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{{Short description|American internet filtering and edtech company}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Lightspeed Systems
| name = Lightspeed Systems
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| homepage = {{URL|http://www.lightspeedsystems.com/}}
| homepage = {{URL|http://www.lightspeedsystems.com/}}
}}
}}
'''Lightspeed Systems''' is a company based in [[Austin, Texas]] that builds and sells [[Software as a service|SaaS]] [[content-control software]], [[mobile device management]], alert software, and [[classroom management]] software to [[K–12]] schools.
'''Lightspeed Systems''' is an [[Educational technology|educational software]] company based in [[Austin, Texas]] that builds and sells [[Software as a service|SaaS]] [[content-control software]], [[mobile device management]], alert software, and [[classroom management]] software to [[K–12]] schools.


==History==
==History==
Founded in 1999 in [[Bakersfield, California]], Lightspeed Systems, Inc., develops content filtering, mobile device management, and device monitoring software targeted to the education market. It is headquartered in [[Austin, Texas]] with an office in Brentwood, Essex (United Kingdom). The company has about 200 employees. In 2012, ''Inc.com'' ranked the company #1855 out of the ''Inc 5000''. However, ''Inc.com'' did not list the company as part of the ''Inc 5000'' after 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inc.com/profile/lightspeed-systems|title=Inc.com Lightspeed Systems Profile|last=|first=|date=2012|website=Inc|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206131141/http://www.inc.com/profile/lightspeed-systems|archive-date=6 December 2013|accessdate=29 April 2020}}</ref> In 2019, Lightspeed Systems received an investment from [[Madison Dearborn Partners]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190501006017/en/Lightspeed-Systems-Completes-Strategic-Growth-Investment-Madison|title = Lightspeed Systems Completes Strategic Growth Investment from Madison Dearborn Partners|date = May 2019}}</ref> In January 2022, they acquired [[CatchOn]], a real-time data analytics provider that helps with student engagement,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-11 |title=Lightspeed Systems® Expands Digital Learning Offering with Acquisition of CatchOn |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220110006106/en/Lightspeed-Systems%C2%AE-Expands-Digital-Learning-Offering-with-Acquisition-of-CatchOn |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en}}</ref> and in March, Lightspeed received another investment from [[Genstar Capital]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frederick |first=Lesli |date=2022-03-02 |title=Lightspeed Systems Receives Strategic Growth Investment from Genstar Capital |url=https://www.gencap.com/lightspeed-systems-receives-strategic-growth-investment-from-genstar-capital/ |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=Genstar Capital |language=en-US}}</ref>
Founded in 1999 in [[Bakersfield, California]], the company was ranked #1855 out of the ''Inc 5000'' by ''Inc.com'' in 2012. However, ''Inc.com'' did not list the company as part of the ''Inc 5000'' after 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inc.com/profile/lightspeed-systems|title=Inc.com Lightspeed Systems Profile|last=|first=|date=2012|website=Inc|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206131141/http://www.inc.com/profile/lightspeed-systems|archive-date=6 December 2013|accessdate=29 April 2020}}</ref> In 2019, Lightspeed Systems received an investment from [[Madison Dearborn Partners]].<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190501006017/en/Lightspeed-Systems-Completes-Strategic-Growth-Investment-Madison|title = Lightspeed Systems Completes Strategic Growth Investment from Madison Dearborn Partners|date = May 2019}}</ref> In January 2022, they acquired CatchOn, a real-time data analytics provider that helps with student engagement,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-11 |title=Lightspeed Systems® Expands Digital Learning Offering with Acquisition of CatchOn |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220110006106/en/Lightspeed-Systems%C2%AE-Expands-Digital-Learning-Offering-with-Acquisition-of-CatchOn |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en}}</ref> and in March 2022, Lightspeed received another investment from [[Genstar Capital]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frederick |first=Lesli |date=2022-03-02 |title=Lightspeed Systems Receives Strategic Growth Investment from Genstar Capital |url=https://www.gencap.com/lightspeed-systems-receives-strategic-growth-investment-from-genstar-capital/ |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=Genstar Capital |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Products ==
== Products ==

=== Mobile Device Management ===
=== Mobile Device Management ===
In 2013, Lightspeed introduced mobile device management.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Combined software and services help schools implement mobile learning |language=en-us |work=Tech Learning |url=https://www.techlearning.com/ed-tech-ticker/5281 |access-date=2018-05-16}}</ref> Mobile device management helps school IT staff to manage school devices more easily through the use of policies.
In 2013, Lightspeed introduced a Mobile Learning Essentials package, which included Lightspeed Mobile Device Management.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Combined software and services help schools implement mobile learning |language=en-us |work=Tech Learning |url=https://www.techlearning.com/ed-tech-ticker/5281 |access-date=2018-05-16}}</ref> [[Mobile device management]] helps school IT staff to manage school devices more easily through the use of policies.


