SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION

The Schlumberger Spouses Association members and other eligible spouses (together, "Spouses") have limited access to Schlumberger IT communication systems, including email accounts and global roaming dialup services.  Access by Spouses is subject to an SSA Internet Access Agreement, and to this guidelines statement.  Violations of the guidelines (or of the Code) may result in loss of access privileges. 

Schlumberger is a leading developer and user of many communications and information technologies. These technologies, when properly used, support Schlumberger business activities and enable closer and timelier communications within the Company and with our clients. There is a continuing evolution of associated laws and conventions governing acceptable use, and careless use of electronic communications tools can have dramatic consequences, harming Schlumberger, our clients, and our employees and their families.  These guidelines are intended to minimize the likelihood of such harm by educating users and setting standards which will serve 
to protect Schlumberger in litigation and other disputes. 

These guidelines address the appropriate use of electronic communications tools provided by Schlumberger.  These tools include the following: 

Email accounts

Company-supplied servers

Company-supplied computers and

Company-supplied network tools (like browsers and internet access facilities). 

In addition, a suggested format for Email Etiquette/Best Practices is included below. 

By use of these services, you are acknowledging that you are aware of and compliant with the Electronic Communications Guidelines and Internet Access Agreement.
 

2.0. Ownership of the Communication Channels
The SSA communication network belongs to Schlumberger. Unsolicited commercial communication to members of the Schlumberger Spouses Association by way of these tools may be deemed inappropriate (e.g., actions in competition with SpouseConnect or with other Schlumberger related activities), which may result in termination of your access privileges to the information network provided by the SSA, and the use of these services.

3.0. Competition
You agree that you do not work for a competitor of Schlumberger (or of the SSA or any SSA-sponsored operation) and that, if at any point in the future, if you do, you will immediately inform SSA so that conflicts of interest may be addressed.  At no point can you have access to the Schlumberger intranet if you work for a competitor.  If you do not agree with or are not compliant with the guidelines, please contact SSA immediately. 

4.0. Access 
Communicating with multiple SSA members (e.g., sending bulk e-mail and/or sending email to groups of spouses) must be managed through the proper SSA communication channels, i.e., via SSA local, area and global boards. 

Access to Schlumberger communications tools is provided to Spouses in support of Schlumberger programs and activities. Your use of these tools is subject to these guidelines, to the SSA Internet Access Agreement, and to other Schlumberger and SSA policies and procedures. Communications tools and all messages produced or carried by such tools are Company property, subject to reasonable Company inspection. 

4.1 Acceptable Use
In connection with SSA activities and arrangements, you may use these communications tools to communicate internally with your spouse, with other SSA members, and with other persons. The Company provides you with electronic communications tools to facilitate SSA activities and related programs.  Under no circumstances shall such facilities be used for personal financial gain, or to solicit others for activities unrelated to SSA or Schlumberger business, or in connection with political campaigns or lobbying.  The SSA and the Personnel Department may make available or otherwise authorize special-purpose bulletin boards and web pages enabling Spouses to market and sell personal property, and in connection with Company-approved social events, sporting events, and other sanctioned activities.

In addition to other restrictions and conditions discussed here, you may not use any communications tool: 

to carry any defamatory, discriminatory, or obscene material; 

in connection with any infringement of another person's intellectual property rights (e.g., copyrights); 

in a manner that violates the terms of any applicable telecommunications license or any laws governing trans-border data flow (e.g., laws dealing with data collection, protection, confidentiality, and security); 

in connection with any attempt to penetrate computer or network security of any Schlumberger or other system, or to gain unauthorized access (or attempted access) to any other person's computer, email or voicemail accounts or equipment; 

or in connection with the violation or attempted violation of any other law. 

4.2 Representing Schlumberger in Your Postings 
The information you publish electronically can reflect on Schlumberger in general.  Despite all disclaimers that you make (e.g., that your views are your own and may not reflect those of Schlumberger or the SSA) readers elsewhere will make the association between your posting and Schlumberger.  You should know that true anonymity is very difficult to obtain when using these tools.  While internet relay chat ("IRC"), newsgroup visits, and net "surfing" sometimes appears to be done anonymously (e.g., by employing pseudonyms), accessing such services/servers through Schlumberger provided communication tools normally leaves an "audit trail" indicating at least the identity of the Schlumberger proxy/server.  Inappropriate use of Company facilities may damage the reputation of Schlumberger and could give rise to legal liabilities.  Accordingly, you should make every effort to be professional in all usage of Schlumberger communications tools. 

4.3 Unacceptable Content
Although Schlumberger does not regularly monitor electronic messages, please be aware that even personal email messages may be viewed publicly or by Schlumberger management without further notice. Under no circumstances may any posting originating at Schlumberger contain inappropriate content.  Examples of unacceptable content include: 
 

Sexually explicit messages, images, cartoons, or jokes 

Unwelcome propositions, requests for dates, or love letters

Profanity, obscenity, slander, or libel

Ethnic, religious, or racial slurs

Political beliefs or commentary

or any other message that could be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based on their sex, race, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or religious or political beliefs. 

