The "Ask First" Policy

The world of IT is part technical know-how, part black magic. As such, it needs to be treated with care as the complex, sometimes delicate system that it is. Part of that treatment involves some basic, common sense policies around altering our existing systems.
 
  1. If you want to change the use of a computer or other device from something to something else, please let IT Support know (and wait for approval) first. For example: The folks at Santa Rosa have a 3 terabyte computer that holds nothing but internet meme GIFs. They’d like to repurpose it as, say, the brains of the world’s first robot trimmer. It’s an awesome idea (although some human trimmers may disagree), and to keep everyone in the loop, they should send the IT team a message first and wait for approval.
  2. If you want to unplug a network cable, move a network cable, or use a network cable for something else, please let IT Support know (and wait for approval) first. No example needed in this case. Instead, I want you to imagine that every piece of hardware is a defenseless kitten on life support. Don't do that to Mittens. OK?

 
We’re an organization in a constant state of growth and change, which are all fantastic qualities. The IT department wants you to be able to repurpose a computer or cable so you can get things done more quickly and adapt to changes as they arise. At the same time, it’s important that our IT support team are aware of those changes and can evaluate them with the knowledge of our IT systems as a whole.
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