In a mutually exclusive strategic partnership that is set to bring major benefits to the local market, Siemens Business Services (SBS) and specialist Internet, Media and IPR attorneys Buys Inc have teamed up to offer the best in legal expertise and document management solutions and services from a single source.

Mike Struthers, COO of Siemens Business Services, says recent legislation such as the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECT), the Regulation of Interception of Communications Act and the King II Report on Corporate Governance relating to, amongst other things, electronic document storage, has implications for all industries that look set to rival the impact of the Y2K scenario.

"In business today, every kind of document has a legal status, from quotes and proposals through to correspondence and employee contracts, with portions of the legislation relating to the storage and confidentiality of these documents," says Struthers. "Failing to comply with approximately 22 different clauses contained in the ECT Act, for instance, can land company directors or officers with multimillion rand fines or even jail terms."

Struthers says business areas that need attention include external aspects such as websites, e-mail, general communications, e-billing, investor relations and e-commerce, while internal aspects such as intellectual property, IT security, document management, workplace privacy and data protection need to be covered.

"Through this partnership, SBS and Buys Inc can not only ensure that a business complies with these new IT and information laws, but can also identify and limit the risk and liability associated with the use of information and communications technology in the workplace, and ensure high standards of ICT governance," he concludes.

For more information contact Mike Struthers, Siemens Business Services, 011 652 7554.