Released on: June 10, 2008, 6:52 am

Press Release Author: The National Archives

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Press Release Summary: Global interest in UFOs peaked to an unprecedented level as
Internet searches for UFOs almost tripled* over night with the release of UFO files
by The National Archives.

Press Release Body: Reflecting this UFO mania The National Archives' UFO webpage
attracted 264,285 visits the first day, five times more than usual. Over the next
four days 1,348,054 files were downloaded.

David Thomas, chief information officer at The National Archives, "It just shows the
fascination in encounters of a third kind is very real. This launch exceeded our
expectations and showcased our ability to deliver large scale projects in the face
of sustained web traffic."

Released under the Freedom of Information Act, these 8 UFO files were the first
tranche transferred to The National Archives by the Ministry of Defence. In
anticipation of the demand, The National Archives web team worked with UK managed
hosting provider NetBenefit and their Content Delivery Network (CDN) specialist
Panther Express to ensure uninterrupted viewing of this previously unseen material.

Jonathan Robinson, chief operating officer NetBenefit comments, "With a project like
this, capacity for the unknown has to be anticipated and planned for. A resilient
hosting solution with scaleable bandwidth was key to its success. "

The files contained details of alleged alien abductions, sightings of flying saucers
and crop circles.

ENDS

For further information on The National Archives please contact Tim Matthews,
tim.matthews@nationalarchives.gov.uk or 020 8392 5277.

For further information on NetBenefit please contact, Jonathan Bawden or Emily
Gallagher, Portfolio Communications - 0207 240 6959 or netbenefit@portfoliocomms.com

Notes to Editors

This is the first tranche of UFO files that MoD will transfer over the next few
years. These will be available at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ufos.

*According to Hitwise Internet searches for UFOs increased by 267% on the day the
UFO files were released -
http://weblogs.hitwise.com/to-go-uk/2008/05/searches_for_ufo_take_off_as_t.html


Web Site: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ufos

Contact Details: The National Archives
Kew
Richmond