Mitteldeutsche Zeitung 2001/12/20, p. 9  (translated from German)

Andreas Lohmann

A software company from Halle apparently succeded in making the breakthrough with a new development. The Nutzwerk Informationsgesellschaft mbH was awarded an innovation prize of the city of Leipzig worth DM 20,000 (about 10,000 euros) for their product "SaferSurf". SaferSurf is a real-time data filter that makes the internet more secure. "On the 5th of December Nutzwerk received the patent for this unique technological solution", says René Holzer (35), CEO and head of development of the company.

The Nutzwerk GmbH was founded in 1997. Today it has 15 employees and is – according to the experts' opinion – one of the most powerful companies in the multimedia scene of Halle. The head office of this East German company is situated in Bornknechtstrasse 5, the branch office in Leipzig was opened in March. "We consider ourselves a Halle company", says Ramona Wonneberger (38), co-CEO and responsible for human resources, marketing and finance.

With SaferSurf Nutzwerk can open up the world market. After all, the product received best grades at the competition in Leipzig. Out of 143 competing novelties the strategy experts of the prestigious Roland Berger Strategy Consultants attributed the highest innovation potential to this technology. Holzer sees a huge market potential. "Whether in Berlin, New York, Moscow or Beijing – everywhere it is important to ensure a secure data stream on the internet. And we have the best solution", says Holzer.

The main feature of SaferSurf: the data stream is checked for viruses, dangerous eMails or data rubbish in real-time. "All unwanted data are filtered out", explains Holzer. In addition it is possible to check the data streams for contents like child pornography or swastikas. "These can't enter the networks and therefore can't be displayed on the computer screens", Holzer describes the advantages of SaferSurf.

They have already been recognized by the Federal State of Saxony. Saxony signed a contract about the use of SaferSurf in schools. They want to prevent right-wing extremist contents from being displayed on the screens. In Saxony-Anhalt, however, the innovative products of Nutzwerk have not been noticed so far, says Wonneberger. There hasn't been any assistance from that side. But the company learned to stand on their own two feet. Holzer: "Visions are important as well as employees who are enthusiastic about a project."