Fire And Rescue Service Deploys SurfControl Across 95 Remote Fire Stations
SurfControl, the global leader in Internet protection, today announced that Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service has deployed SurfControl Web, Email and ETS filters across 95 remote fire stations, in order to improve communications and support professional development.
The Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service has doubled the size of its IT network, extending access from its headquarters in Inverness to its retained fire stations across the Highlands and the Western, Shetland and Orkney islands, in order to improve communications within the force and promote e-learning and online training.
Given the wide geographic spread and constrained resources of the force, a solution was required which would reduce the burden of management and administration, while effectively monitoring and managing email and web access, to protect the network and ensure compliance with the in-house acceptable usage policy.
The Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service opted for SurfControl's Web, Email and ETS Filter, which combined all elements of support and protection which IT managers at the Service were looking for, giving them the flexibility to set and control their own customised security levels, and striking the right balance between protecting the network and ensuring access.
The SurfControl solution blocks access to personal webmail and sites containing inappropriate content, such as gambling and pornography. It also provides a valuable tool for communications and education across the service. Staff are now kept up to date more effectively on issues relating to management, health & safety and human resources.
Controlled Web access is also playing an important role in the personal development strategy within the service. Fire-fighters now have online access to their personal development plan, run by the Scottish Fire Training organisation. Fire-fighters can access their training records and undertake multimedia training in order to obtain further qualifications.
John Cannon, Communications Manager at the Service said, "The SurfControl Solution has significantly streamlined IT management, reducing the time spent tracking and eliminating spam and freeing up IT resources.
"Spam had previously been a big issue for us. By blocking all spam and viruses before they enter the network, SurfControl has reduced administration, enabling us to take a more strategic approach to IT management."
Reproduced from an article published by The IT Shield
© The IT Shield
The original article can be viewed here:
http://www.theitshield.com/pr/9659
Permalink Bookmark Digg this story
