It s happening because of the rapid acceptance of the Internet and the standards-based technology that it s built on. As soon as the Internet made it possible to cost-effectively connect virtually any computer in the world, new choices arose for where to locate the computers that do the heavy lifting. With the physical proximity factor nullified, no longer is it necessary for every organization to have its own data center or even to own its computers, for that matter especially if someone else can do the job for less money. All that s needed is secure, reliable network access. Of course, the vision of anyplace, any time connectivity is still not fully realized.
Much work remains to be done.
In this special report, we ll examine some of the key pieces that will advance this work. For example, many government offices still lack high-speed Internet access. But broadband access via Digital Subscriber Lines and cable television lines are providing exciting new connectivity options. Commercial providers have proven that they can do it effectively and for less money. What the government does need to do is learn how to be a smarter consumer of these services.