Installation of unauthorized computer programs and software, including files downloaded and accessed on the internet, can easily and quickly introduce unnecessary clutter, system instability or unreliability, and serious security vulnerabilities. All of which might require lengthy support remediation and lead to wasted productivity.

This policy, written by Scott Matteson for TechRepublic Premium, can be used to establish guidelines for software installation on company-owned systems and systems utilized by employees to conduct company operations (such as through a bring your own device policy).

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The IT department will be responsible for installing, maintaining, upgrading, and removing all software from company systems (unless they give explicit permission for users to do so). This software should be installed on operating system images or through automatic means such as via Puppet, Group Policy, SCCM, or some other automated mechanism.

IT will be responsible for documenting these installations to ensure accurate records, as well as working with finance/purchasing departments as needed to ensure renewals or upgrades.

Software installed by the company is to be used only for creating, editing, and processing company-related materials. By using the company’s software, employees assume personal responsibility for the appropriate usage thereof and agree to comply with this policy and other applicable company policies, as well as city, state, and federal laws and regulations.

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TIME SAVED: Crafting this content required 12 hours of dedicated writing, editing, research, and design.