What makes a good document retention program?

These days companies spend a lot of time thinking about retention policies. What makes a good one?

Document retention programs must be individualized to accommodate specific needs, but should involve some of the following:

* Establish thorough but practical electronic records program;
* Train individuals to manage and retain business records created or received
in the ordinary course of business;
* Implement a system of presumptive limits (based on time or quantity) on the
retention of e-mails that are not business records and develop
communications policies that promote the appropriate use of e-mail
and other company-owned systems;
* Structure recycle time applicable to backup tapes based on business needs;
* Develop and implement appropriate procedures to identify relevant individuals
and business units of the need to preserve electronic and other records
for pending litigation; and
* Establish and maintain awareness of the importance of the preservation of
potential evidence in the case of threatened litigation, and training
lawyers and business people on when and how to carry-out their
responsibilities.