BBC more secure than spook central

While Microsoft's PocketPC 2002 is the only operating system good enough for the health and security of BBC staff, employees at the UK's spook central can use anything they like.

Staff at the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) are able to use any PDA they fancy, an inside source said.

The source, positioned within IT security at the Department of Transport, Local Government and Regions said the word on PDAs from GCHQ is "not what it is, it's the way that you use it" - presumably a reference to MI6 operatives and their habit of leaving their laptops in the pub or in the back of taxis.

However, the BBC is adamant that only the PocketPC 2002 operating system is good enough to maintain its security and the health of employees.

A spokeswoman from the Beeb said: "This is something we're doing as a responsible company. We have an excellent record on security."

The BBC spokeswoman said the national broadcaster is definitely not banning the Palm or Symbian operating systems.

However, she added that after the amnesty period of 18 months ends, only PocketPC PDA's may be plugged into Beeb computers.

The spokeswoman told silicon.com: "We need employees to register their PocketPC PDA's in case the devices give them RSI in the future."

Martin Allen, MD for EMEA at Synchrologic said: "The BBC's is a very cautious approach but putting all your eggs in one basket is very dangerous.

"The BBC can't ignore Palm and Symbian's investment in R&D, the software houses writing programmes to be used with these operating systems and their market share."

A source at Citigroup, the holder of financial house Citibank, said: "If you take reasonable steps to ensure the security of your device isn't compromised, there is no reason to put restrictive rules like the BBC's in place."