Bakersfield, Calif. (May 20, 2010) – Mobile computing devices such as the iPad can be powerful classroom tools for engaging students in dynamic, interactive digital learning experiences. Yet these technologies also pose security and safety risks. To help schools implement safe and secure mobile learning initiatives, and maximize the educational value of the latest technologies, Lightspeed Systems has released a mobile Web filter application compatible with iPad™, iPhone^® and iPod touch^® devices.

The Lightspeed Guide Browser for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch regulates and monitors Web browsing on school-distributed devices, when used in conjunction with the company’s Internet filter for educational institutions that protects students and the school network from safety and security threats. The mobile application is a free feature of Web Access Manager, the company’s smart Web filtering software for school networks. Web Access Manager is available as a stand-alone product, or as a component of Total Traffic Control, all-inclusive school network security and management software. The company also offers Lightspeed Rocket, Web Access Manager, an appliance-based Web filtering solution for high-capacity school networks.

The recently released 2010 Horizon Report: K-12 Edition, compiled by the New Media Consortium and the Consortium for School Networking, examines the educational potential of emerging technologies. The report states that mobile devices such as the iPad are likely to enter mainstream use in the education community in two to three years. A growing number of new research studies indicates that mobile devices and applications can have a positive effect on student learning.

“We develop products based on our customers’ needs and requests,” said Scott Garrison, president of Lightspeed Systems. “Educators want to take advantage of these revolutionary devices to provide students with extraordinary learning experiences anytime, anywhere – in a safe and monitored environment. With our network solutions, schools can prepare students for success in the knowledge-based marketplace in which mobile computing is the central hub for working, learning, and communicating.”

The filter-integrated Lightspeed Guide Browser provides:

• CIPA-compliant Internet filtering
• Thumbnail image blocking
• Ability to block all forms of proxy servers (anonymous and secure)
• Forced SafeSearch for Google and Yahoo search engines
• Local policy control (integrates with Active Directory, LDAP, and Open Directory)
• Password-protected uninstall feature
• Reporting of on- and off-network activity, including blocked URLs, blocked URLs by category, unknown URLs, and URLs visited
• Extension of user access policies to off-network devices
• Support from any location, with any type of Internet connection, without the need for a virtual private network (VPN)

To use the Lightspeed Guide Browser on an iPad or iPhone, students login with their school network credentials. The browser transmits URL requests to the local Lightspeed server. In turn, the Lightspeed server, which checks the request against its content database, either allows it to be processed, or sends a blocking and redirect message to the user. The application enables schools to enforce acceptable use policies consistently, protecting users on and off the school network.

Lightspeed Systems also offers cross-platform mobile Web filtering for laptops and netbook computers (including devices running Windows, Macintosh and Linux operating systems) through the Lightspeed Guide Mobile Filter.

The Lightspeed Guide Browser is available for free for Web Access Manager customers in the App Store on iTunes^®. For more information, visit www.lightspeedsystems.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE:
iPad, iPhone and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

More Information

Call 661-716-7600, or visit www.lightspeedsystems.com.

About Lightspeed Systems

Lightspeed Systems Inc., founded in 2000, develops comprehensive network security and management solutions for the K-12 education market. Lightspeed is committed to helping schools operate their networks effectively and efficiently, so educators can provide a safe online teaching and learning environment. The company’s flagship product integrates content filtering, spam management, bandwidth management, antivirus protection, extensive reporting capabilities, email archiving, and mobile filtering into a single application. Lightspeed Systems software is used in more than 1,500 school districts in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia to protect more than 5 million students. For the past three years, Lightspeed Systems has been recognized on the Inc. 5,000 list as one of fastest-growing private companies.

Contacts

Lightspeed Systems
Crystal Cochran
661-431-1649
crystal at lightspeedsystems dot com
www.lightspeedsystems.com

C. Blohm & Associates, Inc.
Kristen Plemon
608-839-9805
kristen at cblohm dot com
www.cblohm.com

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