General Questions

March 2006 – Does this mean we can not download music?

(Responded by Doug) If you have an iPod, iTunes or similar tool to store electronic music, then AMS views putting your own personal music on it as an acceptable use and it is up to you to manage their licenses to use your own music.

March 2006 – What do you mean by “Use of Network for Political Activity”?

(Responded by Doug) This is a tough question and it really goes to the purpose of the company network. It is primarily for company business and political activity really isn’t that.

So, for a completely crazy example, imagine somebody setting up a political web site for the Marijuana Party inside the router (AMS Network) that attracted millions of hits a second and overwhelmed things. AMS doesn’t think that would be quite appropriate as it would affect support, phone line quality, etc. It may also have a moral effect on the company.

Making a donation to a political party via the network - can't see a problem with that - its just a commerce thing.

Now, on the other hand, it doesn't mean political activity is out of the question. I personally believe that everybody should contribute back to the community in their own way. I choose to volunteer at StoryBook Theatre, my wife chooses to volunteer at school that the kids are at. If you, or someone chooses to volunteer for a political party - that great.

What the policy also states is that if you think this is a non-work task you want to do - lets say supporting a political campaign and doing e-mailers for them - then the right thing to do is first ask to have permission to use AMS resources for that. It is good for both the employee and AMS. Why? Because then everybody acknowledges that something is happening.

When I worked at Esso some 20 years back, they had a Permitted Use Policy on company resources. At that time the Internet and email really was nothing - didn't exist. (I sound like a dinosaur). But they did have policies on using company photocopiers. If you wanted to use it for personal things, you were supposed to ask permission. And, people did. My boss was big into the boy scouts - he had permission to do stuff for them, including time off. I was doing Storybook Theatre and I had permission to do the monthly minutes on the photocopier. That way, the boss knew where all his paper was going.

Acceptable use isn't no – it means acceptable, permitted, or planned use that is reasonable above board and consistent with good company stewardship. I think AMS should be quite happy to support extra curricular activities providing they are not to a detriment to the company’s purpose – provided permission is given. That’s a win for everybody.

March 2006 – Will I be able to use Personal Software on My Computer?

(Responded by Darwin) For personal software that is licensed to AMS, yourself and/or affiliated individuals, there should be no problems to install the software and use it on your work or home computer as long as the software’s main purpose is not listed or referred to in the Unacceptable Use section of this policy. With all software purchases, it is best to review the specific software license that came with the software to see if they have any specific licensing requirements when using their software and that you are in compliance with their listed licensing requirements.

Also, if the software is purchased or downloaded by an employee for personal use, permission should be sought to use it on a company machine. If your personal software does not affect the network, the machines intended use, or contravene the accepted use policy, it will more than likely be approved.