In addition to prohibitions on sending or uploading offensive materials, Schlumberger communications tools (email, browsers, newsreaders, etc.) also shall not be used to access or download obscene materials or other "content" that may be illegal under local law.  For example, possession and distribution of certain kinds of neo-Nazi documentation and propaganda may be unlawful in Germany, and other countries likewise may impose restrictions on possession or use of other kinds of "content". 

4.4 Electronic Forgery 
Electronic forgery is defined as misrepresenting your identity in any way while using electronic communications systems (e.g., by using another's email account without permission, by so-called IP spoofing, or by modifying another's messages without permission).  For example, messages written by others should be forwarded "as-is" and with no changes, except to the extent that you clearly indicate where you have edited the original message (for example, by using brackets [ ] or by using other characters * * *  to flag edited text). 

Electronic forgery is not allowed for any purposes.  For email messages, you may not take any action to misrepresent the identity of the person responsible for the message.  You may send email messages using another person's account, but only with prior express approval from the account owner, and only where the text of the message indicates that you are the author.  For newsgroup postings, you may not misrepresent the identity of the sender, but you may (as may sometimes be appropriate) make postings on an anonymous basis. 

4.5 Intellectual Property
You must always respect copyrights and trademarks of third parties and their ownership claims in images, text, video and audio material, software, information and inventions.  Do not copy, use, or transfer others' materials without appropriate authorization.  Be aware that downloaded software and other copyrighted material may be subject to licensing obligations or restrictions.  Even when software is labeled "freeware" or "shareware" there may be retained licensing restrictions that prohibit or limit the usage of such items. 

4.6   Transmitting Confidential Information
Confidential information (whether owned by Schlumberger, its customers, its vendors, or other persons) is not to be disclosed to unauthorized persons without prior authorization from the Schlumberger Legal Department. 

Generally, the common-sense prohibition of casual disclosures means that confidential information should not be contained in email sent to outsiders or posted to newsgroups, and should not be placed on Schlumberger communications tools that are available to third-parties  (e.g., on computers that are accessible to non-Schlumberger personnel).  You should post such information on "web pages" only when you are certain that the web page is not accessible from locations outside the Schlumberger firewall. 

4.7 Encryption tools
The use of encryption tools is also governed by Schlumberger security standards and policies.  Only authorized encryption tools (software and hardware) may be used in connection with any Schlumberger communications tools.  Except with the prior written consent of the Schlumberger Manager of IT, all such tools must implement key-recovery or key-escrow techniques to permit Schlumberger to access and recover all encrypted information (e.g., in the case of the absence of the individual who performed the encryption). 

Please remember that possession and use of encryption tools may be subject to complex laws or outright local prohibitions.  Also, the export and import of computers carrying such tools may be subject to local regulation.

4.8 Peer to Peer Applications
Peer to Peer file sharing applications are banned from use on the Schlumberger network.

• Peer to Peer costs significant amounts of SINet bandwidth
• Do not use file-sharing software such as Napster or similar systems. These services can allow a surprising degree of access by outsiders to many file types on your device, sometimes without the owner's knowledge.
• Peer to Peer allows uncontrolled traffic through firewall access to SINet
• No software is permitted which would allow data sharing between a Schlumberger machine and the Internet without specific user control. Examples are Napster, Gnutella, all IRC clients, or any future software that bypasses firewall security.
• Peer to Peer can and is used in incorrectly obtaining copy write and/or trademarked 3rd party data
• Respect third-party copyrights and trademark claims in online images, text, video and audio material, software, information, and inventions.
• Peer to Peer allows virus like MyDoom into SINet
KaZaA,  Grokster, Morpheus and other similar utilities are specifically designed to circumvent firewall security and insecurely share files between protected networks (SINet) and the public internet.  They are notorious for security vulnerabilities such as spreading viruses, worms, and trojans, exposing confidential information, identity spoofing, and denial of service attacks. Furthermore, the types of files shared are most often copyrighted media or programs.  This is illegal and potentially exposes the company to litigation and legal action.

5.0 Retention and Security of Messages
Email messages and items stored on computers owned by Schlumberger may be business records and are Schlumberger property.  These records may have legal and operational effect identical to that of traditional, hardcopy documents (for example, they may be discoverable in litigation, and could be used in evidence).  Accordingly, all email messages should be treated as though others may later view them. 

Remember that no electronic communications facility is completely secure.  This means that information stored on or carried over Schlumberger communications tools may be the subject of accidental or intentional interception, misdelivery, attack, or authorized review. 

