EARTHWAVE

EARTHWAVE 

 

In February 08, earthwave launched ISONet, a secure carrier-neutral network, Internet gateway and portal for schools. This was in response to the sharp increase in school IT security issues as the Rudd Labor governments 'digital education revolution' kicks off.

ISONet is the Independent Schools Online Network, a secure wide area network initiative developed by earthwave in conjunction with the Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AIS). The project has been designed to provide independent schools with access to secure high quality broadband data services, essential internet resources and managed security at sustainable rates.

The project, which has been deployed to more than 50 schools since its inception, has witnessed the average student usage rise from 15Mb per month to over 200Mb and with the promised $1 billion in extra funding and 'one computer per child' that rate is set to sky rocket over the next four years.

The rise in computer usage and increase in classroom activity performed on the web can be directly correlated with the increase in risk of exposure to malware and other harmful material. At the moment, ISONet blocks up to 60 per cent of traffic bound for schools as it is unsolicited and about 85 per cent of email traffic is blocked at ISONet because it is spam.

But it is not all doom and gloom. ISONet also provides access for secure sharing of education resources within the network. This also allows for video conferencing, which in the last 12 months has experienced exponential growth as teachers and school administrators take advantage of its full potential. For example, using the technologies' ability makes light work of distance education, teaching subjects remotely or easily accessing teachers with specialty skills and training as well as providing excellent means for collaboration.

ISONet gives students fast access to quality online content such as virtual tours of museums for art and science classes, e-books for those not available at the school or local library, and access to the latest news and current affairs.

Online communication across great distances, such as interaction with overseas students for foreign language classes and webchats with subject experts, is another major drawcard of the service.

- Carlo Minassian, CEO, earthwave