I asked the tech staff at my office if they would let me install the Google tool bar in order to block pop-ups. The response was:
"The Technology Department is currently reviewing various solutions which will minimize the receipt of pop-ups. Rather than “individualize” a desktop computer or notebook to a specific user’s needs by adding software specific only to a particular computer or notebook, the solution will be firm-wide.
As soon as a solution, compatible to the software utilized on our servers/system is agreed upon, I will let you know."
As far as I can tell this is the canned “don’t bother me” response. Is there any real reason not to allow the Google tool bar, or other share-ware type pop-up blocker, to be installed on an individual basis? What would be involved in a “firm-wide” solution?
No, that wasn’t a canned response. It seemed like a good description of why they wouldn’t let you install it.
A canned response might look like " I refer you to corporate standard such and such prohibiting the installation of non-supported applications…"
It is important to have a firm-wide solution for supportability. You may be a reasonable customer, but someone, somewhere would install a piece of software and then pass it on to coworkers. Eventually, one of those co-workers would have an issue and want support. Inevitable, someone will refuse to believe that help desk personnel simply can’t support every piece of software that can be installed. It’s true. Help desk folk aren’t all geniuses. Some follow a script.
A firm-wide solution would be a tool to block pop-ups that is installed consistently throughout the company. By using one solution, support personnel can be trained about the product and can be expected to understand or troubleshoot issues.
Firm-wide solutions also protect companies against software piracy or licensing issues. It may not seem like a big deal at the low-level, but if caught or tattled on, it can cost a company a fortune to settle piracy/licensing suits.
If you want to make sure this isn’t a canned response, ask them which solutions they are considering and could you be a beta tester.