In response to Mr. Grimes' zero-tolerance policy on installing software:

My problem with desktop lockdowns is that these are often accompanied with an "IT knows best" mentality. You know, the motto that "we'd have a great IT system if it wasn't for all these pesky users".

Yes, users install lots of crap on their workstations, but there are valid business needs there as well.

If IT forgets that it is there to serve users, then it is a hindrance, not a help. Desktop lockdowns can serve a valid purpose, but if users can't create their own solutions, you better make damn sure that IT is prepared to help find solutions for them.

I've said for years now that IT needs to work hand in glove with the business they serve. In fact, IT should *be* the "glove" for the business "hand".

If staff know that IT will work with them day in and day out to solve business-related (rather than IT-related) issues, productivity can be enhaced rather than hampered.

More importantly, user complaints about lack of rights should almost disappear if they know IT will be responsive enough to deliver high-quality tools to solve the problem at hand.