The global financial and economic crisis has over night, put governments under considerable pressure to promptly address a broad range of challenging political, economic and governance issues affecting both the public and the private sector. In their effort to be agile and responsive to the situation, governments have stretched their human and budgetary resources to the limit. To swiftly create the capacity to handle these new challenges, they are looking at how efficiency and effectiveness in the public sector can be improved.
While some governments have chosen to cut e-government spending and reduce the pace of its implementation, others have chosen to seize this occasion to accelerate the pace of e-government implementation. For every country, the main issues are to avoid wasting tax payers' money, ensure that resources are used most efficiently and effectively, and rebuild citizens’ trust through increased transparency in how decisions are made and implemented. As a consequence, governments are also faced with the challenge of paving new ways to increase citizen participation and engagement.
Seen in this perspective, the different government approaches to the crisis response show some common trends. Fourteen of 22 responding countries have included e-government in their crisis response packages. Countries are generally looking into: improving performance and reducing waste in the public sector; making strategic investments in new and innovative key e-government areas; accelerating public spending on e-government; rebuilding trust with citizens; improving the quality of public services; and transforming the public sector by using e-government as a key lever.
The importance of having e-governments' broader strategic potential in mind as part of their economic policy framework has been emphasised by some countries' strategic investment priorities using public sector innovation to spearhead new technological breakthroughs (e.g. ICT security, open source, broadband coverage, and "green IT"). Using the funding of the crisis response to further develop innovative and necessary e-government solutions, can be viewed in those countries as sowing the seeds for new start-ups or business opportunities – thus supporting a long-term sustainable economic growth strategy.
Future work on e-government might benefit from greater insight into how e-government impacts the economy and subsequently, how these impacts can be measured consistently.
miércoles, 2 de diciembre de 2009
Privacy and Security Risks when Authenticating on the Internet with European eID Cards
Whenever people use internet services, the first steps they take are usually identification (they input their names) and authentication (they prove that it is them). How they actually identify and authenticate themselves depends on the security level of the application. The means used can vary from a simple combination of username and password, through a secret PIN, to a PIN generated by some external device or a smart card using cryptography.
Smart cards are being used increasingly for authentication purposes. Many European identity cards now contain a smart-card chip, equipped with functionalities for online authentication. They are usually called 'electronic identity cards' (eID cards). This report focuses on authentication using smart cards and compares this approach with other common means of authentication.
The requirements for differing online applications exhibit a wide variety; whereas for some services a high level of security is required, in other areas the protection of the card holder's privacy is the first priority. The main purpose of this paper is to help define a comprehensive list of requirements for national ID cards in order to ensure that they are as flexible and as multi-purpose as possible.
In the last section of this report several conclusions are drawn, which were reached with the help of a thorough risk assessment of smart-card based authentication on the basis of two use-cases: online banking and social networking. The assets for these two use-cases will be defined, the vulnerabilities will be identified, and threats and risks will be derived in order to draw conclusions. This risk assessment will follow the methodologies of the ENISA 'Emerging and Future Risk' (EFR) Framework.
The main conclusions of the discussion are:
electronic identity cards offer secure, reliable electronic authentication to internet services, and
a privacy-protecting universally applicable eID card is technologically feasible.
Smart cards are being used increasingly for authentication purposes. Many European identity cards now contain a smart-card chip, equipped with functionalities for online authentication. They are usually called 'electronic identity cards' (eID cards). This report focuses on authentication using smart cards and compares this approach with other common means of authentication.
The requirements for differing online applications exhibit a wide variety; whereas for some services a high level of security is required, in other areas the protection of the card holder's privacy is the first priority. The main purpose of this paper is to help define a comprehensive list of requirements for national ID cards in order to ensure that they are as flexible and as multi-purpose as possible.
In the last section of this report several conclusions are drawn, which were reached with the help of a thorough risk assessment of smart-card based authentication on the basis of two use-cases: online banking and social networking. The assets for these two use-cases will be defined, the vulnerabilities will be identified, and threats and risks will be derived in order to draw conclusions. This risk assessment will follow the methodologies of the ENISA 'Emerging and Future Risk' (EFR) Framework.
The main conclusions of the discussion are:
electronic identity cards offer secure, reliable electronic authentication to internet services, and
a privacy-protecting universally applicable eID card is technologically feasible.
Expert Group proposes European Framework for e-Invoicing
The European Commission has published yesterday [30 November 2009] the report of the Expert Group on e-Invoicing. The group had been mandated to design a European e-Invoicing framework, contributing to the uptake of open and interoperable electronic invoicing solutions within the European Union (EU). Particular emphasis is put on the needs of SMEs. The report, which does not necessarily represent the views of the Commission, will be open for consultation until 26 February 2010.
The report together with information on the consultation is available at: http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/consultations/2009/e-invoicing_en.htm
The report and its recommendations
The Expert Group has defined its proposed framework as a set of recommendations promoting e-invoicing within the EU. The report calls for action in a number of areas in order to accelerate the uptake of e-Invoicing, especially among SMEs:
The group sets out a vision for the future European e-Invoicing environment in which it expects e-Invoicing to become the predominant invoicing method throughout Europe within a period of five to eight years.
To ensure widespread adoption of e-Invoicing, the report recommends meeting the needs of SMEs as a priority focus by concentrating on a list of specific business requirements.
