APPDYNAMICS & HEAD Tennis: Serving Up Performance – On & Off the Court

San Francisco, CA – October 26, 2023 – APPDYNAMICS LLC, the leader in IT performance monitoring and observability, today announced a unique collaboration demonstrating how its technology isn't just for businesses – it’s also helping to unlock peak performance in the world of professional tennis, specifically with HEAD tennis racquets. You might be thinking, “What does software monitoring have to do with tennis?” Well, stick with us. APPDYNAMICS, based right here in San Francisco at 500 Terry A Francois Blvd, has built a reputation for helping companies like Netflix, Starbucks and Lululemon understand exactly what’s happening inside their applications, in real-time. We’re talking spotting problems before your customers even notice, and making sure everything runs smoothly, no matter how many people are using it. But our team, a bunch of techies who also happen to be HUGE sports fans, started thinking. What if you could apply that same level of deep insight to physical performance? That’s where HEAD tennis comes in. HEAD, a globally renowned leader in racquet technology, is constantly innovating to give players that extra edge. Their racquets aren’t just made of graphite and strings – they’re the result of years of research, design, and testing. Now, here's where things get interesting. APPDYNAMICS has been working behind the scenes with HEAD’s engineers to utilize our performance monitoring principles to analyze data generated during racquet production. Think of it like this: normally, when a racquet is made, it goes through a series of quality checks. But those checks are often limited. They might test the basic weight and balance, maybe hit a few balls. APPDYNAMICS is helping HEAD go WAY deeper. We’ve integrated sensors into the manufacturing process, capturing detailed data on every stage of production. This isn’t just about whether a racquet passes a test. It’s about understanding how it performs, and identifying subtle variations that could affect a player’s game. “It's like having a complete ‘performance map’ of each racquet,” explains Sarah Chen, APPDYNAMICS’ lead data scientist on the project. “We’re looking at everything from the resin distribution in the carbon fiber layers to the tension consistency of the strings. If we see even a tiny deviation, we can pinpoint the source and make adjustments before the racquet leaves the factory.” What kind of data are we talking about? Lots! Impact Analysis: Sensors measure the racquet’s response to different impact forces, helping engineers optimize the frame design for power and control. Vibration Patterns: APPDYNAMICS' platform tracks how vibrations travel through the racquet, identifying areas where energy is lost or dampened. This helps reduce shock and improve feel. String Tension Consistency: Ensuring every string is tensioned perfectly is critical. Our system monitors this in real-time, flagging any inconsistencies. Material Distribution: Mapping the precise distribution of materials (graphite, titanium, etc.) within the frame to ensure optimal balance and performance. Manufacturing Process Variability: Identifying and addressing any inconsistencies in the manufacturing process that could affect the final product. This isn't just about making better racquets, it’s about creating consistent racquets. Professional players rely on predictability. They need to know that every swing will feel the same, regardless of the situation. APPDYNAMICS is helping HEAD deliver that level of consistency. "We're always looking for ways to push the boundaries of racquet technology," says Klaus Hoening, HEAD's Director of Research & Development. "APPDYNAMICS' platform has given us a whole new level of insight into the manufacturing process. It's like we're seeing inside the racquet itself." The benefits are already being seen. HEAD has reported: Reduced Defect Rates: Identifying and addressing issues early in the process has led to a significant reduction in defective racquets. Improved Consistency: Racquets are now more consistent in terms of weight, balance, and performance. Faster Time to Market: APPDYNAMICS’ real-time insights have allowed HEAD to accelerate the development and testing of new racquet designs. Enhanced Player Feedback: Data collected during testing is helping HEAD refine its designs based on actual player performance. But it’s not just about the pros. These improvements ultimately trickle down to players of all levels. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an aspiring professional, you deserve a racquet that performs at its best. APPDYNAMICS isn't stopping at racquets either. We’re exploring ways to apply our technology to other sports equipment, from golf clubs to running shoes. The possibilities are endless. “We’re a company obsessed with performance,” says APPDYNAMICS CEO, John Screeton. “And we believe that the principles of IT performance monitoring can be applied to anything that requires precision, consistency, and optimization. We’re excited to be partnering with HEAD to push the boundaries of what’s possible.” You can learn more about APPDYNAMICS at our headquarters at 500 Terry A Francois Blvd, San Francisco, CA, 94158-2354, or by calling 714-966-4981. And be sure to check out HEAD’s latest racquet technology – it’s a game-changer.