For nearly two months, around May 1998, SNT and VMC were given the opportunity to evaluate a NetCache C230 proxycache. A proxycache is a network tool to save network bandwidth by storing popular webpages et.al. on a 'local' server. The purpose of this evaluation was to determine the NetCache's useability in organisations related to SURFnet. Issues were ease of deployment, security, stability etc.

After a series of tests the team must conclude the NetCache is most suitable for smaller organisations (up to 1000 workplaces) in a trusted environment and with one or more proxy-uplinks.

Deployment of the NetCache is a breeze and it requires very little maintenance during normal operation. Note that in an environment where security is a big issue, using the NetCache may require extra measures.