EDS has postponed its proposed ban on instant messaging after staff
told its techies that it was an important tool for communicating with
clients.

In a memo to staff, Paul Clark, EDS' chief information security
officer said "due to the nature of this change, we are aware of
several clients that are affected and are working to co-ordinate
alternative solutions for those clients. Blocking instant messenger
capability at the firewall will not occur as previously scheduled on
08 May 2002."

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Comment:

EDS is the the computer arm of the British government. Few days ago they banned its staff from using Instant Messenger products in the workplace. The reason was security concerns, especially over virus transmissions.