| Worldwide News LIVE WIRE 26-SEP-1989
Updated worldwide policy on proper use of computers, systems, networks
page 1 of 5
Digital has updated its worldwide policy defining the appropriate use of
its computers, systems and networks. This version includes a philosophy
statement that reaffirms the importance of our systems and network
utilities as business tools. It also defines "misuse" and spells out
the responsibilities of all employees and managers.
The policy is effective immediately and will be available on VTX and
hardcopy on or before November 1.
Policy highlights
Use of systems, cont'd page 2 of 5
Philosophy
Systems and network utilities are powerful business tools, encouraging
creativity and the exchange of ideas needed to maintain our competitive
edge. These tools allow for instantaneous creation of "electronic"
organizations to focus worldwide resources on urgent tasks. We want to
encourage our people to use these tools in accordance with company
philosophy and values.
Our peer-to-peer, open computing environment reflects our corporate culture.
We sell this concept to customers, and business and society are clearly
moving toward this way of operating. We believe that what we sell to our
customers will get better if we use it ourselves.
Use of systems, cont'd page 3 of 5
Information and the ability to communicate it freely are valuable assets
that play a significant role in Digital's success. The protection and
appropriate use of these assets is everyone's responsibility. We must strike
a balance between encouraging open systems and protecting these assets if they
are to continue to support our success.
Notes files and conferences
Digital provides systems to its employees to maintain computer conferences
(notes files) in direct support of company business (i.e., product
development, financial analysis, business planning, etc.). Digital also
permits access to these systems to communicate matters of opinions and
common interests.
Use of systems, cont'd page 4 of 5
In all cases, a computer conference must have an identified conference
moderator. Where the conference directly supports the company's business,
the conference moderator and the responsible systems manager may elect to
restrict access to the conference. Digital classified information may only
be placed in a conference with restricted access. Conferences created to
communicate matters of opinion and common interests may not be used for
solicitations of any kind, and must be open to all employees.
In addition, these conferences may not be used to promote behavior which is
contrary to the company's values or policy (i.e., they may not promote
discrimination, disrespect for the individual, violence, etc.). ... The
company reserves the right to terminate any notes file it believes is
inappropriate or in violation of this policy.
Use of systems, cont'd page 5 of 5
Responsibility for content of messages sent or posted on the network
Messages mailed or posted over the Digital network are the responsibility
of the original author. Posting materials in a notes file/conference without
the explicit permission of the author is prohibited and is a violation of
this policy. When forwarding messages or posting them to conferences,
removal or falsification of the original message header (which indicates
the author) is prohibited.
Policy violations
Managers who suspect that systems are being used improperly should discuss
the problem with the employee in question and, if appropriate, involve
security. In cases where improper use has been clearly established, the
employee should be dealt with in accordance with the corrective action and
disciplinary policy (6.21).
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| I N T E R O F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M
Date: 30-Jan-1992
From: John Sims
SIMS.JOHN AT A1 at CORA @ CORE
Dept: Strategic Resources
Tel No: 223-7243
TO: Employee Interest Notes File Participants
Subject: A message to employee interest notes file users
A MESSAGE TO EMPLOYEE INTEREST NOTES FILE USERS
Over the last few months I have received a number of complaints
from employees, and individuals outside of the company about
material communicated in electronic mail systems and posted in
various employee interest notes files. After reading some of this
material it is clear that a reminder about appropriate comment and
behavior in these systems is necessary.
First, and most critically; the electronic mail systems and notes
files are company facilities subject to normal workplace rules of
conduct. As such, the same rules that govern conduct and comment
in any other Digital workplace apply with equal weight in these
systems. Stated simply, if you wouldn't say something in a
Digital business meeting, you shouldn't say it in electronic mail
or notes. PERIOD.
Statements that attribute improper, illegal or immoral motives or
actions to others; statements that cast aspersions on the
character or integrity of others or that amount to libel or
slander are not permitted. PERIOD. In this regard, it does not
matter whether the individuals subject to the comment are elected
public officials or directors of organizations disfavored by the
author. There is no "Public Figure" exception in these systems.
Comments of a sexual nature are not acceptable whether they are
about the author or directed at others. Similarly, comments that
degrade, devalue or discriminate against others are also
prohibited.
Neither the notes conferences nor electronic mail should be used
to solicit other employees. This prohibition covers efforts to
solicit employees for personal or political gain, to sell or
market goods or services (except authorized marketplace or
discount conferences) and efforts to solicit employees to take
action, sign petitions or support particular causes or candidates.
Finally, employees should remember that it is never appropriate to
spend working time in employee interest notes for non-work
purposes. Personal or entertainment activities in these notes
files should be limited to assigned break times, lunch time and
before or after business hours.
Employee interest notes files and conferences provide an
electronic forum to share ideas and opinions about matters of
common interest. In supporting these conferences, the company
understood that there would be occasions where employees would
disagree on issues being discussed, but we believed and continue
to believe it is possible to disagree without being disagreeable.
Personnel Policy 6.54, Proper Use of Digital Computers, Systems
and Networks provides further information about appropriate
conduct and comment in these systems. Employees who fail to meet
these expectations, or who use company computer systems in ways
that are contrary to the letter or spirit of that policy are
subject to Corrective Action and Discipline up to and including
the termination of their employment.
The moderators of these conferences, along with your system
managers, personnel representatives and the Personnel Policy
Manager are all available to answer any question you might have
about appropriate use of these systems.
Please feel free to forward this memo to other Digital notes files
and conferences.
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