Astaro Providing Internet Security in Support of Obama's Plan to Modernize Schools

Today, the Internet, advanced technologies, and communications all play a significant role in people's daily lives. As part of his promise to ensure access to these technologies for all, President Barack Obama said he plans to modernize schools and provide children with access to the technologies that will give them a competitive advantage in the future.

 

As part of his nationwide address back in December, President Obama said all children should have access to computers and the Internet. "Here, in the country that invented the Internet, every child should have a chance to get online. And they'll get that chance when I'm president because that's how we'll strengthen America's competitiveness in the world," he said.

 

While the need to make access to these technologies is important, so is security and ensuring that the appropriate content is being viewed in these environments.

 

In light of this, Astaro, a vendor of Internet Security appliances, is announcing its support for Obama's plan for "21^st Century Schools and Libraries" and is offering a Surf Safe promotion for all K-12 schools and libraries.

 

This offer will be available to customers in North America through June 20, 2009 and provides a free, unlimited Astaro (News - Alert) Security Gateway software license with the purchase of either a 3- or 5-year Web or mail security subscription and maintenance agreement.

 

In addition, the company is also providing schools and libraries with free Command Center software with their purchase. This offering allows for "central and remote management of all Security Gateways school- and district-wide."

 

While accessing the Internet in schools and libraries can help to enhance and broaden education, today the number of Web-based applications, Instant Messaging and P2P programs pose a threat to these public networks, and to the productivity and quality of usage.

 

With Astaro, schools and libraries are ale to filter and detect malware and optimize bandwidth usage thanks to the company's Security Gateway (News - Alert) Web Filtering software solution. In addition to anti-phishing and spam blocking, the software also offers email encryption so confidentiality and security are guaranteed.

 

As part of the offering, the company is also providing its Command Center solution so that administration is able to monitor what's going on at all times.

 

"We are excited to be part of this monumental push to modernize the country's schools and provide children with the technology they need for a proper education," said Jan Hichert, Astaro CEO.

 

"President Obama's plan is a tremendous opportunity for American students, and we want to make sure that schools have the right resources in place to ensure smooth integration of new technology in the classroom."