A Chichester-based technology company has been awarded a government grant to develop a computer back-up system designed for schools and colleges.

Freedom2 has won a Smart award from the Department of Trade and Industry's Small Business Service, which aims to encourage innovation in England.

The company, which specialises in developing internet management systems for schools, will use the money to carry out a feasibility study on its newly developed Dog8Work software, which has been designed to help schools to better manage their computer filing systems.

Chief executive Andrew Foyle said: "It will help us enormously in taking our software on to the next stage of its development.

"We are certain this innovation will provide real benefits to the schools that use it, saving them time and money."

www.freedom2.com