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This document should be read in conjunction with our (overly stuffy and slightly legalese) Acceptable Use Policy, Terms and Conditions of Service and Technical Support Acceptable Use Policy. Technically Led Ethically Guided Humanely Grounded Solis are a dedicated Internet, Intranet and Networking Solutions Services Company Officially launched on the 1st of November 1995 to take over our two existing Internet businesses, (Sheffield On-line and Sheffield WebMaster), Solis have become something of a "seasoned veteran" in the Internet Industry. A highly motivated collective of experienced Internet designers, Network Administrators, Systems Engineers and perhaps most importantly, 'net-users', our sole aim is to understand what you want to do, and enable you to achieve it without knowing, or having to be concerned with the technical stuff behind the scenes. Judicious purchasing and strategic alliances with proven 'top level' providers together with our own unique implementation of in-house technology ensure resilience and reliability often unmatched by even the largest multinational service providers. Solis is a Nationwide UK Company based in Sheffield. Whilst allowing you to have a presence in the global marketplace and offering local call rate dial-up, ISDN, Broadband and Leased Line services nationally, Solis has a very strong commitment to Sheffield and our local community. Solis may offer "Zero Cost" Internet services for Voluntary Organisations, Charities and Church groups within or working directly for the benefit of the people of Sheffield. We will prioritise services who target young people - especially those at risk of harm through the use of alcohol and drugs. Wherever possible, Solis will prioritise trade with other Sheffield Businesses. Advertising Policy It is Solis policy that we shall not directly advertise our products and services. We believe that quality products and good service sell themselves. All of our business is generated via personal and professional recommendation. (We like to do business this way) Ethics and Trading Policy. Any new media may be open to abuse. Here at Solis we firmly believe in the potential of the Internet to enhance and improve the quality of life. However, we also recognise that a small number of individuals may misuse the Internet and have devised the following ethical framework. Data Protection and Confidentiality. Solis is registered with the Data Protection Registrar and all details held about individuals and organisations is kept strictly confidential at all times. We will never pass your details on to a third party - so you'll only get ‘junk mail’ directly from us! In rare cases involving Child Pornography, Fraud or other Serious Criminal Offences we reserve the right to inform the Police of offenders. Recycling and Reusing. Wherever possible, Solis will only use recycled or renewable resources. We sort waste at source and recycle or reuse all office waste. We will rarely produce resources which are not produced on recycled material, so no flash glossy brochures from us! We do not believe in producing environmentally hostile products, so don't expect to see flash glossy brochures or point of sale materials. Financial Control. Strategic and consistent late payment of invoices as a means to ease cashflow is an unethical way of doing business. Solis believe that prompt payment of bills encourages regeneration and supports growth in the local economy. We will pay our bills on time, and therefore expect our customers to do the same. Harassment Support and NetAbuse Services. A small number of women have experienced abuse, harassment and intimidation from the Internet. While these cases are very rare, Solis will take the following action upon any unacceptably bad behaviour. We will contact the Net Administrator from the site where the offending message emanated. We will attempt to ‘filter’ (trash) any further messages from that address. We will offer to change your account name - free of charge. We will liaise directly with the Police on your behalf should you wish to take further action. Any Solis subscriber found to be misbehaving in this way will have their account terminated without notice and no refund will be given. (Any outstanding credit will be donated to a local charity.) Pornography. Our servers will not host the more ‘adult’ material to be found on the Internet. We recognise however, that it is possible to access other servers from our own, and we cannot monitor this activity. If it comes to our attention that anyone using our network is involved with the possession or distribution of indecent images of children (of whatever nature),their account will be terminated immediately and details passed onto the Police. Contracting with Solis is deemed to be in full agreement of this policy. Solis will on no account sell space on our servers for ‘Adult’ Web sites. Anyone asking us to host such a site may expect a dreadfully rude and direct reply. We do not want or need to be in the Pornography business. As Network Administrators, we reserve the right to monitor any or all traffic passing through the Solis network. Employment Policy We do not feel that it is necessary to implement an elaborate policy which details classes and groups within society to whom we will provide equal access to employment. All appointments will be made on the basis of suitability to excel in the job. We will not tolerate mediocrity. Any employee may work from their own home where practical to do so. Wherever necessary, we will provide the computers and other machinery. Solis can also advise on methods of ‘teleworking’ for other organisations. Age will NOT be a barrier to employment with Solis. The Internet has become a ‘young persons’ industry. Solis believe that experience and quality will know no age barrier. We will not impose a minimum retirement age. If an employee desires to stay with Solis, and they are able to maintain a quality commitment toward the company, then we will be pleased to keep them as a part of our Team. The prime qualification for employment in addition to the comments above will be the ability to support and encourage our customers to enhance their knowledge, skills, enjoyment and productivity from the Internet. Solis will implement a Staff Development Policy and will, at our own expense, train, both internally and externally all employees in areas that will increase their ability to provide a high quality service for our customers. Solis will implement, develop and monitor a Health and Safety Strategy that involves all Staff Members at every level. Employment of whatever nature with Solis is dependent upon strict Health and Safety compliance - we don't want damaged staff or customers. Solis will employ school pupils and higher education students on the strict understanding that all course work takes precedence over working for us. If it comes to our attention that a staff member has neglected school or course work whilst working for us, their contract of employment will be terminated on the spot. All staff will be made aware of this policy prior to and during the course of their employment. In the case of applicants or potential employees who are still at school, written or personal parental consent is required before employment will be offered or confirmed. Customer Care Policy We see the Internet in very much the same way as many people view ‘independent travel’. It is possible to buy ‘packaged Internet’ in the same way as one can buy a ‘packaged holiday’, however, our experience shows that as our customers become familiar with the Internet, they choose to ‘go their own way’. For this reason we do not supply ‘all in’ packages of access bundled with software. We provide the basic essentials that will enable our customers to access the Internet and can supply, upon request, other software for specific purposes. It is our belief that empowerment and encouragement provide a better framework to harness the potential of the Internet, rather than serving it up on a plate with no understanding of how it works or what it can potentially do. As a part of our Customer Care Program, we will encourage our customers to participate in our educational sessions which are held regularly. We also encourage ‘Peer Learning’ and can contribute to shared educational initiatives.. Solis recognise that any new media can seem daunting at first and will offer Technical Support which is relevant, appropriate and understandable. It is in our own interests to have fully satisfied customers. Isn't it nice to have someone that you can rely on |