The report calls for more harmonisation of the legal and VAT framework across the EU on the basis of equal treatment between paper and e-Invoices and supported by a Code of Practice developed by the Expert Group.
The group recommends the creation of an e-Invoicing environment in which it is easy for invoice senders and receivers to reach each other, while using common invoice content standards.
The report gives guidance for the implementation of the recommendations at Member State and EU level.
Next steps
The report is open for consultation until 26 February 2010.
Further information:
Report of the Expert Group on e-Invoicing and information on the consultation
EU Single Market thematic website on Europa - E-Invoicing page
European Commission Directorate-General for Entreprise and Industry - E-Invoicing page
The report together with information on the consultation is available at: http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/consultations/2009/e-invoicing_en.htm
The report and its recommendations
The Expert Group has defined its proposed framework as a set of recommendations promoting e-invoicing within the EU. The report calls for action in a number of areas in order to accelerate the uptake of e-Invoicing, especially among SMEs:
The group sets out a vision for the future European e-Invoicing environment in which it expects e-Invoicing to become the predominant invoicing method throughout Europe within a period of five to eight years.
To ensure widespread adoption of e-Invoicing, the report recommends meeting the needs of SMEs as a priority focus by concentrating on a list of specific business requirements.
The report calls for more harmonisation of the legal and VAT framework across the EU on the basis of equal treatment between paper and e-Invoices and supported by a Code of Practice developed by the Expert Group.
The group recommends the creation of an e-Invoicing environment in which it is easy for invoice senders and receivers to reach each other, while using common invoice content standards.
The report gives guidance for the implementation of the recommendations at Member State and EU level.
Next steps
The report is open for consultation until 26 February 2010.
Further information:
Report of the Expert Group on e-Invoicing and information on the consultation
EU Single Market thematic website on Europa - E-Invoicing page
European Commission Directorate-General for Entreprise and Industry - E-Invoicing page
lunes, 31 de agosto de 2009
Over thirty MEPs from seven Member States support free software
Of the 232 candidates for the European Parliament who pledged their support for free and open source software, 34 have been elected. They are from Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
The Members of the European Parliement (MEPs) who signed the 'Free Software Pact' can be found in all six political groups of the European Parliament.
The French free software advocacy group 'April' published the results of its European campaign last month. The organisation said it will brief the group of MEPs on topics such as Digital Rights Management, patents and the Telecom Package.
'April' and its Italian counterpart the 'Associazione per il Software Libero' began their campaign at the end of March 2009. They wanted citizens to approach candidates, bring them up-to-date regarding free software and ask them to express their support for it. The names of candidates who pledged support are published on the website of the Free Software Pact.
Their efforts were later joined by organisations and individuals in ten countries, said Alix Cazenave, the spokesperson of 'April'. For instance, in Spain, the open source group Hispalinux joined. The campaign moreover received contributions from individuals in Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
The Free Software Pact is helping 'April' and the other groups improve contact with the MEPs, explains Cazenave. The MEPs will be involved in thorny issues such as the revision of the European Copyright Directive and patents, she says. "It is vital that MEPs take organisations representing civil society as seriously as they do with multinationals."
The Members of the European Parliement (MEPs) who signed the 'Free Software Pact' can be found in all six political groups of the European Parliament.
The French free software advocacy group 'April' published the results of its European campaign last month. The organisation said it will brief the group of MEPs on topics such as Digital Rights Management, patents and the Telecom Package.
'April' and its Italian counterpart the 'Associazione per il Software Libero' began their campaign at the end of March 2009. They wanted citizens to approach candidates, bring them up-to-date regarding free software and ask them to express their support for it. The names of candidates who pledged support are published on the website of the Free Software Pact.
Their efforts were later joined by organisations and individuals in ten countries, said Alix Cazenave, the spokesperson of 'April'. For instance, in Spain, the open source group Hispalinux joined. The campaign moreover received contributions from individuals in Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
The Free Software Pact is helping 'April' and the other groups improve contact with the MEPs, explains Cazenave. The MEPs will be involved in thorny issues such as the revision of the European Copyright Directive and patents, she says. "It is vital that MEPs take organisations representing civil society as seriously as they do with multinationals."
miércoles, 22 de julio de 2009
EU: Social Software as a Tool for the Social Inclusion of Marginalised Youngsters
Can ICT, and more specifically social software, support the social inclusion of marginalised youngsters? What is the role of welfare organisations working with such youngsters in this story and what are the main challenges that need to be overcome when using social software as a tool to alleviate social exclusion?
This paper presents the preliminary findings of the INCLUSO project, bringing together the results from a literature study, focus group interviews with welfare organisations and youngsters and 4 pilot projects throughout Europe. INCLUSO is a research project funded by the European Commission's 7th Framework programme. The project aims to define and explore the challenges and opportunities met when social software is used by welfare organisations working with marginalised youngsters as a tool to support their approach on alleviating social exclusion.
Positioning paper presented at the IDC2009 workshop: Digital Technologies and Marginalized Youth- Reducing the Gap, on 3 June 2009, in Como, Italy.
This paper presents the preliminary findings of the INCLUSO project, bringing together the results from a literature study, focus group interviews with welfare organisations and youngsters and 4 pilot projects throughout Europe. INCLUSO is a research project funded by the European Commission's 7th Framework programme. The project aims to define and explore the challenges and opportunities met when social software is used by welfare organisations working with marginalised youngsters as a tool to support their approach on alleviating social exclusion.
