In this Chapter:
Tools and technologies suited to e-Government are undergoing intensive development by actors in both the private and the public sectors. Useful tools and technologies include both proprietary and open source platforms and applications. Applications for mobile platforms leverage the benefits of the burgeoning wireless infrastructure that is being deployed in developing countries, forming a basis for m-Government projects.
Many of the tools that governments are adopting were developed originally for commercial use and are available off-the-shelf or in open source format. These include customer relationship management (CRM) software, enterprise resource management (ERP) tools, and data or content management systems (DMS, CMS).
Governments often contract with private sector consulting services to design and implement e-Government applications, platforms, and infrastructure. They may also outsource to the private sector the operation of certain IT based functions and services. Whenever procuring products or services, e-Government managers should undertake a cost-benefit analysis and give careful consideration to a vendor’s track record with deployment and follow-on servicing.