AgdaPkt 2002-09-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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.IFI - IREPORT To the Honorable Mayor and City Oouncil From the City Manager September 23, 2002 Subject Purchase of Web Filtering and Reporting Software Recommendation Approve the purchase of Websense software as the recommended web filtering and reporting product, in the amount of $18,300. Background Organizations and industry are becoming more deeply concerned with their employees' Internet surfing activities. In conjunction with internal policies, a trend among employers is to restrict the types of web sites being visited by their workers while on the job. To assist organizations with the prevention of access to unsuitable web sites, the industry has shifted towards Intemet filtering and reporting tools. _ In order to help ensure a workplace environment that is in compliance with Title VII, Discrimination in the Workplace, other applicable workplace regulations and our organizational values, the Department Heads have agreed to implement an Internet filtering and reporting tool. This is a reasonable measure that, in the event of violations, will help to protect employees and the City. The Finance Department, Information Technology (IT) division has completed an analysis of Intemet filtering and reporting tools, and recommends the Websense product. Websense can filter, permit, limit by time-based quota, or postpone access to individual web sites categories by user, group, or workstation (PC). Staff will be able to generate reports on web sites attempted and visited. Additional benefits include centralized enforcement of policies, protection against legal liability, productivity enhancements, and improved network performance. Websense effectively blocks 95 to 98 percent of all listed categories. IT has solicited three prospective bidders regarding the Websense purchase in accordance to municipal code 2.65. As the Internet continues to occupy an ever-increasing share of employee's productive work lives, protecting the online experience is an ever-increasing priority. Because the Library department accesses the Internet via Peninsula Libraries Automated Network and due to policy consideration this software will not be implemented for the library employees.