E-GOVERNANCE

DEFINITION:
e-government is the use of information and communications technology(ICT) promote more efficient and cost effective government, facilitate more convenient government services, allow greater public access to information, and make government more accountable to citizens. Therefore a common definition for e-government is a form of organization that integrates the interactions and the interrelations between government and citizens, companies, customers, and public instuitions through the application of modern information and communication technologies. The three main target groups that can be distinguished in e-governance concepts are government, citizens and businesses. The most common interactions in e-governance are G2G, G2B, G2C, G2E. G2E - Interactions and services to public servants and peoples representatives G2B - Interactions and services to business sectors G2C Interactions and services to citizens G2G Interactions between Government institutions, Governments and International institutions

AN E-GOVERNANCE MODEL:
Gartner, an international consultancy firm, has formulated a four-phase e-governance model. It demonstrates the progression of e-governance in the connected environment and identifies strategy and other factors that contribute to success in each phase. According to Gartner, e-governance will mature according to the following four phases.

In the phase one, e-governance means being present on the web, providing the public(G2C and G2B) with relevant information. Internally(G2G) the government can also disseminate static information with electronic means, such as the internet. In the second phase, the interaction between government and public(G2C and G2B) is simulated with various applications. People can ask questions via mail, use search engines, and download forms and documents. These save time. Internally the government organizations use LANS, internets and email to communicate and exchange data. With phase three, the complexity of the technology is increasing but customer value is also higher. Complete transactions can be done without going to an office. Examples of online services are filing income tax, filing property tax, extending/renewal of licenses, visa and passports and online voting. Phase three is made complex because of security and personalization issues. In this phase, internal(G2G) processes have to be redesigned to provide good service. The fourth phase is the when all information systems are integrated and the public can get G2C & G2B services at one counter. In this phase cost savings effiency and customer satisfaction are reaching highest possible levels.

TECHNOLIGIES:
Internet, SMS, radio. Etc.,

IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY:
24/7 service model, need of content, human resources, security, privacy, IT departments.

DIGITAL SECURITY PRINCIPLE:

Authentication:

Ability to identify the parties to the digital transaction Integrity:

The details of the transaction are secured against tampering. Confidentiality:

The communication is not compromised with parties outside the transaction. Privacy:

The transaction details are used for the purposed they were intended for. Non-repudiation: Ability to disprove the denial of transaction / contract by the party. Evidence:

Acceptance as legal evidence to the contract or communication and hence binding on the parties.