PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISSTANT JOINT PURCHASE PROGRAM

[Firm Name] is pleased to offer a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) Joint Purchase Program to assist eligible employees with the purchase of a PDA.  Through this program, an eligible employee and the firm share in the cost of purchasing a PDA through a $100 co-payment made by the eligible employee and a subsidy by [Firm Name].

Eligibility

Employees eligible to participate in this program are managers and directors of [Firm Name] who have not purchased a PDA through this program within the past two years.  Participation in this program may also be available to other employees who demonstrate a business need and gain the approval of their Director.

In any fiscal year, there may need to be limitations placed on the number of new participants who can be supported by the firm through this program.  In the event that the firm cannot satisfy all requests in one year, a waiting list will be created and satisfied in order of priority.

PDAs at [Firm Name]

[Firm Name] has selected the PalmPilot (made by 3Com Corporation) as its current PDA of choice.  The PalmPilot is the market leader and works well with the firm’s technology.

At [Firm Name], the PDA will primarily be used to allow users to maintain a copy of their personal schedule, contact list, task list, e-mail, etc. in a portable, electronic format that can be viewed inside or outside of the office.  The PDA is conveniently portable and allows for easy access to and retrieval of Outlook information.  New entries are made directly on the PDA or in Outlook and then updated to both the PDA and Outlook each time you synchronize.

Currently Supported Model

Through this program, eligible employees will have an opportunity to purchase the PDA currently supported by the firm.  As PDAs evolve, IT may recommend changing the currently supported model based on availability, functionality, and value of a newer model.  Please see IT for the most up-to-date information regarding the PDA currently being supported.  As with the PDA itself, new versions of the synchronizing software are released on occasion, and IT may periodically select a different synchronizing application.

Application Details

Eligible employees interested in participating in this program may make application by sending a request to [e-mail address].  After verifying eligibility, IT will request the $100.00 co-payment and process the order.  The copayment must be made before the order will be placed.

After the PDA and software are received, the Help Desk staff will schedule a time to have it installed and tested.  The Help Desk will also provide training and assistance in how to use the PDA to maintain a synchronized copy of the employee’s Microsoft Outlook information.

Maintenance and Support

[Firm Name] will repair PDAs as needed for a period of two years where the cause is due to a defect in material or workmanship.  However, the participating employee will be responsible for repairs related to misuse or abuse.   IT, at its discretion, will determine whether or not [Firm Name] will be responsible for the cost of repairing the PDA.  Repairs necessary after the initial two-year period are the responsibility of the participating employee.

[Firm Name] will also provide end user support during the initial two-year period.  Through the Help Desk, IT will provide assistance with the synchronizing software, basic functionality, and user questions.  [Firm Name] will, however, only be responsible for the PDA’s built-in applications.  Custom software or additional applications added to the PDA are outside of IT’s area of support.  Please note that if service is required on the PDA, information stored by these applications may be lost.

Upgrade Policy

From time to time the manufacturers of the synchronizing software may offer upgrades to their products.  [Firm Name] will routinely review these upgrades and provide participating employees with the upgrades to the synchronizing software as business needs demand.

After a period of two years, participants in this program may opt to upgrade their PDA to the model currently supported by the firm by re-enrolling in the Personal Digital Assistant joint purchase program.  A co-payment will be required to receive the most -current PDA and synchronizing software.  The old model remains the property of the employee.

If you have any questions concerning this program, please contact [IT Administrator].