According to Dane Anderson, vice-president, Consulting & Vertical Markets, IDC Asia Pacific, 33% of urban Internet users in the region access government information when they log onto the Internet. "Thirty-three percent is a significant figure. From our research, only 20% of urban Net users go to the Web for e-commerce and fewer than 30% go for activities related to personal finance", he commented.
In addition to benefits such as cost reduction and improved revenue collection, one of the major drivers of e-government is an enhanced image.
"A government wants to know it's better than others. The implementation of e-government is also perceived as a means to achieving international competitiveness and a better image", Anderson noted.
Despite having an audience, e-government has a long way to go because full transformation of e-government services will take years.
Some hurdles include tradition, habit, people, and processes, he suggested.
He pointed out that e-governments in the region are characterised by delayed communications, the lack of personalised content, and reactive rather than proactive approach in communications.
But Anderson believes they are moving in the right direction.
"From 2004 to 2010, they will be moving towards real-time communications, personalised content, interstate communications, and a public driven rather than a government-driven model."
Quelle: asiacomputerweekly
