A tool to monitor internet activity on a local area network and also to control the internet usage.

Pros: Integard Professional is a tool that will monitor internet activity on a local area network (LAN) and additionally it can restrict usage by forcing user’s to adhere to a strict policy. The monitoring feature enables an administrator to find out exactly what the internet connectivity is being utilized for, and in the long run based on this experience he / she can create better usage policy. Once the policy has been formulated, Integard has enough control functionality to ensure that that policy is followed over the LAN by all users. One of the best features is the Policy agreement that can be designed based on the current policy and which in turn is presented to a user before he / she can access the LAN knowing what is acceptable use. Integard can be used to block certain websites, and it will also alert an administrator if certain policy is violated. It has flexibility in that it can be installed on a Server or a on a Desktop, or both; it can also be configured at the central location where the program resides or through a remote terminal; deployment can be as a web or email proxy server. The policy page is customizable so that the company or institution logo can be inserted as desired. The interface is excellent and fairly intuitive to use.

Cons: Generally, there is the question of privacy in terms of monitoring use of user’s on a LAN. However, administrators can skirt around that question using Integard’s advanced controlling functions. If the control is fine tuned enough then no monitoring will be necessary.

Overall: 5 stars. It is a very good overall tool for the segment that it is targeted at. The fact that it allows administrators to create policy and makes user’s agree with that policy first before using it is a distinct improvement over other tools.