Positioning paper presented at the IDC2009 workshop: Digital Technologies and Marginalized Youth- Reducing the Gap, on 3 June 2009, in Como, Italy.
EU: Commission consults the public on the modernisation of ICT standardisation
In the White Paper entitled 'Modernising ICT Standardisation in the EU - The Way Forward', the European Commission describes some of the dramatic changes which have taken place in the ICT standardisation landscape over the last decade and invites comments from all interested parties on the possible actions which could be taken to adapt to these changes.
The online questionnaire may be found online under the following link: http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=ICTstandardisation.
The consultation closes on 15 September 2009.
The questions are split into two sections, namely: "Identification" and "Specific questions". The specific questions are optional and respondents may therefore reply to all, none or a selection of them. Respondents are however strongly encouraged to respond to as many questions as possible, so as to help ensure the best possible results from the public consultation.
There are additional questions for respondents who represent an organisation. Only one questionnaire should be submitted per organisation.
The online questionnaire may be found online under the following link: http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=ICTstandardisation.
The consultation closes on 15 September 2009.
The questions are split into two sections, namely: "Identification" and "Specific questions". The specific questions are optional and respondents may therefore reply to all, none or a selection of them. Respondents are however strongly encouraged to respond to as many questions as possible, so as to help ensure the best possible results from the public consultation.
There are additional questions for respondents who represent an organisation. Only one questionnaire should be submitted per organisation.
miércoles, 24 de junio de 2009
ISACA research: Building the Business Case for COBIT® and Val IT™: Executive Briefing
The majority of today’s business processes depend heavily upon an IT organisation and supporting processes that function well. To
ensure that investments in IT generate the required business value and that risks associated with IT are mitigated, a specific focus on enterprise governance of IT is required. Enterprise governance of IT can be seen as an integral part of enterprise governance since it addresses the definition and implementation of processes, structures and relational mechanisms in the enterprise that enable both the business and IT to execute their responsibilities in support of business/IT alignment and the creation of business value (Van Grembergen and De Haes, 2009). Investments in enterprise governance of IT practices and adoption of typical frameworks, such as CobiT and Val IT, are increasing and enterprises appreciate their practical relevance. But implementing these practices requires a reasonable amount of effort since enterprises must evaluate and re-think their processes. Investing in IT-related governance and management practices is, therefore, often perceived as costly and complex, while return in short- and long-term value is difficult to measure in tangible (financial) outcomes.
This research explores and demonstrates the business value of CobiT and Val IT. The project was commissioned by ISACA and executed by the IT Alignment and Governance Research Institute of the University of Antwerp Management School (UAMS).
Building the Business Case for COBIT® and Val IT™: Executive Briefing (PDF, 1.9M) Jun 2009
Available for free download at:
http://www.isaca.org/download
http://www.isaca.org/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm?ContentID=50791
ensure that investments in IT generate the required business value and that risks associated with IT are mitigated, a specific focus on enterprise governance of IT is required. Enterprise governance of IT can be seen as an integral part of enterprise governance since it addresses the definition and implementation of processes, structures and relational mechanisms in the enterprise that enable both the business and IT to execute their responsibilities in support of business/IT alignment and the creation of business value (Van Grembergen and De Haes, 2009). Investments in enterprise governance of IT practices and adoption of typical frameworks, such as CobiT and Val IT, are increasing and enterprises appreciate their practical relevance. But implementing these practices requires a reasonable amount of effort since enterprises must evaluate and re-think their processes. Investing in IT-related governance and management practices is, therefore, often perceived as costly and complex, while return in short- and long-term value is difficult to measure in tangible (financial) outcomes.
This research explores and demonstrates the business value of CobiT and Val IT. The project was commissioned by ISACA and executed by the IT Alignment and Governance Research Institute of the University of Antwerp Management School (UAMS).
Building the Business Case for COBIT® and Val IT™: Executive Briefing (PDF, 1.9M) Jun 2009
Available for free download at:
http://www.isaca.org/download
http://www.isaca.org/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm?ContentID=50791
GEMINI2 metadata standard will be available soon
A new version of the GEMINI metadata (GEMINI2) standard has been prepared to meet the requirements of the INSPIRE Metadata Implementing Rules and will be available shortly.
UK GEMINI specifies a core set of metadata elements for use in a geospatial discovery metadata service. It is a definitive metadata standard for describing geographic information and it allows immediate creation of metadata content with the assurance of stability.
The first version GEMINI, (v1.0) which is the currently used version of the standard, was published in 2004 and is used in the Gigateway metadata service. GEMINI2 is a revised version and compatible with the requirements of the INSPIRE metadata Implementing Rules (IR), conforming to the international metadata standard for geographic information, ISO 19115. It is intended for use in a future UK geospatial discovery metadata service
UK GEMINI specifies a core set of metadata elements for use in a geospatial discovery metadata service. It is a definitive metadata standard for describing geographic information and it allows immediate creation of metadata content with the assurance of stability.
The first version GEMINI, (v1.0) which is the currently used version of the standard, was published in 2004 and is used in the Gigateway metadata service. GEMINI2 is a revised version and compatible with the requirements of the INSPIRE metadata Implementing Rules (IR), conforming to the international metadata standard for geographic information, ISO 19115. It is intended for use in a future UK geospatial discovery metadata service
EU: European Commission launches BUILD UP web portal
On 16 June 2009 the European Commission launched the BUILD UP web portal, to the update of which will also contribute regularly its same users, aiming at sharing information on reducing the energy consumption of building.