=== Filter ===
=== Filter ===
In 2017, Lightspeed announced the Relay Filter,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Lightspeed Systems Announces Lightspeed Systems Relay for Chrome |language=en-us |work=Tech Learning |url=https://www.techlearning.com/ed-tech-ticker/11822 |access-date=2018-05-18}}</ref> which was then renamed to just Lightspeed Filter. Lightspeed Systems advertises their Filter product as blocking "inappropriate" content, and a tool for [[Children's Internet Protection Act|CIPA]] compliance. It originally was only supported on [[Chromebook|Chromebooks]]. However in 2018 support for [[MacOS|Mac OS]], [[iOS]], and [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] was announced.
In 2017, Lightspeed announced the Relay Filter,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Lightspeed Systems Announces Lightspeed Systems Relay for Chrome |language=en-us |work=Tech Learning |url=https://www.techlearning.com/ed-tech-ticker/11822 |access-date=2018-05-18}}</ref> which was later renamed to simply Lightspeed Filter. Lightspeed Systems advertises their Filter product as blocking inappropriate content, and a tool for [[Children's Internet Protection Act|CIPA]] compliance. It originally was only supported on [[Chromebook]]s, but in 2018 support for [[macOS]], [[iOS]], and [[Microsoft Windows]] was announced.


=== Classroom Management ===
=== Classroom Management ===
In April 2018, Lightspeed released Classroom, classroom management software which the company claims can monitor and control content loaded on devices used by students during class.
In April 2018, Lightspeed released Classroom Management, software which the company claims can monitor and control content loaded on devices used by students during class.{{Cn|date=February 2024}}


=== Analytics ===
=== Analytics ===
In March 2019, Lightspeed Systems released Analytics for reporting on apps, applications, and web sites used on school owned devices.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cdwg.com/content/cdwg/en/newsroom/articles/industryspecific/2019/04/02/new-analytics-tool-from-cdw-lightspeed-systems-helps-schools-optimize-tech-use.html|title=New Analytics Tool From CDW, Lightspeed Systems Helps Schools Optimize Tech Use|website=www.cdwg.com|language=en|access-date=2020-04-30}}</ref>
In March 2019, Lightspeed Systems released the Lightspeed Analytics software, designed for reporting on apps, applications, and web sites used on school-owned devices.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cdwg.com/content/cdwg/en/newsroom/articles/industryspecific/2019/04/02/new-analytics-tool-from-cdw-lightspeed-systems-helps-schools-optimize-tech-use.html|title=New Analytics Tool From CDW, Lightspeed Systems Helps Schools Optimize Tech Use|website=www.cdwg.com|language=en|access-date=2020-04-30}}</ref>


=== Alert ===
=== Alert ===
In 2021 Lightspeed announced Alert, a product the company says uses AI and human review to identify threats of school violence or student self-harm.
In 2021 Lightspeed announced Alert, a product the company says uses [[artificial intelligence]] as well as human review to identify threats of school violence or student self-harm.{{Cn|date=February 2024}}


== Criticism ==
== Criticism ==

Lightspeed Systems has been criticized by students for the amount of content blocked by the system. There have also been privacy concerns brought up by many students.


In 2012, Darryl LaGacé, head of IT in [[San Diego Unified School District]], left to go work for Lightspeed Systems after previously procuring a $375,000 contract with them earlier that year. This brought up many concerns and scrutiny.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carless |first=Will |date=2013-12-11 |title='Revolving Door' Between SD Unified, Contractors Still Open Despite Warnings |url=http://voiceofsandiego.org/2013/12/11/revolving-door-between-sd-unified-contractors-still-open-despite-warnings/ |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=Voice of San Diego |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2012, Darryl LaGacé, head of IT in [[San Diego Unified School District]], left to go work for Lightspeed Systems after previously procuring a $375,000 contract with them earlier that year. This brought up many concerns and scrutiny.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carless |first=Will |date=2013-12-11 |title='Revolving Door' Between SD Unified, Contractors Still Open Despite Warnings |url=http://voiceofsandiego.org/2013/12/11/revolving-door-between-sd-unified-contractors-still-open-despite-warnings/ |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=Voice of San Diego |language=en-US}}</ref>
[https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/education/revolving-door-between-sd-unified-contractors-still-open-despite-warnings/awards%20its%20contracts The latitude given to district managers to spend public money on companies they go on to work for has sparked new questions]

