Since employees know employers can monitor their use of the phone, abuse is rare. Employers have developed phone use policies that usually allow for a minimal amount of personal use. Applying call accounting concepts to the data environment, network accounting provides the framework for collecting, summarizing and reporting network activity, creating a true strategic network. This relatively new software innovation provides employers with information on who is using the Internet, if they access it from their desk or remotely, when they log on, what URLs they visit and how long they stay logged on. With this information employers can set and enforce company policies, budget for future network costs and even bill the employee for personal Internet usage, much like they do for long distance phone calls.
Strategic networks are critical assets in the global business environment.
Businesses and other institutions have found that effective use of these facilities improve their competitive position, create new market opportunities, and afford more efficient communications between business units, suppliers and customers. Advancements in technologies enable global access from anywhere at anytime benefitting workers who want or need connectivity around the clock. The Internet causes particular concern. While there are many benefits to the Internet, there are also many logistic and legal hurdles that have not been clearly defined. IT managers list security as their number one concern.