of the Internet.

Novell Inc. <NOVL.O> and Sun Microsystems Inc. <SUNW.O> will each invest $20 million in CMGion. Novell also plans to provide a software
platform that includes protocol, directory and caching services. Sun plans to provide appliance and server platforms and key operating system
components.

CMGion will "mine the flow" of Internet traffic by profiling and delivering content and creating a system to support personal portals that are
privacy-enabled and profile-driven, the Internet venture capital firm said in a statement about the new company.

CMGI Chairman and Chief Executive David Wetherell will serve interim chief executive of the new company, which will be based in Andover, Mass.

The new company will incorporate anonymous profiling technology from Engage Technologies Inc. <ENGA.O> and application hosting and
management services from partners such as Internet application service provider NaviSite Inc.<NAVI.O>.

One of CMGion`s primary roles will be to act as an "infomediary" between clients and servers, which represents an important role in the
business-to-business Internet economy because it links content, consumers and information flow, CMGI said.

"Never before have users demanded so much refinement from a technology base that is commercially only five years old. The introduction of wireless
Internet access, new forms of Internet access tools, and increasingly complex content such as voice and video, represent a new gauntlet for service
providers to recognize and overcome," Wetherell said in a statement. "We see CMGion as introducing a next generation solution to a current
generation problem.

Shares of CMGI, an Internet hothouse with about 65 developing companies within its portfolio, were off 4-1/2 at 79-7/16 in midmorning trade on
Nasdaq.

[investor_007]

UPDATE 1-CMGI forms new co to improve performance of Internet


(changes dateline pvs Andover, Mass.; adds comments from conference call in grafs 7-11)

NEW YORK, April 11 (Reuters) - Internet investment firm CMGI Inc. <CMGI.O> said Tuesday it has formed a new majority-owned operating
company, "CMGion," that will develop a new Internet operating network designed to improve the performance of the Internet.

Novell Inc. <NOVL.O> and Sun Microsystems Inc. <SUNW.O> will each invest $20 million in CMGion. Novell also plans to provide a software
platform that includes protocol, directory and caching services. Sun plans to provide appliance and server platforms and key operating system
components.

CMGion will "mine the flow" of Internet traffic by profiling and delivering content and creating a system to support personal portals that are
privacy-enabled and profile-driven, the Internet venture capital firm said in a statement about the new company.

CMGI Chairman and Chief Executive David Wetherell will serve as the interim chief executive of the new company, which will be based in Andover,
Mass.

The new company will incorporate anonymous profiling technology from Engage Technologies Inc. <ENGA.O> and application hosting and
management services from partners such as Internet application service provider NaviSite Inc.<NAVI.O>.

One of CMGion`s primary roles will be to act as an "infomediary" between clients and servers, which represents an important role in the
business-to-business Internet economy because it links content, consumers and information flow, CMGI said.

"It`s clear to us that the next wave is about personalized content and applications delivered to any connected device. For that to be a reality, services
such as CMGion will be an absolutely crucial link. Personalized Internet is more appealing to users. CMGion will drive huge infrastructure
requirements from server and storage to product that CMGIon runs on. It carries a requirement for reliability, which is the center of our product
strategies overall," said Jonathan Schwartz, vice president of venture and strategic investments at Sun Microsystems, on a conference call for
investors and analysts.

The revenue model for the new company will be a service model in which to take advantage of the more efficient delivery, said Wetherall in a
conference call. There will be a fee for using the CMGion network, CMGion software will also be licensable for users who want a similar product.

"We think this is a huge market and the next generation of ASP (application service providers) provisioning for the Internet and we see it having a
clear path to profitability," Wetherell said on the call.

CMGion`s service is targeted to go live at the beginning of next year and will go into beta testing in late summer to early fall.

Companies like America Online Inc <AOL.N> can take advantage of the CMGion network to give them more efficient global distribution of what
they have on the Web, Wetherell said.

Shares of CMGI, an Internet hothouse with about 65 developing companies within its portfolio, were off 3-7/16 at 80-1/2 in late morning trade on
Nasdaq.

[investor_007]

