5 years ago... Government pushes UK as ecommerce leader

07.10.98: 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.

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.