The Standard Group has discontinued the use of popular instant messaging service, Whatsapp and other non-email Google products in a move it says is aimed at checking increased internet usage within its offices.
Others services affected in the first phase are Google Drive-Web, an app that enables one to create, edit and store files, and Google storage cloud, an online file storage web service for storing and accessing data on Google’s infrastructure.
According to the Standard Group ICT Service Desk, the changes will be effected beginning Tuesday with their usage limited to business related cases only, a move it says is necessary to ensure smooth running of the business.
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“Please note that these applications will only be allowed on need basis, and upon approval by the respective head of department. In case you need to access these restricted applications, please send an approved email to servicedesk@standardmedia.co.ke,” an internal memo seen by Business Today reads in part.
Whatsapp is especially popular among smartphone users as seen recently when a brief outage caused anguish among millions in various parts of the world, including Kenya.
With Monday’s move, it means Standard staffers will have to rely on their own internet bundles in place of office Wifi to communicate through the Facebook-owned app.
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