Built by European Open Source services group Sirius Corporation, the new system will be deployed across 700 schools to block access to inappropriate content on the Internet.

The project is thought to be the largest ever Open Source deployment in the UK's education sector.

The roll out began with Kingston-upon-Hull in late 2006, continuing with schools in Wakefield and Sheffield and shortly to be followed by Doncaster and Calderdale.

The key drivers for using Open Source software were its enterprise scalability and YHGfL's need to deliver the best value solution to the region's Local Authorities (LAs). Access to the source code also offers YHGfL further opportunity for development.

Sirius Corporation provided the deployment expertise for the project whilst the YHGfL is managing the day-to-day administration.

The announcement comes after Sirius Corporation built an e-mail infrastructure available to all the schools in Carmarthenshire, Wales.

Martin Wheldon, Technical Solutions Manager at YHGfL, said: "We selected Sirius Corporation based the success of previous project work. Open Source software is key to the future of the YHGfL. Its high performance and low cost of ownership mean that we can offer best value to our customers – the schools of the Yorkshire and Humber region."

Matthew Linden, Programme Director at Sirius Corporation said: "Projects such as this prove that, with professional support, Open Source architectures out-perform and offers better value than proprietary systems."

The Yorkshire and Humber Grid for Learning is a local authority company providing services to 12 LAs with around 2,400 schools. The Foundation is part funded by the Government and part funded by its regions LAs. For more information on YHGfL visit their website.

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