ASX-listed SecureNet and software developer Synop have partnered to provide managed security services to the Australian Competitor and Consumer Commission in a six-month deal worth more than $850,000.

Under the terms of the agreement, SecureNet and Synop will deploy and manage a secure portal-based intranet and Internet content delivery system. The system will enable the ACCC to securely manage content created on its intranet environment for electronic publication internally, or for public distribution via ACCC's Web site, according to company officials.

SecureNet will provide a range of hosting, managed firewall and gateway services, Internet connectivity, network intrusion detection, virus protection and monitoring services from its Canberra Trust Centre. Besides integration experience, Synop will provide its Sytadel software platform while CSIRO will deploy network security search technology called P@NOPTIC.

Scheduled for completion in December, the initial rollout and first set of customised security modules will be delivered in October. A further 11 modules, to be developed using SecureNet's agile software development methodologies, will complete the project.

"The SecureNet consortium will help us integrate our disparate systems into a single view for all our users, help with the generation of content from a number of decentralised sources, implement a workflow process, allow for greater accessibility and usability of our Web portal system, and provide confidence that the system has accurate and timely information," said Nigel Martin, ACCC's director IT services.

Geoffrey Ross, SecureNet's managing director, said the open architecture of the new system will provide a platform from which ACCC can develop and deploy additional systems, as well as ensure integrated functionality with existing ACCC enterprise systems.

"This will enable ACCC to consolidate its content offerings to its diverse audiences and deliver better quality and accessibility of information," Ross said.