General technology trends · Ubiquitous web presence—technology increasingly provides access from almost anywhere to the Internet, creating a virtual conduit for the individual to connect to a wide range of information as well as to different communities. Additionally, individuals expect access to high-quality, just-in-time information from expert sources. · Rapid connectivity—high-speed networks, remote access, and wireless increasingly provide seamless access. Planning a honeymoon and there is a high volume of information to sort through to make a choice, a slow connection could send you crazy · Increasing freedom with mobile devices—increasingly, people are choosing portable, small, and wireless devices for their computing needs, which helps them realize unprecedented mobility in information and network access. Additionally, these devices provide more capacity and functionality in a single device. 58% smartphone users and 85% of iPhone users regularlyaccess the web from their phones. Survey of U.S .mobile subscribers (M:Metrics, Inc.: March 18, 2008). · 24/7 Service Expectations – individuals anticipate service and support assistance to be 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Vacations are planned outside of the buzz of the business day. · Electronic Commerce–consumers expect the convenience of numerous products and services to be available via secure online purchase and transaction systems. Plane tickets; Activities- Boat rides pre-booked · Sophisticated applications—greater use of more mature, common-platform applications, and easier-touse multimedia tools, has a great impact on educational technology in areas including course management systems and video editing software.
ICT can make governments more relevant to citizens by increasing participation and involvement in decision making
Working better with business : improving the interaction between government and business. This includes digitising regulation of, procurement from, and services to, business to improve quality, convenience and cost. • Developing communities : building the social and economic capacities and capital of local communities. • Building partnerships : creating organisational groupings to achieve economic and social objectives. The public sector is almost always one of the partners, though occasionally it acts only as a facilitator for others
Cutting process costs : improving the input : output ratio by cutting financial costs and/or time costs. • Managing process performance : planning, monitoring and controlling the performance of process resources (human, financial and other). • Making strategic connections in government : connecting arms, agencies, levels and data stores of government to strengthen capacity to investigate, develop and implement the strategy and policy that guides government processes. • Creating empowerment : transferring power, authority and resources for processes from their existing locus to new locations