WebSpy targets Internet misuse
WebSpy targets Internet misuse
A range of Internet monitoring and management tools aimed at combating Internet misuse in the workforce has been launched in Australia by NetComm and the Perth-based Livingstone Group.
Livingstone estimates that unauthorised use of the Web in office time costs the Australian economy up to $1 billion a year in lost productivity. The partners say that WebSpy's ability to counter this serious and fast-growing problem gives the product huge market potential.
NetComm has taken on the role of country partner to distribute, market and support WebSpy, which was developed by Livingstone.
WebSpy tools allow businesses, government and educational institutions to regulate and evaluate their employees' use of the Internet.
Livingstone managing director Jack Andrys said, "We prefer to focus on our strengths in developing and enhancing the software, while NetComm takes on the role of country partner, producing and distributing the product and handling marketing and support in Australia.
"We are pleased to align our software development skills with their strengths. NetComm has a long and successful track record, an established client base and widespread distributor channel support. The partnership will ensure a big future in Australia for WebSpy."
The product has about 400 licences in this country as a result of sales from the Livingstone Web site.
NetComm managing director David Stewart, said, "WebSpy has huge potential. Some 2 million people in Australia use the Internet at work, so every employer needs a solution like this to combat misuse of the Internet by staff."
"Misuse can include browsing the Web during working hours, overloading a system by downloading multiple megabytes of data, sending and receiving illicit email, and visiting forbidden Web sites.
"The cost in lost time can be staggering, and with more onus being placed on employers to take responsibility for their staff's use of the Internet, few can afford to be complacent."
WebSpy tools allow systems managers to view all Internet traffic on a network through a simple interface. WebSpy generates comprehensive reports on Internet traffic in HTML, Word or Excel, and allows in-depth analysis of user sessions. It can analyse the Internet traffic of individuals, specified groups or an entire organisation.
Rather than blocking and filtering a known selection of Web sites, like most Internet access management applications, WebSpy promotes self management and self regulation by monitoring and reporting on Internet use.
WebSpy was introduced to the US market at Comdex Fall, where Livingstone is targeting a growing market estimated to reach $US1 billion. In London, a sales and marketing operation has been established to service the UK and European markets.