F5 Networks Serves Up Microsoft Office Apps

WAN optimization vendor F5 Networks has introduced a new hosted service that delivers Microsoft applications to enterprise customers using an overlay network constructed around its products.

F5's Application Ready Network is designed to carry Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft SharePoint server, Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft Live Communications Server. The network will deliver better application performance and tighter security at half the cost of managing application delivery internally, F5 claims.

The vendor said its network eliminates problems like WAN latency that can interfere with application performance and business operations. The service incorporates security features, including unified access control and enforcement, to protect corporate data and support operational continuity.

The new service is available immediately. F5 says it plans to introduce similar services for other applications in the future.

F5 also signed an agreement to license Microsoft System Operation Center for use in its own forthcoming F5 ControlPoint Management appliance, which companies can use to administer F5's acceleration appliances. ControlPoint will ship in the second half of this year.