Hard-hitting IT columnist Simon Moores gives his personal take on
the hot issue of the day."You're not making many friends," I was
told last week, regarding my most recent comments on IT procurement
and, in particular, the story on the health service e-mail
project.
Those of you working at the leading edge of the larger public
sector IT projects feel that PFI isn't working for IT. Or, as one
distinguished source wrote: "Public sector PFI and outsourcing
contracts need some radical new, professional re-engineering if
they are to continue."
Another reader with public sector responsibility commented: "After
sitting and watching for some time I am just about to start asking
questions. Your article seems to support my line of
questioning."
My intention today is not to attack any particular government
minister, department or strategy as - in my experience and, quite
possibly, your own - the great machine would roll into a state of
denial.
One of my academic friends, involved in e-government failures
around the world, has concluded: "It emerged that failure can have
benefits, but only if those around the project can learn from that
failure."
I would argue that in the UK there is little evidence that we are
learning from our mistakes. Instead, we are throwing more and more
public money at projects of dubious value.
It's time that the entire public sector process was reviewed in an
effort to determine whether there is a better, more manageable,
more accountable and more cost-effective means of rolling-out big
ICT projects. Even a 10% saving on costs would represent an
astronomical sum, which might even help towards achieving an
appointment with my local GP inside ten days or a little more money
for books for schools.
The system we have in place today is in need of urgent reform. We
are not a rich country and we can't afford to waste what public
money we have on technology that isn't cost effective or fit for
purpose.
What is your view?
Is it time for a rethink on PFI?
Tell us in an e-mail >>CW360.com
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Setting the world to rights with the collected thoughts and
opinions of the futurist writer, broadcaster and Computer Weekly
columnist Simon Moores.