Emeryville, Calif. — December 17, 2008 — Aspera, creators of next-generation software technologies that move the world’s digital assets at maximum speed regardless of file size, transfer distance or network conditions, today announced the general availability of Aspera Console. The new Aspera Console is an enterprise-scale management platform that allows companies to monitor, control and automate high-speed Aspera file transfers across a network of distributed endpoints through a single Web interface. Aspera also released an upgrade to its faspex™ Server, the breakthrough digital package delivery software that provides an intuitive way for individuals and groups to exchange even massive files or collections of files with maximum speed at global distances.

Companies are increasingly adopting new digital operations and using their IP networks to distribute information that previously had to be physically shipped. By moving more core business functions online, they are increasing workflow efficiency, shortening time-to-market and cutting costs. This is particularly true for media and entertainment companies that face stiff competitive pressure to produce differentiated, high-quality content with shrinking budgets. The ever-expanding scale of global file transfer workflows and deployments now calls for a global, centralized management solution that allows organizations to holistically monitor and control the movement of data, the supporting IT and bandwidth infrastructure, as well as their community of transferring users.

Aspera’s fasp™ transport technology has been deployed by hundreds of organizations across a variety of industries – including media companies, government agencies, financial institutions, life sciences organizations, cloud computing services and more – for high-performance file transfer over existing infrastructures. Specifically designed to address their network management and monitoring needs, the new Aspera Console enables customers to achieve global, detailed visibility and control over their high-speed file transfer networks.

"Developed in close collaboration with our enterprise users, the new Aspera Console represents the next stage in the evolution of our high-performance file transfer tools," said Michelle Munson, Aspera co-founder and president. "Aspera software has been widely adopted by the media industry at large to efficiently move digital content through the supply chain. Aspera Console further enables a global, digital production, collaboration and distribution ecosystem where the high-performance file transfer function can be fully centralized for optimal visibility, efficiency and control." Aspera Console in Action From a single browser-based interface, administrators can configure any managed Aspera node – Aspera Enterprise Server, Aspera Connect Server, Aspera faspex™ Server, or Aspera Point-to-Point. Authorized users can activate Aspera transfers between nodes within an enterprise and with Aspera servers at external sites – including transfers to multiple destinations, as well as automated repetitive transfer jobs. Aspera Console allows users to view and control all transfers passing through these nodes, control bandwidth usage and priority for transfers per flow and in aggregate, and report on transfer history. Aspera Console is designed for multi-user access and allows administrators to easily set up groups of users with capabilities appropriate to their organizational role and configurable by transfer path. For example, a group of transfer operators can be enabled to activate and monitor their own transfers on permitted paths, while view-only users can be solely granted monitoring and reporting capabilities.

Key features of Aspera Console version 1.0 include:

• Monitor and Control Transfer Activity and Bandwidth Utilization—From a visual dashboard, view transfer activity and bandwidth utilization for active transfers, problem transfers and past transfers; enables on-the-fly control over individual transfer speed and priority.
• Initiate and Automate Transfer Jobs Remotely—Remotely browse nodes and initiate ad hoc transfer jobs; use “Smart Transfer” templates for repeatable transfer jobs; configure target and minimum transfer rate, transfer priority and encryption settings.
• Manage Transfer Nodes, Users and User Groups—Configure all node properties such as bandwidth and encryption settings; create and manage users and groups, including Active Directory, local Windows and Unix groups.
• Create Transfer Usage Reports and E-mail Notifications—Configure e-mail notification by transfer path; create and view detailed transfer activity reports by day, IP address or user; export reports to XML or CSV.

Enhanced Digital Package Delivery System The Aspera faspex™ Server is a high-performance digital package delivery system that provides an easy way for individuals and groups to collaborate and exchange even massive files or collections of files quickly, efficiently, and with complete security. From a Web interface, users can send digital packages consisting of single or multiple files and directories to other registered users or project groups by dragging files into a "Send" interface. Similarly, recipients receive packages in their Web-based inbox, or as an embedded link forwarded to e-mail. The simple interface and easy setup are ideal for ad hoc transfer needs, collaborative workflows, as well as review and approval processes.

Available now, Aspera faspex™ Server version 1.5 features the following new capabilities:

• Greater Flexibility and Convenience in Package Delivery/Receipt—Now enables package forwarding without re-uploading; supports individual file download while package upload is underway.
• New Workflow and Automation—Provides e-mail notification upon successful download; supports HTTP Fallback for highly restrictive network environments; features automation interfaces for upload to the server and post-processing triggers for scriptable custom actions and transfers upon upload completion.
• Enhanced Administration and Security—Features a myriad of new administration capabilities for managing large and rapidly changing user populations, such as automatic user account expiration, open, moderated, and private file exchange groups, enhanced transfer authorization policies, and self-service user management. Adds strong encryption of file data at-rest, as well as in transit.

Pricing and Availability Aspera Console 1.0 is available now from Aspera. Pricing starts at $12,500.

Aspera faspex™ Server 1.5 is available now. Pricing starts at $11,000. Existing Aspera faspex™ Server customers running the fasp 2.0 software platform or higher are eligible for a free upgrade.

For more information, email sales@asperasoft.com or call (510) 849-2386 About Aspera Aspera is the creator of next-generation transport technologies that move the world’s digital assets at maximum speed regardless of file size, transfer distance and network conditions. Based on its patent-pending fasp™ protocol, only Aspera software fully utilizes existing infrastructures to deliver the fastest, most predictable file transfer experience. Aspera’s core technology delivers unprecedented control over bandwidth, complete security and uncompromising reliability. Hundreds of organizations across a variety of industries rely on Aspera for the business-critical transport of their digital assets. Aspera empowers individuals and corporations to dramatically increase productivity, minimize operational costs, expand revenues and explore new business models. Visit www.asperasoft.com for more information.