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| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Telecommunications |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Phillip J Lawlor |
| Headquarters | Dearborn, Michigan, United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Internet access,Colocation |
AGIS (Apex Global Internet Services) is a formerInternet backbone based inDearborn, Michigan, United States. It is most remembered as having openly hostedspam email services, which destroyed its reputation and led to its bankruptcy.
AGIS was founded as Apex Global Information Services in 1994 by Phillip J Lawlor.[1] AGIS acquired Network99, Inc. in July 1995.[2]
Lawlor believed an ISP was not responsible for policing the content of its customers traffic. This hands-off policy resulted in a safe haven for the notoriousspammerSanford Wallace. By 1997, when Wallace's account was finally terminated, the ISP's reputation had been ruined. The company filed forChapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February, 2000.[3]
AGIS was acquired byTelia Internet, Inc. in 2000.[4] Telia Internet, Inc. was acquired by Aleron Broadband, Inc. in 2001.[5] Aleron Broadband was acquired byCogent Communications in 2004.[6]
In 1997, AGIS introduced itscolocation product under the brand name "CoolLocation."[7]