Rackspace Managed Hosting and MySQL Power DriverGuide.com

SAN ANTONIO and SEATTLE - Nov. 18, 2002

Rackspace Managed Hosting and MySQL AB today announced that DriverGuide.com has selected MySQL's high performance database server within Rackspace's fully-managed hosting environment to power its popular Web site. One of PC Magazine's Top 100 sites, DriverGuide.com is the leading driver database and support Web site that registers more than 25,000 new members daily. The fully-bundled Rackspace and MySQL solution provides a scalable and stable hosting environment to run heavy-duty, mission-critical applications using the MySQL™ database.

"Due to the heavy traffic received by the DriverGuide.com site, we require a complex configuration and specialized support," said Charles Simmons, president of iCentric Corporation which publishes DriverGuide.com. "MySQL was the best choice for a relational database management system because of its high value and outstanding performance. Rackspace's reputation for providing Fanatical Support™, in addition to their expertise in hosting MySQL, ensures that we will stay up and running, even during high traffic peaks."

The MySQL database is designed to maximize speed and reliability. MySQL is architected for the Web and includes key features necessary for business-critical applications, such as full support for transactions and row-level locking. Today, millions of Web sites use MySQL for dynamic content, e-commerce, logging, authorization and more. Rackspace offers complete managed hosting solutions with Fanatical Support to small and medium sized enterprises.

Free MySQL Support with MySQL-Rackspace Bundles

Through a Rackspace-MySQL partnership, new Rackspace customers can now get Rackspace's hosting services with its world class data center facilities and support, bundled with a preinstalled and configured MySQL database and free MySQL support. The level of the complimentary MySQL support package is determined by the Rackspace service selected. Existing Rackspace-MySQL customers will receive a 25 percent discount on MySQL support agreements purchased from MySQL AB.

"Rackspace and MySQL are a perfect combination for powering a company's heavy-load Web site," said Marten Mickos, CEO, MySQL AB. "Not only does Rackspace offer a stable environment for servers, they provide industry-leading expertise in essential Web software that works in conjunction with the MySQL database."

As the only MySQL Certified Hosting Provider, Rackspace has completed extensive MySQL training and is endorsed by MySQL AB as a preferred hosting services provider.

"As the first MySQL Certified Hosting Provider, Rackspace hosts thousands of MySQL servers," said Robert Miggins, vice president of sales and product management, Rackspace Managed Hosting. "Our partnership with MySQL enables Rackspace customers to receive MySQL support services seamlessly and at a lower cost in combination with Rackspace's hosting solution."

For more information about Rackspace-MySQL solution bundles, please go to www.mysql.com/partners/rackspace.html. For information about the MySQL support discount for existing Rackspace-MySQL customers, please contact Joe Pendleton, Rackspace-MySQL alliance manager, at U.S. (425) 228-0674.

About MySQL

MySQL AB develops, markets and supports the MySQL database server, the world's most popular open source database. With an estimated 4 million installations and 27,000 downloads per day, MySQL is the de facto open source database leader and is quickly becoming the core of many high-volume, business-critical applications. Major corporations such as Yahoo!, Lucent Technologies, Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment, Motorola, NASA, Silicon Graphics, HP, Xerox and Cisco rely on the ultra-fast, highly-reliable MySQL database. MySQL is available under the free software/open source GNU General Public License (GPL) or a non-GPL commercial license. For more information about MySQL, please go to www.mysql.com.

About Rackspace Managed Hosting

Founded in 1998, Rackspace Managed Hosting™ provides complete managed hosting solutions with Fanatical SupportTM to small and medium sized enterprises. All customer platforms include state-of-the-art data centers, customized servers, burstable connectivity, 99.999% uptime SLA, a dedicated account manager, instant emergency response and access to live expert technicians 24x7 for support of all hardware and core software. With locations in San Antonio, Texas and London, Rackspace has more than 4,000 customers in 83 countries. Rackspace customers include leading companies in various industry segments, including Columbia House, Nintendo, National Auto Dealers Association, BobVila.com, DebtX and Microsoft. For more information, visit www.rackspace.com, or call 800-961-2888.

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MySQL is a registered trademark of MySQL AB in Sweden and other countries. MySQL is a trademark in the United States and other countries. Other products mentioned are the trademarks of their respective corporations.