Some technology experts say that the mere centralisation of these systems from each ministry which are now independently managed could reduce the additional cost of technology by as much as 1 billion euros.

The State Communications and Technology Administration has released a report, indicating that public expenses in technology rose to 1.729 billion euros in 2008 – roughly 13% more than the previous year, representing 3.6 % of total expenses.

Unlike many other major governmental administrations, such as the United Kindom and the US ( and almost all multinationals), the Spanish Central Government does not contemplate the figure of the CIO or Chief Information Officer. This position oversees all communication and information services for the central administration.

Antecedents

In the UK, the consolidation of all computer communications and information systems were responsible for 3.2 billion pounds (3.8 billion euros) in savings in just four years, at the end of the project. This is a clear example for the Spanish government to follow.

The absence of new technologies based on cloud computing and the lack of an integrated information system policy, causes strong overlap and duplicity of tasks among different government agencies, which continue to have their own computer administrator. In this way, most agencies maintain their own systems and mail servers. The lines of communication among the different agencies is limited to an Internet connections since there is no high-speed connection through an intranet – and many times those systems vary from agency to agency.

At present, the ministries of Economy, Labour, the Interior, Defense and Public Works spend close to 900 million euros in technology, more than 2/3 the total cost of these systems.

In the Central Administration there are over 464,000 computers, of which only 49% dispose of an internet connection.

Questions:

Are you for or against the implementation of a new, centralised information system for the Public Administration in this country?

How can replacing technology save money?

Why is the cost of technology so high compared to other countries?

What are other measures you would take to cut public spending?

Source: Expansión, Online Version – “El caos informático estatal cuesta a los españoles 1.000 millones extra” July 14, 2010