AutoNation Drives Down Costs and Security Risks with Network Appliance Internet Access and Security Solution
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--Jan. 2, 20040, 2004--| Largest U.S. Auto Retailer Experiences Immediate and Long-Term Benefits by Deploying NetApp(R) Internet Access and Security Solution |
Network Appliance(TM), Inc. , today announced that AutoNation, Inc. , America's largest retailer of both new and used vehicles, has deployed a Network Appliance Internet access and security solution to reduce costs and significantly limit security risks. AutoNation selected the NetApp solution to cost-effectively manage Internet access for over 25,500 of its employees across 300 locations nationwide.
"One out of every ten of AutoNation's sales transactions takes place on the Web, and all our dealership management system applications are Internet-based," said Brian Fritz, director of IT Systems, AutoNation. "The NetApp solution enabled AutoNation to reduce costs and improve employee productivity. In addition to the annual productivity savings, AutoNation has also experienced a reduction in bandwidth usage that will extend the life of our existing dealership network infrastructure."
The NetApp appliance-based approach to Internet access management provides proven reliability, minimizing the time required for maintenance and administration. This approach gave AutoNation the confidence to deploy NetApp NetCache(R) appliances running webwasher AG's DynaBLocator(TM) content-filtering software across 300 dealership locations. AutoNation has also deployed webwasher's Content Reporter(TM) software for managing and analyzing Internet traffic.
"The NetApp solution has reduced our short-term costs significantly and has also 'future proofed' our infrastructure," said Fritz. "Moving forward, as our business needs change we will be able to leverage the NetApp systems when we deploy new Web applications such as streaming video."
"Non business-related Internet usage equates to lost productivity and other potentially unwanted costs," said Amit Pandey, vice president and general manager, Content Delivery Business Unit, Network Appliance. "To protect themselves, corporations need to proactively take measures to effectively manage employee Internet access and security. The NetApp solution offers enterprise customers such as AutoNation significant cost savings, improved Internet security, and the ability to support a wide range of content-rich Web applications, all backed by world-class global customer support."
About AutoNation
AutoNation, Inc., headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is America's largest retailer of both new and used vehicles. Ranked No. 93 on the 2003 Fortune 500 and a component of the Standard and Poor's 500 Index, AutoNation employs approximately 28,500 people and owns and operates 373 new vehicle franchises in 17 states. For additional information, please visit http://corp.AutoNation.com or www.AutoNation.com, where more than 100,000 vehicles are available for sale.
About webwasher AG
webwasher AG is one of the leading providers of Internet security solutions for companies and public institutions. On the basis of their own technology developments as well as by cooperating with leading technology partners, the company develops and markets innovative products for the growing Content Security Management market. With Internet Access Management, Internet Content Filtering, E-mail and Spam Filtering, Virus Protection and Reporting, companies can optimize their Internet usage and protect themselves effectively and efficiently from threats and annoyances arising from the Internet. The server-based webwasher solutions are deployed by over 4,000 companies worldwide -- among them 20 U.S. Fortune 500 companies. webwasher has established strategic partnerships with Network Appliance, Check Point, Computer Associates, and Network Associates.
About Network Appliance
Network Appliance is a world leader in unified storage solutions for today's data-intensive enterprise. Since its inception in 1992, Network Appliance has delivered technology, product, and partner firsts that continue to drive "The evolution of storage.(TM)" Information about Network Appliance solutions and services is available at www.netapp.com.
Note to Editors: NetApp, NetCache, and the Network Appliance logo are registered trademarks and Network Appliance and The evolution of storage are trademarks of Network Appliance, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other brands or products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and should be treated as such.