Australian IT company Netbox Blue last night won the Consensus Software Award for its innovative solution to internet and email management in the educational sector.
Netbox Blue’s solution, named SecurED, enables schools to control how students access and use the internet as well as preventing cases of cyber-bullying.
Innovative software is necessary to keep up with the demands of internet users and the potential dangers that come with the territory, according to Netbox Blue Chairman John Fison.
“Netbox Blue is dedicated to innovation…we are constantly evolving our products to meet new digital threats and the demands of our clients. And the award recognizes the success we’re enjoying,” says Mr Fison.
“SecurEd is widely used by schools across Australia to protect internet-enabled students and teachers and to reduce the work load on IT managers. Our solution stands out from the market because it is easy to use, effective and has many unique features.”
Netbox Blue also aids schools prevent and manage cases of cyber-bullying by providing technology that can control the language students use on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. The technology, known as SafeChat, scans the sites for specific and customisable keywords to determine if conversations should be blocked and logged or allowed through. Offensive material can be blocked and an administrator is automatically informed.
SafeChat extends the ability of Netbox Blue to filter and manage internet use in a way not previously possible, according to Mr Fison.
“SafeChat is particularly valuable because it offers schools control over the one area that has been outside their control in the past – social networking sites, instant messaging, chat sites and webmail,” Mr Fison says.