When stored on computers, email messages and other files typically are subject to routine back-up procedures.  This means that copies of these files may be retained for long periods of time (in accordance with back-up recycling and document retention procedures).  Also, keep in mind that many site-wide backup systems do not guarantee privacy of backup copies (e.g., system administrators may have access). 

5.1   A Limited Expectation of Privacy
Schlumberger respects the personal privacy of its employees and Spouses.  However, because communications tools are provided in connection with SSA operations (related to Schlumberger's business interests), employee and Spouse rights of privacy in this context are quite limited.  Employees and Spouses should have no expectation that any information transmitted over Schlumberger facilities or stored on Schlumberger-owned computers is or will remain private.  These systems are owned and/or controlled by Schlumberger and are accessible at all times by Schlumberger for maintenance, upgrades, or any other business or legal purposes.  Also, in the course of their duties, system operators and managers may monitor use of the Internet or review the contents of stored or transmitted data. 

Schlumberger permits personal use of all these communications tools on the express understanding that it reserves the right (for its business purposes or as may be required by law) to review Spouses' use of, and to inspect all material created by or stored on, these Schlumberger communications tools.  Use of these tools constitutes each employee's and Spouse's permission for Schlumberger to monitor communications and to access files stored on computers owned by Schlumberger or transmitted over communications facilities operated by Schlumberger. 

5.2   Schlumberger Access to Computers, Voicemail and Email Systems
Schlumberger management will not routinely examine employees' or Spouses' communications or files.  However, such examination generally may be expected to occur in the following circumstances (which are not intended to be all-inclusive):

Ensuring that Schlumberger systems are not being used to transmit discriminatory or offensive messages, or in connection with the infringement or violation of any other person's rights

Determining the presence of illegal material or unlicensed software; 

Counteracting theft or espionage;

Ensuring that communications tools are not being used for inappropriate purposes;

Responding to legal proceedings that call for producing electronically-stored evidence; and

Investigating indications of impropriety All such examination is subject to prior review and approval by senior management of the associated operating company. 

Questions about these guidelines may be directed to the Schlumberger Manager-Information Technology, and/or the Deputy General Counsel-Information Technology & Training.  Schlumberger intends generally to observe these policies but also reserves the right to change them at any time without prior notice. Schlumberger will make reasonable efforts to provide notice of such changes (e.g., by postings to an appropriate web page). 

Email is ideal for corresponding with colleagues in different parts of the world, across time zones, and even in the same city.  Using email can save money (e.g., postage, telephone charges, travel), but it cannot always substitute for face-to-face meetings or phone calls.  Interpersonal communication should generally be your first choice whenever possible.  In addition, email should not be used to resolve conflict or to say things that would not be said in person. 

Email messages may be considered part of Schlumberger's official records and may be subject to disclosure to third parties.  Compose email messages in the same manner and with the same good judgment you would employ for any formal communication. 

Use A Descriptive Subject Line 
Never leave a subject line blank.  It may determine whether or not your message gets read. Use a short descriptive statement to help the recipient decide when to read the message.  Take care not to overstate the urgency of the message simply to get attention. 

Use Courtesy And Respect
As with any other form of correspondence, email messages should be written using courtesy and respect for the recipient.  Don't employ rude or facetious remarks that could be seen as unethical or defamatory. 

Don't Use All Caps 
Using ALL CAPS in email is equivalent to SHOUTING!  In addition, all caps makes your text difficult to read, as does all lower case. 

Check Spelling, Grammar, and Punctuation 
Don't ignore the basics of writing, punctuation, and spelling in your email correspondence, and be aware of the tone of your message.  Use slang, jargon and abbreviations sparingly and appropriately based on your recipient. 

Use A Signature 
Include useful information such as your telephone number and email address. 

Urgent Messages 
Don't rely on email alone for sending urgent messages.  The recipient may be travelling or not checking email frequently.  Follow up with a phone call or fax. 

Using CC 
A cc: (which used to mean carbon copy) suggests that the message is for information only -- no action is necessary on the part of the cc-recipients.  Send carbon copies only to those who really need a copy.  Sending unnecessary copies wastes everyone's time (see Sending Unsolicited Messages). 

Using BCC
Blind carbon copies should be used with caution, if at all.  They may give the appearance that you're going behind someone's back.  If you can't copy the person directly, consider not sending the message at all. 

Avoid Sending "Heat Of The Moment" Messages 
When responding to a "hostile" message, don't hit the SEND button until you have had a chance to cool off (use the "overnight rule" -- sleep on it, re-read your message, and revise it before sending).  Email messages that are sent in the heat of the moment are often regretted.  Once sent, they cannot be retrieved. 

Delayed Responses 
Don't leave the sender hanging.  If you cannot respond to an email request in a timely manner, consider sending a quick reply stating that you have received the message and giving an estimate of the time it will take you to provide a full response. 

