Since we are reinventing ourselves to some extent, I wanted to open the discussion to the idea of having a set of documented ethical guidelines when dealing with customers, data and systems. Since we have so much access to sometimes very sensitive data, I thought it might be a good idea to have something codified that we can elaborate on when dealing with our customers. If no one else thinks we need this kind of articulated ethical framework, I can just drop it, or I am more than happy to lead such a discussion here or in person.
In addition to creating a code of ethics, it might be good to also consider the implementation of something like Social Impact Statements ( http://hcil.cs.umd.edu/trs/95-18/95-18.html ) in the standard design and consulting process.
3 Comments
E. Axel Larsson
This is a fine discussion to have. I think we should have some statement of principles.
The SAGE Code of Ethics is a decent starting point. It's focused around System Administration and is the basis of CNS' guiding principles.
Saul Saul
The SAGE Code of Ethics looks good. We could also base in the ACM Code of Ethics
Mike Richichi
The ACM one seems more generally suited in this case. SAGE is specifically about sysadmins, whereas the ACM code is more relevant to all computing professionals,