The Myth of Email as Proof of Communication

Organisations are facing an increasing need to be able to show exactly what was communicated, to whom and when. The ubiquity of email provides an ideal means of doing this, but it needs additional capabilities; to ensure that the email is stored in an immutable form and is time-stamped, in a manner whereby the document can be seen as being legally admissible as evidence.

Whether the need is for ensuring that contract terms are acknowledged and enforced, keeping records of online sales, protecting key information, or whatever compliance requirements or regulation a company must meet, being able to reference an immutable copy of communications between parties has immense business value. Essentially, if anyone in an organisation has ever said, “Just what did we communicate at the time?” then a means of evidential proof is required.

This report has been written independently by Quocirca Ltd to provide an overview of the issues facing organisations seeking to maximise the effectiveness of today’s dynamic workforce. The report draws on Quocirca’s extensive knowledge of the technology and business arenas, and provides advice on the approach that organisations should take to create a more effective and efficient environment for future growth.