West Midlands technology specialist ApplianSys is at the forefront of making the internet safer for children to use.
The firm, based at the University of Warwick Science Park's Binley Innovation Centre, Coventry, has signed a deal to install its hardware products at schools, incorporating web filtering and content management.
ApplianSys designs, manufactures and sells appliance-based technology and is installing 300 Cacheboxes for Suffolk County Council schools, which allows pupils to surf the internet more safely.
The company is already a leading provider of 'caching solutions' - which support web filtering and content management software - to UK schools with over 2,500 units installed, and also works in the education market with the likes of BT and Cable & Wireless.
ApplianSys also provides network solutions for blue chip companies such as Boots, Panasonic, Telehouse Europe, Financial Times Interactive Data and London Business School.
In a separate development, the firm has taken over the assets of internet solution company Freedom2 as part of its investment into the educational IT sector.
Business Innovation Centre manager Karen Aston said ApplianSys was becoming a big player in securing the safety of the internet for youngsters.
"There are many dangers these days for children using the internet," she said.
"ApplianSys has designed and developed technology which eliminates a lot of the potential exposure to subversive material.
"This firm is a real success story and markets its network solutions to a growing portfolio of big name clients including Boots and the FT."
ApplianSys was founded in 2000 at its Coventry headquarters and has offices in London and South Africa.
The venture capital-backed company primarily develops IT appliance solutions for network, security and messaging issues.
Mike Clark, chief executive of ApplianSys, said: "We have a programme of investment in solutions for the education sector, and are extremely committed to UK schools, colleges and education authorities.
"These two deals follow a highly successful year for us. We have experienced 100 per cent growth per year since 2003, and this is set to double again this year.
