I agree with Jesse on this.  One of the driving factors of revisions to
the SEC rules (originally generated as a result of Sarbanes-Oxley) is
the increased use of IM by brokers and securities dealers.  I've also
seen IM used by managers/supervisors to approve activities or decisions
of subordinates.  
  
<...but we've been fighting for years to argue that the business needs
determine the systems and not vice versa.>
I also agree with this statement.  Unfortunately, not all stated
business "needs" for the newest flashy, shiny, spinny, go-fast is
logical or driven by better efficiency or productivity.  Quite often it
is driven by human nature and the attraction of new technologies.  So
our job is to keep on top of the RIM impact of all the new go-fasts that
come down the pike. Luckily, my current employer (City water utility)
does not allow the use of IM on our network or cell phones for several
reasons (mostly cost) so I have not yet had to deal with the issues
here.  That doesn't mean I won't have to in the future.

Ginny Jones
(Virginia A. Jones, CRM, FAI)
Records Manager
Information Technology Division
Newport News Dept. of Public Utilities
Newport News, VA
[log in to unmask]

List archives at http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/recmgmt-l.html
Contact [log in to unmask] for assistance