Corporate delete keys busy as E-mail turns up in court
Article Abstract:
A growing number of US corporations, having observed the Microsoft antitrust trial, are placing new E-mail limits on employees. Online bookseller Amazon.com, for example, recently instructed its staff to purge electronic messages that do not pertain to official business or legal records requirements. The trend illustrates how E-mail can strengthen business communication but also leave companies legally vulnerable. Lawyers are increasingly relying on a company's electronic communications as the most important documents of legal evidence. E-mail messages can contain candid comments, which attorneys try to demonstrate as reflections of executives' true thoughts and companies' inner operations at a specific time. Microsoft Chmn William Gates' E-mail statements contradict his sworn deposition in the Microsoft antitrust trial. Sun Microsystems' lawsuit against Microsoft, meanwhile, has yielded E-mail messages that embarrassed both sides. Some executives say the new company E-mail restrictions will weaken creativity and decrease efficiency.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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Excite and At Home confirm $6.7 billion merger
Article Abstract:
In a $6.7 billion stock deal, At Home Corp. plans to merge with Excite Inc., the search engine that started out in a Silicon Valley garage. At Home's high-speed Internet service is provided via cable TV lines; its major shareholder is TCI, soon to be owned by AT&T, if approved. At Home hopes to attract new cable access business from the 14 to 20 million Excite Website visitors along with new advertisers.
Comment:
Will merge with cable firm At Home Corp.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
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