Managing cross-platform issues, such as document sharing between employees with PCs and Macintoshes, also ranks high among its challenges. A Cisco Systems Catalyst 5000 links the individual department network segments while permitting communication among staffers. 4500 servers are utilized for e-mail, printer and document sharing. Asant Technologies 2072 Ethernet hubs, located in wiring closets, distribute data to individual workstations to be evaluated and tested. Dippel plans for Acclaim to handle its own WAN network eventually.
Most employees have Internet access for informational purposes.
Retailers and buyers can find out details on products and accessories by surfing Acclaim's Web site, and there are plans to install an internal Web server. Employees would then access human resources and personal paperwork on the Net site. Acclaim also uses an electronic data interchange system that allows connectivity to 25 retail customers nationwide, such as Toys 'R Us. Retailers electronically place and acknowledge orders through this system, according to Dippel. We've compiled information on red hot content delivery networks from Akamai, Cidera, Digital Island, and iBeam.