Safe surfing connection offered by mallni

NI residents are set to be among the first in Europe to benefit from the latest development in broadband technology - the new Safe Surfing website at www.mallni.com/safesurfing.

The broadband content makes full use of dynamic audio and televisual techniques, bringing the Internet experience to life and allowing visitors to interact with and listen to information on how to use the internet safely as opposed to having to read through page after page of text.

The initiative is pioneered by mallni, a broadband based production team within the Belfast Institute and the Delivery and Innovation Division within the Department of Finance and Personnel. The rationale behind this partnership is to bring together local companies and community groups, making information and online services much more accessible and understandable to everyone, even those with little or no computer knowledge.

The Safe Surfing site has been incorporated into the recently launched Internet Made Easy CD ROM which was distributed to over 700,000 homes in Northern Ireland. The CD explains in simple steps how to use a computer in a secure and safe way, from banking online to booking cheap flights and even finding a job.

A new initiative pioneered by The Belfast Institute, mallni offers companies throughout Northern Ireland the opportunity to take advantage of the Province’s unique broadband capabilities in order to connect with previously untapped audiences.

As one of the only states within the European Union to boast 100% access to broadband, local companies with the help of mallni will be able to target previously inaccessible demographics to fulfil a wide range of communication needs, from delivering meaningful sales messages, to enabling employers to train and educate staff.

The Safe Surfing site has already attracted praise from all sections of the business community, including Roger Priestly, Head of Commercial Development for BT, who said:

“This intuitive and educational site is highly effective in promoting safe computing. The tremendously visual impact of the mallni site will appeal to computer users of all standards, clearly illustrating the safeguards and safety measures available using the internet.”

The opportunities presented by recent advances in broadband technology, coupled with the application, investigation and imagination brought to each project by mallni, allows local companies to target and communicate with consumers.

(SP)