Information Technology Policies and Standards

Title
Instant Messaging
Type
Policy
Category
General
Status
Deprecated
Approved
07/14/2004
Revised
07/12/2006
To Be Reviewed
07/09/2008
Scope
Identifies appropriate use of instant messaging technologies in the conduct of City business.
Policy
The installation and/or use of instant messaging software and facilities other than those approved for use in conducting official City business are prohibited. De minimis personal communication between City employees using City standard instant messaging software and facilities is permitted. However, other personal or non-City business use is prohibited.

Approved software titles shall be published in a standard.

Although the City standard instant messaging software may include the capability of connecting to third-party instant messaging services (e.g., AIM, ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo), this practice is prohibited.
Rationale
Restricts City instant messaging use to official City business using approved, supported software and facilities.

Also refer to:
  • Administrative Instruction 6-5, "Use of City Property," September 1992.
  • Use of IT Assets Policy.
  • Personnel Rules and Regulations Section 301.12, "City Property."
  • Personnel Rules and Regulations Section 301.15, "Automated Systems."

Contact: Lee Stark, (505) 768-2978