With the approach of the Beijing Olympics, businesses are urgently seeking a way to protect their networks from an anticipated deluge of media streaming, according to internet and email management provider Netbox Blue.

"Businesses have good reason to be concerned," says Netbox Blue Chairman John Fison.

"I think it's almost inevitable that when Grant Hackett dives into the pool for the final of the 1500 metres, thousands of Australians will be streaming the event on their computer. The consequences for a business network are massive."

"To make sure that patriotic enthusiasm doesn't bring down the whole network, we recommend establishing a clear policy and managing internet use during the Olympics, rather than blocking it entirely," Mr Fison says.

Netbox Blue has seen a surge in interest in category web filtering, live reporting and traffic shaping technology as managers look to protect mission critical applications and prevent their networks from being overloaded by continuous streaming of Olympics coverage.

"Put a television in the staff room during the Olympics so people can watch some of the Games when they grab a coffee. That way they don't need to be clogging up the network downloading coverage onto their computer, Mr Fison says.

Tips for Avoiding Olympics Network Meltdown

URL Filtering: A URL filter, which is standard on all Netboxes enables a manger to block certain sites. These can be blocked permanently, at certain times of the day, or for certain departments. Businesses can restrict access to Olympics coverage to lunch time or after hours.

Category Web Filtering: This premium service offers managers a more comprehensive way to mange internet use by controlling access to categories of web sites, such as sport. This filter can also be deployed selectively.

Reporting Tools: Reports generated by the Netbox give managers a clear idea of which staff members are spending time on non-work related websites. Just by letting staff members know that their internet use is being monitored, behaviour changes will normally follow.

Traffic Shaping: This technology enables a business to prioritise its network traffic to ensure mission critical data has a right of passage even when internet use is heavy. This is a valuable tool at times when the internet is in high demand.