A wide range of topics, regarding good practice cases in energy reduction and information on the relative legislation, will be covered on this website. Given that buildings are responsible for about 40% of the total energy consumption in Europe, improvements in buildings' energy performance are important to achieving EU energy-savings targets and combating climate change.
Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs underlined that "the BUILD UP portal will enable anyone from home owners to builders to share best practice for information. At the same time, it will inform and update the market about the legislative framework. BUILD UP can be an extremely useful tool to improve building performance".
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) adopted by EU in 2002 provided the Member States with an integrated approach towards efficient energy use in the buildings sector. In November 2008, a recast of the EPBD was proposed in order to generate additional energy savings amounting to 60-80 million tones of oil per year by 2020. As a result, in April 2009, an even more ambitious and demanding legislative resolution was adopted by the European Parliament. The position of the Council of the European Union is still being expected.
A wide range of topics, regarding good practice cases in energy reduction and information on the relative legislation, will be covered on this website. Given that buildings are responsible for about 40% of the total energy consumption in Europe, improvements in buildings' energy performance are important to achieving EU energy-savings targets and combating climate change.
Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs underlined that "the BUILD UP portal will enable anyone from home owners to builders to share best practice for information. At the same time, it will inform and update the market about the legislative framework. BUILD UP can be an extremely useful tool to improve building performance".
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) adopted by EU in 2002 provided the Member States with an integrated approach towards efficient energy use in the buildings sector. In November 2008, a recast of the EPBD was proposed in order to generate additional energy savings amounting to 60-80 million tones of oil per year by 2020. As a result, in April 2009, an even more ambitious and demanding legislative resolution was adopted by the European Parliament. The position of the Council of the European Union is still being expected.
martes, 2 de junio de 2009
CODICE - Interop. Components and Documents for eProcurement
CODICE are the specifications of documents and components for the interoperability in the eProcurement developed by the Spanish Government (Spanish Ministry of Economy and Finance - DG del Patrimonio del Estado)
The analysis and modeling of CODICE was based on the Directive 2004/18/EC with the aim of becoming a suitable solution for pan-european eprocurement interoperability.
All the electronic documents involved in the pre-awarding phase of public e-Procurement have been defined and implemented.
CODICE is based on and relationed with international standards and initiatives such as ebXML-CCTS, UN/CEFACT-UMM, UBL, IDABC, CEN/BII.
The IDABC eProcurement XML Schemas initiative and eProcurement Functional requirements were the starting point of CODICE.
CODICE implementation is based on the reuse of existing UBL components and UBL syntax for new components and documents.
There is also a syntax independent specification following the ebXML - Core Components Technical Specifications so that these components and documents could be implemented with a different syntax binding.
A new version of CODICE will be released at the end of 2009, and hopefully it will be included in the UBL 2.1 specifications.
The analysis and modeling of CODICE was based on the Directive 2004/18/EC with the aim of becoming a suitable solution for pan-european eprocurement interoperability.
All the electronic documents involved in the pre-awarding phase of public e-Procurement have been defined and implemented.
CODICE is based on and relationed with international standards and initiatives such as ebXML-CCTS, UN/CEFACT-UMM, UBL, IDABC, CEN/BII.
The IDABC eProcurement XML Schemas initiative and eProcurement Functional requirements were the starting point of CODICE.
CODICE implementation is based on the reuse of existing UBL components and UBL syntax for new components and documents.
There is also a syntax independent specification following the ebXML - Core Components Technical Specifications so that these components and documents could be implemented with a different syntax binding.
A new version of CODICE will be released at the end of 2009, and hopefully it will be included in the UBL 2.1 specifications.
jueves, 14 de mayo de 2009
CEOs Urge Action Against Corruption
SocialFunds.com, 11 May 2009 - In advance of the third session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, to be held in Doha, Qatar, in November 2009, 24 CEOs of global corporations in 14 countries have called for the establishment of a rigorous implementation review mechanism to ensure that the Convention is able to build momentum in overcoming corporate corruption.
miércoles, 6 de mayo de 2009
Free software essential for public administrations
French candidate for the European Parliament (EP) Marielle de Sarnez says public administrations' interest in free software is essential. "This is an issue of competitiveness for the EU in the information technologies sector, as well as the condition of our technological independence."
Sarnez, a member of the European Parliament since 1999, is currently campaigning to be re-elected to the European Parliament. She has recently pledged her support for free software, after being approached by the Free Software advocacy associations "April" in France and the "Associazione per il Software Libero" in Italy. The two organisations want candidates for the European Parliament to pledge their support for free software.
In a statement explaining her support for the campaign, Sarnez says she was one of the MEPs that last year called on the EP to move to this type of software. "Europe's potential for Free Software is unique."
The campaign by April and Software Libero has received so far the support of ten candidates from France, Italy and Belgium.
All candidates for the European Parliament are asked to publicly state their support for the use and development of this type of software and to affirm that they will protect it from legislation that threatens it.
The two advocacy groups started a campaign on 31 March 2009, two months ahead of the elections for the European Parliament. They want citizens to approach candidates, bring them up-to-date regarding free software and ask them to express their support for it. The names of candidates who pledge support are published on a web site, The Free Software Pact.
