The same problem with locked down machines applies across most organisations - its a necessary evil of the way IT systems have evolved and the context in which they operate.

PCs were once the liberators from mainframe terminals - once upon a time you could install and run what you wanted but these PCs were not connected to vital systems.

However, like many revolutions PCs took over where the previous system left off. The problem is that the 20th century operation of IT systems is not appropriate to the 21st century information age.

IT depts are in a pickle - the risk of relaxing the lock down is far to high.

The only solution is to change the system - offer services outside the critical core - this is where cloud computing, social media and user provisioned systems come in. The Guardian and Telegraph are certainly moving in the right direction with their implementation of Google apps.

The article has even prompted me to blog the subject myself from my own perspective.