Network World ran an online survey about whether it is wrong to use company equipment to host private sessions of online games for friends. Over 1,000 respondents cast a vote, and the surprising result was that a large proportion thinks it is ok, albeit with certain caveats.

Here is a snapshot of the published results:

• OK only with permission: 17.11 percent
• OK if they cause no harm: 36.98 percent
• OK if you don't get caught: 11.13 percent
• What are you nuts? Never. 34.77 percent

Of course, the article did note that a significant number of people arrived by social bookmarking site Digg, while some others were redirected from a website catering to computer gamers. The statistically younger, gaming audience could have generated sufficient bias to skew the figure so that only a third completely dismissed the idea.

As a CIO, IT Manager, or seasoned IT professional, what is your take here? I would love to hear your opinion on this.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at Network World

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