AGIS (Apex Global Internet Services) is a former

Internet backbone The Internet backbone may be defined by the principal data routes between large, strategically interconnected computer networks and core routers of the Internet. These data routes are hosted by commercial, government, academic and other high-c ...

based in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. It is most remembered as having openly hosted

spam email Email spam, also referred to as junk email, spam mail, or simply spam, is unsolicited messages sent in bulk by email (spamming). The name comes from a Monty Python sketch in which the name of the canned pork product Spam is ubiquitous, unavoida ...

services, which destroyed its reputation and led to its bankruptcy.

Corporate history

AGIS was founded as Apex Global Information Services in 1994 by Phillip J Lawlor. AGIS acquired Network99, Inc. in July 1995. 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 notorious

spammer Spamming is the use of messaging systems to send multiple unsolicited messages (spam) to large numbers of recipients for the purpose of commercial advertising, for the purpose of non-commercial proselytizing, for any prohibited purpose (especial ...

Sanford Wallace Sanford 'Spamford' Wallace (1968-2023) was an Internet spammer. He initially sent junk faxes before coming to notoriety in 1997, promoting himself as the original "Spam King". Wallace's prolific spamming has resulted in encounters with the United ...

. By 1997, when Wallace's account was finally terminated, the ISP's reputation had been ruined. The company filed for

Chapter 11 Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code ( Title 11 of the United States Code) permits reorganization under the bankruptcy laws of the United States. Such reorganization, known as Chapter 11 bankruptcy, is available to every business, whet ...

bankruptcy protection in February, 2000. AGIS was acquired by Telia Internet, Inc. in 2000. Telia Internet, Inc. was acquired by Aleron Broadband, Inc. in 2001. Aleron Broadband was acquired by

Cogent Communications Cogent Communications is a multinational internet service provider based in the United States. Cogent's primary services consist of Internet access and data transport, offered on a fiber optic, IP data-only network, along with colocation in data ...

in 2004.

Products

In 1997, AGIS introduced its colocation product under the brand name "CoolLocation."

References

External links

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Cyberpromotions, Inc. v. Apex Global Information Services, Inc.
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Agis (Apex Global Internet Services) Internet service providers of the United States Companies based in Wayne County, Michigan Privately held companies based in Michigan