CMGI and Compaq Extend Alliance; Compaq Announces Strategic
CPQ.N><CMGI.O>


CMGI and Compaq Extend Alliance; Compaq Announces Strategic Investment In
CMGion
ANDOVER, Md. and HOUSTON, April 20 /PRNewswire/ --
CMGI, Inc. (Nasdaq: CMGI) - the world`s largest and most diverse network of
Internet companies - and Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) - a top
global supplier of Internet infrastructure, access, services, and solutions -
today announced that Compaq would join in the formation of CMGion, the new
CMGI majority-owned operating company.
As a strategic investor and co-founder of the new company, Compaq will
invest $20 million in CMGion and hold an equity stake in the newly formed
company of approximately four percent, in addition to providing appliances,
server and storage platforms, key operating system components, and technical
support.
"Compaq is committed to delivering the best Internet infrastructure,
solutions and services, and this new company capitalizes on many of our
strengths," said Michael Capellas, Compaq President and Chief Executive
Officer. "In addition to our equity investment, we will be a primary provider
for key foundation technologies to the venture, including Internet appliances,
high-end servers and storage systems, as well as professional services. The
partnership will take advantage of Compaq`s deep experience in industry-
leading platforms - Windows2000, Tru64 UNIX, Linux, and Novell Directory
Services and ICS - to ensure the fastest possible development and deployment
of the CMGion network service."
"Compaq`s support for CMGion takes the strategic relationship between our
two organizations to a new level and adds tremendous momentum to the
development of CMGion moving forward," said CMGI chairman and Chief Executive
Officer David Wetherell. "The Internet technology leadership represented by
CMGI, Compaq, Novell and Sun, each leveraging their respective strengths and
expertise to form CMGion, is a watershed event in the evolution of the
Internet. With their support, CMGion is uniquely positioned to deliver on its
promise to develop and deploy the next generation Internet operating network."
CMGion`s core business is designed to enhance the performance and
functionality of the Internet by enabling a global network of caching and
anonymous, profile-based services. The caching service will improve the end-
user experience of any Web-based application. The profiling services will
allow enterprise Web sites and "dot com" enterprises to effectively "mine the
flow" of their Internet traffic by optimally profiling the content and
application requests of their users - allowing them to dramatically improve
the user experience while pinpointing opportunities for more effective
customer relationship management
The CMGion network will provide an open platform that interfaces with
existing edge servers and networks. Service Providers can partner with CMGion
to deliver exciting new profiling and caching services to their .com,
enterprise, or ASP customers. The CMGion network is expected to begin beta
operations later this year and plans to be offering services early in 2001.
Compaq and CMGI announced a comprehensive strategic alliance in June, 1999
in which CMGI took a majority stake in AltaVista and Compaq became CMGI`s
largest outside shareholder. Compaq is a premier IT supplier to CMGI and CMGI
is a premier Internet technology supplier and solutions supplier to Compaq.
About CMGI and CMGI @Ventures
With more than 70 companies, CMGI, Inc. (Nasdaq: CMGI) represents the
largest, most diverse network of Internet companies in the world, including
both CMGI operating companies and synergistic investments made through its
venture capital affiliate, CMGI @Ventures. CMGI leverages the technologies,
content and market reach of its extended family of companies to foster rapid
growth and industry leadership across its network and the larger Internet
Economy. Compaq, Intel, Microsoft, Pacific Century CyberWorks and Sumitomo
hold minority positions in CMGI.
CMGI`s majority-owned operating companies include Engage Technologies
(Nasdaq: ENGA), NaviSite (Nasdaq: NAVI), 1ClickBrands, 1stUp.com, Activate,
AdForce, Adsmart, AltaVista, CMGion, CMGI Solutions, Equilibrium, Flycast,
iCAST, MyWay.com, NaviPath, SalesLink, Tribal Voice and yesmail.com. CMGI
@Ventures has ownership interests in 54 companies, including Lycos, Inc.
(Nasdaq: LCOS), Critical Path (Nasdaq: CPTH), MotherNature.com (Nasdaq: MTHR),
Ventro (Nasdaq: VNTR) and Vicinity (Nasdaq: VCNT).
CMGI`s corporate headquarters is at 100 Brickstone Square, Andover, MA 01810.
CMGI @Ventures has offices there as well as at 3000 Alpine Road, Menlo Park,
CA 94028. For additional information, see http://www.cmgi.com and
http://www.ventures.com.
About Compaq
Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is the largest
supplier of computing systems in the world. Compaq designs, develops,
manufactures, and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services,
including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant
business-critical solutions, and communications products, commercial desktop
and portable products, and consumer PCs.
Compaq products and services are sold in more than 200 countries directly
to businesses, through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners, and
directly to businesses and consumers through Compaq`s e-commerce Web site at
http://www.compaq.com. Compaq markets its products and services primarily to
customers from the business, home, government, and education sectors.
Customer support and information about Compaq and its products and services
are available at http://www.compaq.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements based on current
expectations or beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions about future
events, and these statements are subject to important factors and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
described in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in
this release address a variety of subjects including, for example, the
expected benefits resulting from the business of CMGion and the expansion
plans of CMGion. The following important factors, among others, could cause
actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-
looking statements: CMGion may be subject to intense competition, CMGion may
not execute successfully on its business plans and the growth required of
CMGion may place too great a strain on its management and operations.
Compaq is Registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Product
names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their
respective companies. This release contains forward-looking statements based
on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The
potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially include implementation of new distribution systems; changes in
product mix; unanticipated component shortages; increased competitive factors
and pricing pressures; market responses to pricing actions and promotional
programs; inventory risks due to shifts in market demand; volatility of
certain equity investments; and instability in developing countries that may
affect operations. Further information on the factors that could affect
Compaq`s financial results is included in the company`s Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including the latest annual report on Form
10-K and the latest quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
SOURCE Compaq Computer Corporation
-0- 04/20/1999

/CONTACT: Deidre Moore, Public Relations, 978-684-3655, or email,
[e-mail], or Catherine Taylor, Investor Relations, 978-684-3540, or
email, [e-mail], both of CMGI, Inc.; or Alan E. Hodel, Media
Relations, 281-518-8932, or email, [e-mail], or Investor
Relations, 281-514-9549, or 800-433-2391, or email,
[e-mail], both of Compaq Computer Corporation/
/Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990318/COMPAQLOGO
PR Newswire Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 201-369-3467/
/Web site: http://www.compaq.com/

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