CARA Group address computer application misuse

CARA Group, one of Ireland's leading indigenous IT solutions providers, is to offer an acceptable use policy solution called Policy Central through its recently signed partnership with Security Soft.

Policy Central is an 'Acceptable Use Policy' enforcement software tool which will assist businesses, schools and institutions eliminate non-productivity, limit legal liability, reduce network congestion and manage the risks associated with inappropriate Internet, instant messaging, chat and email use.

"There is a considerable threat to organisations in relation to abuse of application usage" said David Little the Managing Director of CARA Group. "While traditional 'net nanny' type solutions simply offer a blanket filter solution for web use, Policy Central is totally configurable and can be customised to monitor inappropriate use of applications other than web browsers. What makes Policy Central unique is that it monitors and reports on everything that happens on the PC regardless of the application or whether the data came from an email, a CD, a floppy drive or the Internet."

CARA say cases of ebullying and harassment over the Internet are becoming more prevalent in schools and colleges. This is leading to reinforcement of an acceptable use policy and the importance of monitoring systems for compliance. The definition of compliance can include the viewing of inappropriate material, such as pornography.

Policy Central ensures that all computer activity is strictly related to pre-defined topics e.g. curriculum related material in the case of schools. Use of this software also helps to reduce risk of exposure to any legal liabilities.

Since 1968, the CARA Group has been providing technology solutions for many areas of an organisation's technology requirements: Security, Storage, Network Integration, Enterprise Systems, Professional Services and Managed Services.

In the Republic and Northern Ireland, CARA have one of the largest number of skilled consultants and engineers with unrivalled experience in designing, implementing and supporting complex systems and networks.

Total revenues for CARA Group last year amounted to €67 million.

The CARA Group completed an MBO from Bull in February 2001. Equity was supplied by Hibernia Capital Partners and the bank debt by AIB in a deal worth €33 million.

(SP)