Internet incubator CMGI Inc has struck a deal with content distribution network Akamai Technologies Inc, and has hinted that it may spin off its @Ventures investment arm. Chair and CEO Dave Weatherall told shareholders at CMGI’s annual meeting that @Ventures could be a good prospect for an initial public offering. The holding company has stakes in 45 internet businesses. We are contemplating seriously a way of taking @Ventures public, he said. If we do it, we’d probably elect to do it sooner than later, but I can’t give you a date. I’m not saying we’re doing it, either. We’re looking into it.
In a separate announcement, CMGI said it will strengthen its existing ties with Akamai. CMGI-related companies that already use Akamai’s FreeFlow network include NaviSite, AltaVista, NaviNet, Mondera.com and Furniture.com. As the companies in the CMGI network grow in scale and scope, effective network performance and a continued positive user experience become even more critical issues, Weatherall admitted. CMGI and Akamai intend to work together to develop new technologies, including Akamai’s freshly-announced application delivery platform, EdgeAdvantage.
