F5, Inc., popularly referred to as F5 Networks, Inc., is a globally recognized company that specializes in application delivery networking technology for the delivery of web applications and the security, performance, availability of servers, data storage devices, and other network and cloud resources. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker symbol “FFIV”. Founded in 1996, F5 is based out of Seattle, Washington.
F5’s main product line is based on Application Delivery Controllers (ADC), which involves technology initially created by F5 called BIG-IP. BIG-IP is a device that sits between a data center's network and the application servers, managing traffic inflow to complex web properties. BIG-IP product suite also includes software for load balancing, web acceleration, and application security services.
F5 operates in numerous technological segments which pertain to the management of traffic, network, security, access, and optimization of applications. The company also extends its services to provide cloud computing, large-scale data storage, and the delivery of multimedia content.
Under its security segment, F5 offers products to secure access to applications from any user or device, anywhere. It helps ensure applications are always protected and delivers comprehensive, easy-to-consume application protection to keep businesses and their customers safe.
F5 carries out its operations globally, serving major multinational corporations, government agencies, and many other business enterprises. The company's international presence spans North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Its success can be attributed to the provision of innovative and comprehensive solutions catering to the increasing demand for application-based services.
In January 2020, F5 Networks completed the acquisition of Shape Security, a leader in online fraud and abuse prevention, to strengthen its security profile. This acquisition brought together F5’s expertise in protecting applications across multi-cloud environments with Shape’s fraud prevention capabilities to transform application security.
With the ever-growing reliance on digital technology and cloud computing, F5's portfolio of application services ensures that applications are always secure and perform the way they should. F5, Inc. continues to set the standard for application delivery and is positioned as a critical part of the future of digital business infrastructure.