Spokesperson for the campaign, Alix Cazenave, said free software advocacy groups in Spain and Portugal are about to join the campaign. "And we are also making contact with German free software activists."
On this site, the groups have also made available an application to help volunteers organise their lobby work, called 'Grassroot Platform Technology'. An alternative open source platform, 'Carocandidato', is developed by Italians developers involved in the campaign.
"The Free Software Pact is a tool for citizens who value free software to educate candidates about its importance and why they should, if elected, protect Europe's free software community", the two advocacy groups write in a statement.
Both organisations previously have approached national politicians for similar campaigns, so "joining forces was a natural step", the two organisations explain.
Sarnez, a member of the European Parliament since 1999, is currently campaigning to be re-elected to the European Parliament. She has recently pledged her support for free software, after being approached by the Free Software advocacy associations "April" in France and the "Associazione per il Software Libero" in Italy. The two organisations want candidates for the European Parliament to pledge their support for free software.
In a statement explaining her support for the campaign, Sarnez says she was one of the MEPs that last year called on the EP to move to this type of software. "Europe's potential for Free Software is unique."
The campaign by April and Software Libero has received so far the support of ten candidates from France, Italy and Belgium.
All candidates for the European Parliament are asked to publicly state their support for the use and development of this type of software and to affirm that they will protect it from legislation that threatens it.
The two advocacy groups started a campaign on 31 March 2009, two months ahead of the elections for the European Parliament. They want citizens to approach candidates, bring them up-to-date regarding free software and ask them to express their support for it. The names of candidates who pledge support are published on a web site, The Free Software Pact.
Spokesperson for the campaign, Alix Cazenave, said free software advocacy groups in Spain and Portugal are about to join the campaign. "And we are also making contact with German free software activists."
On this site, the groups have also made available an application to help volunteers organise their lobby work, called 'Grassroot Platform Technology'. An alternative open source platform, 'Carocandidato', is developed by Italians developers involved in the campaign.
"The Free Software Pact is a tool for citizens who value free software to educate candidates about its importance and why they should, if elected, protect Europe's free software community", the two advocacy groups write in a statement.
Both organisations previously have approached national politicians for similar campaigns, so "joining forces was a natural step", the two organisations explain.
martes, 28 de abril de 2009
Informe ENISA sobre redes públicas en la UE
La Agencia Europea de Seguridad de la Información, ENISA, ha hecho público un estudio que analiza por primera vez las políticas nacionales de los países miembros en lo que se refiere a las redes públicas de comunicaciones; que incluye a su vez recomendaciones para aumentar su fortaleza en Europa. Básicamente el informe indica que es necesaria una mayor cooperación entre proveedores y organismos reguladores que formulan las políticas, tanto en el ámbito europeo como en los niveles locales
martes, 21 de abril de 2009
IT: Small open source grants involve public bodies and schools
Small grants can jump start open source development projects that are useful for public administrations, schools and universities, a grant program in Italy's Umbria region shows.
In 2008, the grant program of Umbria's Open Source Competence Centre (CCOS) approved 46 software development projects, out of 82 submitted. CCOS donated in total €235 000.
Of these 46 projects, 22 resulted in software to be used by schools in the region and 9 created applications for public administrations.
Sixteen projects were given up to €4 000, sixteen received between €4 000 and €6 000, and four projects were supported with a €8 000 grant. "This shows you do not need large sums of money to get public administrations and educational institutes started on the open source road", said Osvaldo Gervasi, president of CCOS.
To qualify for the CCOS grant program, projects need to publish their code using an open source licence, promote the use of this type of software and, upon completion of the project, make all code and documentation publicly available. The centre will fund between 40 and 70 percent of a software development project, to a maximum of €15 000.
2008 was the second year Umbria disbursed grants to open source projects. In 2007, the region spent €100 000 for grants for five projects to build the CCOS itself. For 2009, CCOS will have €200 000 available for grants. The list of projects that will be supported will be published in the coming weeks.
The grant program of the Umbria's open source centre was one of five cases presented during a conference on open source in public administrations organised in Rome on 1 April 2009. All presentations will be made available on the conference website shortly.
In 2008, the grant program of Umbria's Open Source Competence Centre (CCOS) approved 46 software development projects, out of 82 submitted. CCOS donated in total €235 000.
Of these 46 projects, 22 resulted in software to be used by schools in the region and 9 created applications for public administrations.
Sixteen projects were given up to €4 000, sixteen received between €4 000 and €6 000, and four projects were supported with a €8 000 grant. "This shows you do not need large sums of money to get public administrations and educational institutes started on the open source road", said Osvaldo Gervasi, president of CCOS.
To qualify for the CCOS grant program, projects need to publish their code using an open source licence, promote the use of this type of software and, upon completion of the project, make all code and documentation publicly available. The centre will fund between 40 and 70 percent of a software development project, to a maximum of €15 000.
2008 was the second year Umbria disbursed grants to open source projects. In 2007, the region spent €100 000 for grants for five projects to build the CCOS itself. For 2009, CCOS will have €200 000 available for grants. The list of projects that will be supported will be published in the coming weeks.
