Bloxx launches new media filter

The new Bloxx filtering tool could boost productivity at work

Web content filtering firm Bloxx today launched a new secure web appliance designed to give IT managers more granular control over which online social media content can be viewed by staff.

The Bloxx Media Filter will be showcased at the Bett 2010 conference in London this week, and will initially be aimed at the education sector, allowing teachers to harness the educational potential in social media while blocking access to inappropriate content.

However, the tool could be useful to organisations from a wider range of sectors, according to Bloxx chief executive Eamonn Doyle.

"In terms of wider acceptance we think education is very much an area where there's demand, but we see other applications across industry," he said.

"It has been suggested that the media sector could benefit. These sites can be seen as time wasting, but they're also a rich resource and people want to access them for research purposes."

Once administrators have built up a database of "safe material" by selecting and categorising the content that is safe to view, users will be able to view the sites, such as YouTube, minus contextual advertising or submitted comments.

The Bloxx Media Filter is available in various configurations depending on network size, and includes the appliance, the Media Filter software, software updates and support and maintenance for one or three years, said the firm. Prices start at £2,249 for a network with up to 250 PCs for one year.