No abstract

Cloud computing is hailed as the next-revolution of computing services. Although there is no precise definition, cloud computing refers to a scalable network infrastructure where consumers receive IT services such as software and data storage through the Internet like a utility on a subscription basis. With an increasing number of data centres hosted by large companies such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft cloud computing offers potential benefits including cost savings, simpler IT, and reduced energy consumption. Central government and local authorities, like commercial organisations, are considering cloud-based services. However, concerns are raised over issues such as security, access, data protection, and ownership. This paper develops a framework for analysing the likely impact of cloud computing on local government and suggests an agenda for research in this emerging area.

The factors that lead to business process re-engineering (BPR) success in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not clearly understood. This paper reviews the main contributing factors to BPR success using a framework that considers culture, structure, technology and resource. Eight Taiwanese case studies are used to explore issues contributing to, or impeding, successful process re-engineering in small firms. The analysis shows that BPR success is empowered by innovation, employee empowerment, top management commitment and strategic direction and is dependent upon customer relations, IS involvement and financial resources.

The factors that lead to business process re-engineering (BPR)

Cloud computing refers to a scalable network infrastructure where consumers receive IT services such as software and data storage through the Internet on a subscription basis. Potential benefits include cost savings, simpler IT and reduced energy consumption. The UK government and local authorities, like commercial organisations, are considering cloud-based services. Concerns have been raised, however, over issues such as security, access, data protection and ownership. This study attempts to investigate the likely impact of cloud computing on local government based on a conceptual framework and case studies of four London borough councils. It reveals that the concept of cloud computing is new and not clearly understood. Local authorities, who face further cuts in government funding, welcome a cloud-based IT infrastructure which may lead to considerable savings. Yet local government is conservative, so with their risk-adverse attitude local authorities are more likely to adopt a hybrid approach to implementation.