Re: E-mail retention policy

The policy is to delete all e-mails after 30 days, unless they are stored in
a folder. E-mails stored in a folder are erased after one year. The policy
has many benefits. First it clears up computer storage space.
The policy can also results in signifigant cost savings in litigation where
a Judge has required the wholesale production of e-mails. Imagine if we were
required to sift through and digest 12-24 months of e-mail traffic. This has
happened to a number of companies in litigation the US( who have
subsequently changed their retention policies). Frankly, the Microsoft
antitrust case opened a lot of eyes to the dangers of not having a policy. In
that case, the discovery by the Dept of Justice produced some very damaging
e-mails that were later used to effectively cross-examine Bill Gates and
others. It is unbelievable what some people will put in an e-mail that they
would never dream of putting in a "written" document.
As for your comment about the subsequent retrieval of deleted e-mails, I (and
Bob) have been told many times that a deleted e-mail cannot be retrieved.
Please check with your source. I am happy to discuss any questions you have
about the policy.