The grant program of the Umbria's open source centre was one of five cases presented during a conference on open source in public administrations organised in Rome on 1 April 2009. All presentations will be made available on the conference website shortly.
lunes, 13 de abril de 2009
Impulsar el éxito Personas y Desarrollo Sostenible
Esta publicación está dirigida a personas con responsabilidades en materia de
selección, evaluación del desempeño, formación y desarrollo de las personas.
selección, evaluación del desempeño, formación y desarrollo de las personas.
miércoles, 1 de abril de 2009
Green IT Governance and Process Framework
For many people, Green-IT equals to data centers optimisation; but even if greening the data centers is an urgent imperative, Green-IT is far broader than that. It also concerns areas like office automation infrastructure, end-user practices, IT procurement, CSR and the use of ICT as a way to reduce the CO2 footprint. On the other hand, More and more environmental regulations are into force and questions come from the Board, the CEO and the CFO, putting more pressure on the IT department. The Green-IT Governance framework permits to show, measure and control the contribution of the IT department to the organisations’ commitments to reduce ICT waste, energy consumption, C02 footprint and last but not least to reduce costs.
Our Green-It Governance framework is fully aligned with recommendations from Green Grid, Energy Star and the EU Code of Conduct for data centers.
We have enhanced "greened" IT Governance standards like CobIT, Val-IT and ITIL V3.
Our Green-It Governance framework is fully aligned with recommendations from Green Grid, Energy Star and the EU Code of Conduct for data centers.
We have enhanced "greened" IT Governance standards like CobIT, Val-IT and ITIL V3.
jueves, 19 de marzo de 2009
EU: Open Source Initiative approves European Union Public licence
The Open Source Initiative (OSI), one of the principal advocacy organisations on open source software, has unanimously approved the European Union Public Licence (EUPL) version 1.1 as an open source licence on 4 March 2009.
"This is very good news", commented Karel De Vriendt, head of the European Commission's e-Government programme (IDABC) that is responsible for the development and maintenance of the open source licence. "OSI's decision certifies that the EUPL is 100 percent compliant with their definition of open source. This will help to convince European public administrations which are developing software for their e-Government systems, that the EUPL is a true open source licence."
Version 1.1 of the EUPL was published by the European Commission on 9 January 2009. The licence is available in 22 linguistic versions which all have identical value. This means that developers who want to use the licence can pick whichever language version they prefer.
Proliferation
The OSI is increasingly strict with new licences, to prevent licence proliferation, says Martin Michlmayr, one the OSI board members. In an interview with the German Linux Magazine Online last week, he said he expects the EUPL to be of true value. "For the first time we have a license available in all European languages, valid everywhere and with all translations legally scrutinised."
The EUPL is also compatible with the GNU Public License version 2 (GPLv2). Michlmayr: "If you combine EUPL code with GPLv2 code, you can distribute the combination under the terms of the GPL. Given the widespread adoption of GPLv2, that's a very useful provision."
"This is very good news", commented Karel De Vriendt, head of the European Commission's e-Government programme (IDABC) that is responsible for the development and maintenance of the open source licence. "OSI's decision certifies that the EUPL is 100 percent compliant with their definition of open source. This will help to convince European public administrations which are developing software for their e-Government systems, that the EUPL is a true open source licence."
Version 1.1 of the EUPL was published by the European Commission on 9 January 2009. The licence is available in 22 linguistic versions which all have identical value. This means that developers who want to use the licence can pick whichever language version they prefer.
Proliferation
The OSI is increasingly strict with new licences, to prevent licence proliferation, says Martin Michlmayr, one the OSI board members. In an interview with the German Linux Magazine Online last week, he said he expects the EUPL to be of true value. "For the first time we have a license available in all European languages, valid everywhere and with all translations legally scrutinised."
The EUPL is also compatible with the GNU Public License version 2 (GPLv2). Michlmayr: "If you combine EUPL code with GPLv2 code, you can distribute the combination under the terms of the GPL. Given the widespread adoption of GPLv2, that's a very useful provision."
lunes, 16 de marzo de 2009
La UE quiere duplicar la inversión en TIC
La Comisión Europea aspira a situarse “en primera línea mundial” de la investigación e innovación en las tecnologías de la información doblando la financiación de esta área.
La Comisión Europea ha propuesto a los países miembros y a las empresas del sector de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación a unificar sus recursos e intensificar su colaboración.
El objetivo es situarse “en primera línea mundial”, ha dicho Vivian Reding, quien ha recordado que Europa representa el 34% del mercado mundial de estas tecnologías, con un valor que aumenta un 4% al año. Sin embargo, el valor añadido producido por esta industria sólo representa el 23% de total, debido a la división del mercado y fragmentación de los esfuerzos en investigación. Por este motivo la UE cree que existe un cierto retraso en la investigación de las TIC y en la producción de artículos y servicios basados en estas tecnologías, en comparación con otros países competidores a nivel mundial.
Reding ha hecho hincapié en que son necesarias medidas que contribuyan a la recuperación económica, que sirvan para “explotar las posibilidades que ofrecen el internet del futuro, los servicios fundamentados en la web y la nanoelectrónica".
La Comisión Europea ha propuesto a los países miembros y a las empresas del sector de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación a unificar sus recursos e intensificar su colaboración.
El objetivo es situarse “en primera línea mundial”, ha dicho Vivian Reding, quien ha recordado que Europa representa el 34% del mercado mundial de estas tecnologías, con un valor que aumenta un 4% al año. Sin embargo, el valor añadido producido por esta industria sólo representa el 23% de total, debido a la división del mercado y fragmentación de los esfuerzos en investigación. Por este motivo la UE cree que existe un cierto retraso en la investigación de las TIC y en la producción de artículos y servicios basados en estas tecnologías, en comparación con otros países competidores a nivel mundial.
