Queue-it and Akamai Launch Hype Event Protection
In an era where online shopping and ticketing events have surged, the threat of automated bots lurking around high-demand sales has never been more critical. Queue-it, a front-runner in virtual waiting room services, and Akamai Technologies Inc., a leader in cybersecurity and cloud computing, have joined forces to introduce a groundbreaking solution called
Hype Event Protection. This innovative protection mechanism is designed to shield these coveted sales from the grasp of bots that often result in unfair shopping experiences for genuine customers.
Understanding the Bot Dilemma
High-demand events such as product launches, limited-time ticket sales, and exclusive collectible releases attract not only eager fans but also a legion of automated scripts, commonly known as bots. These bots can outnumber genuine buyers significantly—by ratios reaching 20 to 1. The ruthless efficiency of bots allows them to snatch up high-demand items almost instantaneously, usually for resale at exorbitant prices on secondary markets. Such practices not only frustrate dedicated fans but also harm businesses by generating distrust and escalating operational costs.
The Power of Hype Event Protection
Hype Event Protection leverages the combined strengths of Akamai Bot Manager's robust detection capabilities and Queue-it’s adept traffic management systems. How does it work? Essentially, Queue-it manages the influx of traffic during these high-demand sales, affording Akamai the precious time needed to identify and block harmful bots effectively.
Once the sale is set to go live, legitimate customers are randomized and placed in an online queue, while bots are either blocked or forced to reenter at the back of the line. This strategic delay in addressing bot traffic can significantly undermine their speed and scale, thus fostering a fair trading environment for consumers.
The effectiveness of this solution was put to the test in August 2025 when one of Europe's top ticketing providers utilized Hype Event Protection. During one event, the tool successfully eliminated more than 2 million bots—representing 98% of all traffic—thereby enhancing the chances for genuine fans to acquire tickets by a staggering 50 times.
Ensuring Fairness in High-Demand Sales
“High-demand events have become prime targets for sophisticated bots, and the integrity of these moments is under threat,” explained Patrick Sullivan, Chief Technology Officer of Security Strategy at Akamai. He further emphasized that the integration of these two leading solutions provides a powerful defense that preserves fairness, enhances customer trust, and bolsters brand reputation.
Jesper Essendrop, Queue-it's CEO, likewise expressed his enthusiasm for the collaborative solution, noting that it embodies a multi-layered approach to combat the relentless threat posed by bad bots. Together, both companies aim to foster an atmosphere of reliability and transparency during online transactions, a crucial element in nurturing trust with customers.
The Broader Impact on Business Operations
Beyond merely improving the accessibility of high-demand items, Hype Event Protection allows companies to maintain optimal site performance even in the face of surging bot-generated traffic. This includes minimizing risks of website crashes, speed slowdowns, and the overselling of items. Consequently, organizations can successfully capture revenue during critical sales periods without jeopardizing their operational integrity.
With Hype Event Protection now available for organizations utilizing Akamai's Bot Manager alongside Queue-it's virtual waiting room, businesses can now ensure fairer and more efficient events. If your organization is gearing up for a high-demand sale, visit
Queue-it's blog to learn more about implementing this powerful solution. By doing so, you’ll be taking a firm stand against automated abuse and securing valuable opportunities for genuine customers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Queue-it and Akamai's collaboration in launching Hype Event Protection not only aspires to redefine online sales dynamics but also champions consumer fairness at every touchpoint. The ever-increasing sophistication of bots demands a robust response from the industry, and this innovative solution might be precisely what organizations need to sustain their customer trust and operational reliability.
About Queue-it
Queue-it is renowned for facilitating virtual waiting room services that empower more than 1,000 organizations globally. Annually, it supports over 30 billion visitors, delivering dependable and equitable online experiences.
About Akamai
Akamai is synonymous with trusted cybersecurity and cloud solutions, championing businesses' online safety and operational growth in an increasingly digital world.