In 2012, Lightspeed Systems raised questionable behavior when directly mass emailing customers accounts to poach from partner accounts. "Talk Straight/Schools Broadband"
http://www.edugeek.net/forums/internet-related-filtering-firewall/192875-lightspeed-systems-says-schools-broadband-telling-lies.html


In 2012, Lightspeed Systems raised questionable behavior when directly mass emailing customers accounts to poach from partner accounts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lightspeed systems says Schools Broadband is telling lies.... |url=http://www.edugeek.net/forums/internet-related-filtering-firewall/192875-lightspeed-systems-says-schools-broadband-telling-lies.html |access-date=2023-03-20 |website=www.edugeek.net}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 02:52, 3 September 2024

Lightspeed Systems
Founded1999 (1999)
HeadquartersAustin, Texas
ProductsLightspeed Filter, Lightspeed Alert, Lightspeed Classroom Management, Lightspeed Analytics, Lightspeed Mobile Device Management
Websitewww.lightspeedsystems.com

Lightspeed Systems is an educational software company based in Austin, Texas that builds and sells SaaS content-control software, mobile device management, alert software, and classroom management software to K–12 schools.

History

[edit]

Founded in 1999 in Bakersfield, California, the company was ranked #1855 out of the Inc 5000 by Inc.com in 2012. However, Inc.com did not list the company as part of the Inc 5000 after 2012.[1] In 2019, Lightspeed Systems received an investment from Madison Dearborn Partners.[2] In January 2022, they acquired CatchOn, a real-time data analytics provider that helps with student engagement,[3] and in March 2022, Lightspeed received another investment from Genstar Capital.[4]

Products

[edit]

Mobile Device Management

[edit]

In 2013, Lightspeed introduced a Mobile Learning Essentials package, which included Lightspeed Mobile Device Management.[5] Mobile device management helps school IT staff to manage school devices more easily through the use of policies.

Filter

[edit]

In 2017, Lightspeed announced the Relay Filter,[6] which was later renamed to simply Lightspeed Filter. Lightspeed Systems advertises their Filter product as blocking inappropriate content, and a tool for CIPA compliance. It originally was only supported on Chromebooks, but in 2018 support for macOS, iOS, and Microsoft Windows was announced.

Classroom Management

[edit]

In April 2018, Lightspeed released Classroom Management, software which the company claims can monitor and control content loaded on devices used by students during class.[citation needed]

Analytics

[edit]

In March 2019, Lightspeed Systems released the Lightspeed Analytics software, designed for reporting on apps, applications, and web sites used on school-owned devices.[7]

Alert

[edit]

In 2021 Lightspeed announced Alert, a product the company says uses artificial intelligence as well as human review to identify threats of school violence or student self-harm.[citation needed]

Criticism

[edit]

In 2012, Darryl LaGacé, head of IT in San Diego Unified School District, left to go work for Lightspeed Systems after previously procuring a $375,000 contract with them earlier that year. This brought up many concerns and scrutiny.[8]

In 2012, Lightspeed Systems raised questionable behavior when directly mass emailing customers accounts to poach from partner accounts.[9]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Inc.com Lightspeed Systems Profile". Inc. 2012. Archived from the original on 6 December 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
  2. ^ "Lightspeed Systems Completes Strategic Growth Investment from Madison Dearborn Partners" (Press release). May 2019.
  3. ^ "Lightspeed Systems® Expands Digital Learning Offering with Acquisition of CatchOn". www.businesswire.com. 2022-01-11. Retrieved 2023-01-09.
  4. ^ Frederick, Lesli (2022-03-02). "Lightspeed Systems Receives Strategic Growth Investment from Genstar Capital". Genstar Capital. Retrieved 2023-01-08.
  5. ^ "Combined software and services help schools implement mobile learning". Tech Learning. Retrieved 2018-05-16.
  6. ^ "Lightspeed Systems Announces Lightspeed Systems Relay for Chrome". Tech Learning. Retrieved 2018-05-18.
  7. ^ "New Analytics Tool From CDW, Lightspeed Systems Helps Schools Optimize Tech Use". www.cdwg.com. Retrieved 2020-04-30.
  8. ^ Carless, Will (2013-12-11). "'Revolving Door' Between SD Unified, Contractors Still Open Despite Warnings". Voice of San Diego. Retrieved 2023-01-08.
  9. ^ "Lightspeed systems says Schools Broadband is telling lies..." www.edugeek.net. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
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