Actually, from a "validation" perspective, there is no reason why "personal"
software can not be run on the same computer as controls a piece of lab
equipment. The only requirement there would be that the software be
qualified, at least to the extent that you could demonstrate with confidence
that there were no adverse impacts to the "production" system.
The difficulty to demonstrate this, coupled with the sheer number and
variety of applications would render the task virtually impossible. The risk
to data and application integrity, and of course the risk of contagion, has
led many IT groups to implement the various lock-downs that you find.. A
more real issue is simply the fact that these computers are company
resources that were purchased or rented for the purpose of conducting
business.
Ed Crosson
ed.crosson@Aventis.com
My opinions are mine.
-----Original Message-----
From: Steven Ito [mailto:steven_ito@hotmail.com]
Sent: Friday, August 16, 2002 5:05 PM
To: PharmWeb Computer Validation
Subject: Installing Personal Software Programs on Work Computers
Let's say there is a biotech company that doesn't manufacture and
never intends to. I understand that if a computer controls a piece
of lab equipment, no "personal" software can be loaded on that
system. But, can't one install something like an income tax program
or a screen saver to the "C" drive of his desktop? If a screen saver
causes the computer to crash then it would have to be removed. Let's
say that IT supports this decision so it's not like one would have to
ask to change the existing policy. The network is running Windows NT
and virus scanning is in place. Also,having the software programs
being used during business hours is not an issue.
Thanks,
Steven
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Steven Ito
steven_ito@hotmail.com
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