This question has arisen at RCBC in the past. Perhaps the following summary
will be of help.

There are two differences between electronic and traditional diaries which
spring immediately to mind.
1. A traditional diary has no value to a thief whereas a palmtop containing
an electronic diary does - and is, therefore, more vulnerable to theft.
That makes any personal data within it more likely to fall into the wrong
hands.
2. Connection of a palmtop device to the Council's network introduces
security issues - both from the point of view of introducing viruses to the
network and of introducing a possible gateway for access to the wider
network, thereby compromising personal data on the network.

One of the problems with palmtop devices from a general network security
point of view is that there are a wide range of devices on the market
running a wide range of operating systems, each of which has its own
characteristics when it comes to ensuring security. All of the
organisations I have heard of which allow connection of palmtop devices to
their networks allow connection only of a single type of approved device
for which appropriate security training has been given to their employees.

RCBC would allow use of such devices (in just the same way as laptop &
desktop PCs etc) if a properly constructed business case were presented -
this would include security aspects such as prevention of virus infection,
corruption to the system etc. It is very difficult to see how a case could
be constructed to allow ad hoc connection by individuals of their privately
owned palmtops and the like to their networks. If anyone were to have such
a case I should be the first to support it - as I have consistently told
people who wish to connect their own machines to the network. I'm still
waiting to receive a copy.

Regards,
Graham.
Psion 5MX user for nearly 4 years and user of a Casio organiser for several
years previously.
No, I don't keep personal data from work on it.
Yes, I do employ password protection.

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