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Case Studies > With AX Series, Yahoo! JAPAN Can Handle Peak Traffic with Space and Energy Efficiency

With AX Series, Yahoo! JAPAN Can Handle Peak Traffic with Space and Energy Efficiency

Technology Category

Networks & Connectivity - Network Management & Analysis Software
Networks & Connectivity - Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics

Applicable Industries

Telecommunications
Software

Applicable Functions

Business Operation
Facility Management

Services

System Integration
Software Design & Engineering Services
Testing & Certification

The Challenge

Yahoo Japan Corporation faced significant challenges in handling the stress on load balancers during peak traffic periods. With increased access from mobile phones, smartphones, and PCs, the load on their network infrastructure was immense, especially during events like sports games and high-traffic periods such as lunch hours. The existing load balancers were unable to cope with the high-spec web servers and application servers, leading to potential system errors and deterioration in service quality. This situation necessitated the implementation of high-performance load balancers to maintain fast and stable network infrastructure, crucial for Yahoo's operations given their massive user base and page views.

About The Customer

Yahoo Japan Corporation, established in 1996, is a leading provider of online information search services. Operating under the corporate philosophy of 'Yahoo! JAPAN, for anything, anywhere,' the company aims to be a 'Life Engine' by offering a rich, convenient, and valuable service to its users. Yahoo Japan provides over 150 services, including shopping and news, and boasts an active user base of 25.76 million with 52.16 billion page views as of September 2011. The company is a significant player in the Japanese internet landscape, and its operations are critical to its corporate sales and share value. Ensuring a robust and efficient network infrastructure is paramount to maintaining its service quality and user satisfaction.

The Solution

Yahoo Japan Corporation chose A10 Networks' AX Series to enhance their network infrastructure. The implementation began in November 2009, with full utilization starting in January 2010. The AX Series, known for its high scalability, was further bolstered by the addition of 64-bit AX products in summer 2010. This upgrade was crucial as Yahoo's servers were transitioning to a 64-bit environment. The AX Series' GSLB (Global Server Load Balancing) feature was also implemented for disaster recovery purposes. The AX Series provided a comprehensive solution, including intuitive interfaces for easy setup and operation. Yahoo Japan also benefited from A10 Networks' support in developing custom features tailored to their specific needs, ensuring a seamless and efficient deployment.

Operational Impact

The implementation of the AX Series resulted in a significant reduction in space and energy consumption in Yahoo Japan's data centers.
The 64-bit AX products eliminated concerns about CPU load, even during peak traffic periods, ensuring stable and efficient network performance.
The AX Series' comprehensive feature set, available without additional licensing fees, provided Yahoo Japan with the flexibility to enable any feature as needed, enhancing operational convenience.

Quantitative Benefit

Yahoo Japan's active user base reached 25.76 million.
The company achieved 52.16 billion page views as of September 2011.
The AX Series implementation began in November 2009, with full utilization starting in January 2010.