Web Security Software Need - HELP!

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galeforce
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Web Security Software Need - HELP!

Post by galeforce »

I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction...

I have a need for a piece of software that controls staff use of the internet. But I'd like it to do something a little bit different than simply allowing which sites staff may or may not visit. For example, if there was a list of sites on a so-called 'non work use' list (such as ebay.com or amazon.com) then staff would only be able to visit these sites for a certain period of time each day (say two hours across the day). This way we wouldn't have to worry about staff spending 4-5 hours a day on these non-work related websites.

I realise there are a number of potential areas of consideration within this need, but does anyone know of a company who produces this type of software? I'd be really greatful for any suggestions!

:)
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feyd
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Post by feyd »

Doing this will often just aggrevate employees. The same goes for recording their movements or keystrokes or any number of other "watch" things.. just an opinion from experience..

Anyways from what I remember, mid to high end routers and switches can often do this now..
Roja
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Post by Roja »

Surfcontrol offers time-based blocking.

Similar to Feyd, I would recommend reconsidering this approach. If employees meet their requirements for performance (ie, complete the tasks assigned to them), then what they do in addition to that shouldn't be a concern.

Or put more rudely, if Managers can't manage their employees without a webmonitor, they aren't effective managers, and perhaps you should look at THEIR performance.
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Moocat
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Post by Moocat »

I also agree with Roja, wondering if the employees aren't meeting their workloads? Perhaps they need more workloads or more defined deadlines or requirements? While a certain amount of time each day is obviously going to be lost in any non-manual labor job, you could always look to focus this time instead of "allowing it" (with 2 hours of free time). Perhaps if you find your employees are lacking something substantial to do during a large portion of the day you could consider morale raising events like a lunchtime gaming tournament or office nerfball events.

Of course if your employees aren't meeting the standard, you might want to find out if it's due to management techniques or if you just have lazy employees.
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