Reding ha hecho hincapié en que son necesarias medidas que contribuyan a la recuperación económica, que sirvan para “explotar las posibilidades que ofrecen el internet del futuro, los servicios fundamentados en la web y la nanoelectrónica".
martes, 10 de marzo de 2009
Once bancos líderes en banca ética y sostenible en el mundo lanzan la Alianza Global por una Banca con Valores.
Once de los principales bancos éticos y sostenibles del mundo han creado una alianza para construir una alternativa positiva a un sistema financiero global en crisis. Los once bancos, que suman activos por encima de los 10.000 millones de dólares y dan servicio a más de siete millones de clientes en 20 países de todo el mundo, han llegado a un acuerdo durante una reunión especial celebrada en Holanda entre los pasados 2 y el 4 de marzo.
La Alianza Global por una Banca con Valores (Global Alliance for Banking on Values) fue presentada públicamente el pasado 3 de marzo durante un evento en la sede central de Triodos Bank en Zeist, Holanda, que contó con la participación de la princesa Máxima de los Países Bajos, anterior miembro del Grupo Asesor de las Naciones Unidas sobre Sectores Financieros Incluyentes, y Achim Steiner, Director Ejecutivo del Programa de Naciones Unidas para el Medio Ambiente.
La Alianza Global por una Banca con Valores ha sido fundada por el banco bengalí BRAC Bank - parte del Grupo BRAC, la mayor institución de microcréditos del mundo-, el banco cooperativo estadounidense ShoreBank y Triodos Bank, el referente europeo en banca ética y sostenible.
El resto de miembros son entidades de microcréditos y bancos y cooperativas de crédito dedicadas a la financiación responsable. A ellos se sumará en breve el banco de microcréditos keniata K-Rep Bank, que no pudo asistir al lanzamiento.
Los bancos que forman la iniciativa son Alternative Bank ABS, Suiza; Banca Popolare Etica, Italia; Banex, Banco del Éxito, Nicaragua; BRAC Bank y BRAC Microfinance Programme, Bangladesh; GLS Bank, Alemania; Merkur Bank, Dinamarca; Mibanco, Banco de la Microempresa, Perú; New Resource Bank, Estados Unidos; ShoreBank Corporation, Estados Unidos; Triodos Bank, Holanda, Bélgica, Reino Unido y España; y XacBank, Mongolia.
Los requisitos que debe cumplir cada entidad para participar en la Alianza Global por una Banca con Valores son, entre otros, ser un banco independiente y con ficha bancaria, dirigido a clientes de retail, gestionar un balance total mínimo de 100 millones de dólares, y lo más significativo: estar dirigido a poner en práctica la financiación responsable y tener en cuenta una aproximación al negocio bancario que compatibilice la rentabilidad económica con la rentabilidad social y medioambiental.
La Alianza Global por una Banca con Valores (Global Alliance for Banking on Values) fue presentada públicamente el pasado 3 de marzo durante un evento en la sede central de Triodos Bank en Zeist, Holanda, que contó con la participación de la princesa Máxima de los Países Bajos, anterior miembro del Grupo Asesor de las Naciones Unidas sobre Sectores Financieros Incluyentes, y Achim Steiner, Director Ejecutivo del Programa de Naciones Unidas para el Medio Ambiente.
La Alianza Global por una Banca con Valores ha sido fundada por el banco bengalí BRAC Bank - parte del Grupo BRAC, la mayor institución de microcréditos del mundo-, el banco cooperativo estadounidense ShoreBank y Triodos Bank, el referente europeo en banca ética y sostenible.
El resto de miembros son entidades de microcréditos y bancos y cooperativas de crédito dedicadas a la financiación responsable. A ellos se sumará en breve el banco de microcréditos keniata K-Rep Bank, que no pudo asistir al lanzamiento.
Los bancos que forman la iniciativa son Alternative Bank ABS, Suiza; Banca Popolare Etica, Italia; Banex, Banco del Éxito, Nicaragua; BRAC Bank y BRAC Microfinance Programme, Bangladesh; GLS Bank, Alemania; Merkur Bank, Dinamarca; Mibanco, Banco de la Microempresa, Perú; New Resource Bank, Estados Unidos; ShoreBank Corporation, Estados Unidos; Triodos Bank, Holanda, Bélgica, Reino Unido y España; y XacBank, Mongolia.
Los requisitos que debe cumplir cada entidad para participar en la Alianza Global por una Banca con Valores son, entre otros, ser un banco independiente y con ficha bancaria, dirigido a clientes de retail, gestionar un balance total mínimo de 100 millones de dólares, y lo más significativo: estar dirigido a poner en práctica la financiación responsable y tener en cuenta una aproximación al negocio bancario que compatibilice la rentabilidad económica con la rentabilidad social y medioambiental.
lunes, 9 de marzo de 2009
Surveillance Self-Defense
Surveillance Self-Defense (SSD) exists to answer two main questions: What can the government legally do to spy on your computer data and communications? And what can you legally do to protect yourself against such spying?
