Firefox Company Profile

Overview

Firefox's objective is to make network-based information, the Internet and internal resources (Intranet and IP hosts), viable business tools for organizations, empowering individuals to make faster, more informed decisions. Firefox achieves this objective by providing products that allow organizations to: (1) access information in a sensible and secure way, (2) manage the effective use of information, and (3) control the cost of accessing and using information.

Founded in 1989, Firefox is a publicly-held company that manufactures, markets, and supports server-based TCP/IP communications software for Novell's NetWare network operating system.

Products

Firefox's industry leading NOV*IX family of products provide users with simple, secure and easy to manage solutions for connecting NetWare LAN's to network based information resources (Internet, Intranet and IP hosts). Industry leading client applications such as Netscape Navigator, Spyglass Mosaic, LAN WorkPlace, Gopher, Telnet and FTP are available with Firefox products in bundled NOV*IX solutions. Customers can also provide their own client applications which are fully supported by NOV*IX.

The NOV*IX line of server based products provide a central point of management and control for TCP/IP communications. Distinct advantages of the NOV*IX TCP/IP server approach include:

Easy to install and use - One NLM software installation provides users with access to the Internet and IP hosts (vs. installing a TCP/IP stack at each desktop)
Simplified IP address management - IP addresses can be defined by any combination of group, user, or physical workstation.
Natural "firewall" with a range of security features that protect the network from intruders and unauthorized users.
Complete set of management and auditing tools for tracking usage and maximizing productivity.

In summary, Firefox products provide simple, secure and easy to manage solutions for connecting NetWare LAN's to the Internet or IP hosts.

Industry Partners

Firefox's success can also be attributed to partnerships with key players in the networking industry including Novell, Oracle, and Digital.

Distribution Channels

Tech Data, GBC/Globell and Access Graphics are major distributors for Firefox products. Firefox sells directly to OEM partners including IBM and Jostens.

Corporate Structure

Headquartered in San Jose, California, Firefox Communications Inc. has two operating units. Firefox (U.S.) Inc. is responsible for marketing, sales, and customer support for North and South America and the Pacific Rim. Firefox International, Inc. is responsible for marketing, sales, and customer support functions for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Management Team

John Kimberley, Chairman and CEO for Firefox Communications Inc., is a founder of Firefox and has more than 25 years of industry experience in management, marketing, sales, and finance with extensive experience in the UNIX market.

Frank Richardson, President and CEO of Firefox (U.S.) Inc., has held management, marketing, sales, and finance positions in the high technology industry for the past 28 years. Richardson joined Firefox from Novell, where he was Vice President.

Peter Simkin, Chief Technical Officer and a founder of Firefox, has more than 20 years of industry experience in technical and product marketing.

Richard Whitehead, Vice President of Research and Chief Scientist for Firefox Communications Inc., is a founder of Firefox and has held R&D positions in both electrical and software engineering.

Mark Rowlinson, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance for Firefox Communications Inc., has held a number of operational, financial management, and board member positions for various companies.