UK minister Barbara Roche launched the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) ecommerce plan yesterday as part of National Technology Week. In it, she projects that 90 per cent of government procurement will be carried out electronically by 2000 to 2001, and 25 per cent of government services will be available online by 2001. The paper, titled: 'Net Benefit: the electronic commerce agenda for the UK', was also backed up by a statement from DTI Secretary of State, Peter Mandelson, saying the UK will become a "digital pathfinder" in the race to automate commerce structures.
The document contains analysis of ecommerce hurdles that need to be addressed, such as consumer protection, data protection and the handling of objectionable material. It suggests that more cooperation is needed between the government and private sector partners to bring down these barriers.
But Robin Wilton, a consultant with JCP security software, said the vagueness of Roche's paper "reflects a confused and directionless approach to the digital economy".
07.10.03: With typical predictability many targets set for e-government roll outs have been missed. The next one on the horizon is the big one - 2005. By 2005 we are told all government services will be available online. It's a prediction which makes even the most optimistic observer raise their eyebrows in obvious concern.
Pronouncements about the UK becoming the best place in the world to conduct ebusiness continue to haunt the government - particularly during the darkest days of the protracted broadband roll-out.
In truth there has always been a disconnect between the government knowing technology is the way forward and knowing how to go about making it happen. And it's easy to see that if you aim as high as possible, you might just get further than if you'd been more conservative in ambition.
But since 1998 the government has been fingered for its part in creating a skills crisis and slowing down broadband roll-out as well as high profile failures with the Inland Revenue, Post Office benefits system, court service and various noteworthy instances it would rather forget.
Back in 1998 such predictions were perhaps little more than harmless naivety but now they smack of will-they-never-learn stupidity... but let's reserve final judgement for 2005.
Quelle: Silicon.com