Replying to Messages 
Be careful to use "Reply-to-All" only when appropriate. Typically, you should address a reply only to a single person and not to all those who received the original message.  Likewise, be careful when replying to a message that was sent by a Bulletin Board ("BB") or automatic remailer -- if you're not careful, your reply may be sent to the entire audience subscribing to the BB rather than only to the individual who wrote the original message. 

Include The Original Email When Replying 
This is a matter of both courtesy and efficiency.  It avoids making the sender search for the original message and may help to avoid confusion.  Use the reply feature to return automatically the original message and to insert the return address.  However, where the original message is lengthy, include only enough of it to jog the sender's memory -- sending very long messages can be burdensome on those with slower dial-up connections.  Also, where your reply is relevant to only a portion of the original message, consider excerpting and including in your reply only the relevant portion(s).

To Send An Attachment Or Not? 
Don't send an attached file when a text message is sufficient.  A few lines, or even paragraphs of text does not warrant a file attachment.  Receiving attachments can be time-consuming (especially when the recipient is using a slower dial-up connection) and requires the recipient to take extra steps to open and read the file.  Send attachments for long messages or when special formatting is necessary.  When you do send attachments, take the time to make sure that the attachment does not contain unnecessary graphics (like letterhead or logos) or embedded multimedia.  These can increase download time by an order of magnitude. 

The Original Sender's Rights 
Don't indiscriminately forward email to others.  Keep in mind the perspective and rights of the author of the original message -- he or she may not be happy that you have forwarded it. 

Wherever in doubt, it's more polite to check with the original author, perhaps by sending a reply message suggesting that the original message should be distributed to others. 

If you do forward a message, it should be forwarded "as-is" and with no changes, except to the extent that you clearly indicate where you have edited the original message (for example, by using brackets [ ] or by using other characters * * *  to flag edited text). 

Don't forward messages marked "Private", or "Confidential" without express permission from the author. 

Forwarding chain letters is unacceptable.  If you receive a chain letter, ignore it and delete it or, better yet, inform the sender that it is an inappropriate use of bandwidth. 

Viruses may be easily (and accidentally) transmitted via email attachments or postings.  It is your responsibility to protect your files by installing and keeping up-to-date virus protection software on your computer.  If you receive a virus, notify the sender that the file was infected. This may help halt further transmission of the virus. 

When sending unsolicited messages, choose your distribution vehicle carefully.  Email can very quickly become junk mail if unsolicited messages are distributed indiscriminately to an inappropriate audience.  Sometimes simply hitting the delete key is the answer.  As the number of unsolicited messages increases, the recipient's in-box becomes overloaded with "junk."  We can all probably appreciate this dilemma.  Responsibility lies with each of us, therefore, to choose the right vehicle and distribute messages to the intended audience in the most efficient manner for both the sender and the recipients. 

Selecting the Most Appropriate Vehicle 
Mass Email and Blanket Email  Distribution mail is one easy way to send messages to large groups of people.  It should never be used as a shortcut or in lieu of creating a smaller distribution list.  Distribution mail can certainly save  the sender time by not having to create a distribution list.  But, how much time and resources are wasted by recipients who don't need to receive the broadcasted message?  Again, consider your audience and narrowly target the proper audience. 

Points to ask yourself before sending a message via available distribution lists: 

• Who really needs this information? 
• Does an existing bulletin board cover my audience? 
• If not, does a bulletin board need to be created for this group? 
• How many people will receive this message vs. how many really need it? 
• Will a distribution list target my audience more efficiently? 

Bulletin Boards distribute posted messages to all people who have "registered" with them. 

Registration and resignation usually are done by sending a message directly to the BB (using a precise format that prevents an actual posting of the registration message).  Be careful when sending a registration or resignation message to a bulletin board -- if you fail to follow the required format exactly, your message may be posted to all subscribers.  This type of junk email tends to irritate many people.  Likewise, if someone unknowingly posts a message like this, don't magnify the junk by posting an ugly response back to the BB.  Instead, send a polite message, directly to that person, explaining the proper procedure. 

----
Electronic Communications Guidelines : Version History
  Version 1.0 May, 1998 - Original draft / ytg
  Version 1.1 July 22, 1998 - URL changed for instructions on PH mail/ ytg
  Version 2.0 Nov, 2001 - General Update/ SSA Global Board
  Version 3.2 April, 2002 - Competition and ownership of SSA Communications Network statements/ SLB Security
  Version 3.3 Jan, 2003 - modified footer for support contact information / tm
  Version 3.4 April, 2004 - added peer to peer application rules information / tm, jd, SLB Security
  Version 4.0 Feb, 2007 - Changed from 'Policy' to 'Guidelines'  / tm, mm

Last modified:  February 14, 2007 by SpouseConnect