The first US Internet president is an online sensation, triggering a tidal wave of Web traffic as he officially seized the nation’s reins on Tuesday.

Millions around the world commented, Twittered, posted and prayed as they watched Barack Obama’s inauguration live on the Internet, pinning their hopes on a new world order and era in American politics.

Akamai Technologies, which specializes in assuring that websites don’t crash under the weight of heavy online traffic, saw digital content streaming surge to record levels — more than two terabytes of data per second.

“Take a busy day for Akamai and double it, that is where you are,” said Akamai corporate communications director Jeff Young. “It was an immense online streaming day.”

Akamai said its EdgePlatform was streaming more than seven million video feeds, most of them live, at points during Obama’s acceptance speech. “In addition to the historic nature of the Inauguration, it is now clear that this event has driven unprecedented demand from a global online audience,” said Akamai marketing vice president Robert Hughes.

[ Via Agence France-Presse ]