After an introductory discussion of how you should think about making security decisions — it's all about risk management — they'll be answering those two questions for three types of data:
First, they're going to talk about the threat to the data stored on your computer posed by searches and seizures by law enforcement, as well as subpoenas demanding your records.
Second, they're going to talk about the threat to your data on the wire — that is, your data as it's being transmitted — posed by wiretapping and other real-time surveillance of your telephone and Internet communications by law enforcement.
Third, they're going to describe the information about you that is stored by third parties like your phone company and your Internet service provider, and how law enforcement officials can get it.
In each of these three sections, they're going to give you practical advice about how to protect your private data against law enforcement agents.
In a fourth section, they'll also provide some basic information about the U.S. government's expanded legal authority when it comes to foreign intelligence and terrorism investigations.
Finally, They've collected several articles about specific defensive technologies that you can use to protect your privacy, which are linked to from the other sections or can be accessed individually. So, for example, if you're only looking for information about how to securely delete your files, or how to use encryption to protect the privacy of your emails or instant messages, you can just directly visit that article.
After an introductory discussion of how you should think about making security decisions — it's all about risk management — they'll be answering those two questions for three types of data:
First, they're going to talk about the threat to the data stored on your computer posed by searches and seizures by law enforcement, as well as subpoenas demanding your records.
Second, they're going to talk about the threat to your data on the wire — that is, your data as it's being transmitted — posed by wiretapping and other real-time surveillance of your telephone and Internet communications by law enforcement.
Third, they're going to describe the information about you that is stored by third parties like your phone company and your Internet service provider, and how law enforcement officials can get it.
In each of these three sections, they're going to give you practical advice about how to protect your private data against law enforcement agents.
In a fourth section, they'll also provide some basic information about the U.S. government's expanded legal authority when it comes to foreign intelligence and terrorism investigations.
Finally, They've collected several articles about specific defensive technologies that you can use to protect your privacy, which are linked to from the other sections or can be accessed individually. So, for example, if you're only looking for information about how to securely delete your files, or how to use encryption to protect the privacy of your emails or instant messages, you can just directly visit that article.
miércoles, 4 de marzo de 2009
Electronic Invoicing as a ‘keystone’ in the collaboration between companies, banks and PA - Report 2008 Observatory on Electronic Invoicing and Demate
This is the second report from the Politechnico di Milano School of Management's Observatory on Electronic Invoicing and Dematerialisation.
A particular feature of this edition is the large number of partners and sponsors of different background, from association in the banking sector and technology providers to system integrators and IT consultants.
There are two new elements in this edition:
The presentation of a complete classification of the main model of electronic invoicing and, in general, of the integration and dematerialisation of the trade process.
An analysis of the profitability of electronic invoicing projects for each of the models identified and for the various levels of financial activity.
The study involved more than 200 companies, 90 case studies in user companies, 50 studies among electronic invoicing solution and service providers.
Original URL:
http://www.osservatori.net/home
A particular feature of this edition is the large number of partners and sponsors of different background, from association in the banking sector and technology providers to system integrators and IT consultants.
There are two new elements in this edition:
The presentation of a complete classification of the main model of electronic invoicing and, in general, of the integration and dematerialisation of the trade process.
An analysis of the profitability of electronic invoicing projects for each of the models identified and for the various levels of financial activity.
The study involved more than 200 companies, 90 case studies in user companies, 50 studies among electronic invoicing solution and service providers.
Original URL:
http://www.osservatori.net/home
[EVENTO]: 3d European eAccessibility Forum, 30 de marzo- París
Estimados amigos,
El próximo día 30 de marzo se celebrará el 3d European eAccessibility Forum sobre Mobile Communications: Helping people with disabilities at work.
Fecha: 30 de marzo de 2009
Hora: 9:00 - 17:45 (Registro 8:15-8:45)
Lugar: Cité des sciences et de l'Industrie 30, avenue Corentin-Cariou - 75019 París
Título: Mobile Communications: Helping people with disabilities at work.
Se adjunta información relativa al evento (descripción general, programa, registración, etc.) en el siguiente enlace:
http://inova.snv.jussieu.fr/evenements/colloques/mobtel/Description/index_en.php
Los ponentes son especialistas involucrados en organizaciones que representan a usuarios y consumidores con discapacidad, organizaciones de investigación y compañías que operan a nivel europeo o mundial.
Esperamos sea de vuestro interés,
Un cordial saludo,
El próximo día 30 de marzo se celebrará el 3d European eAccessibility Forum sobre Mobile Communications: Helping people with disabilities at work.
Fecha: 30 de marzo de 2009
Hora: 9:00 - 17:45 (Registro 8:15-8:45)
Lugar: Cité des sciences et de l'Industrie 30, avenue Corentin-Cariou - 75019 París
Título: Mobile Communications: Helping people with disabilities at work.
Se adjunta información relativa al evento (descripción general, programa, registración, etc.) en el siguiente enlace:
http://inova.snv.jussieu.fr/evenements/colloques/mobtel/Description/index_en.php
Los ponentes son especialistas involucrados en organizaciones que representan a usuarios y consumidores con discapacidad, organizaciones de investigación y compañías que operan a nivel europeo o mundial.
Esperamos sea de vuestro interés,
Un cordial saludo,
miércoles, 25 de febrero de 2009
ENISA publishes first edition of Country Reports on Network and Information Security
The Country Reports are an assessment of the ongoing and planned activities of NIS in each of the 30 European countries covered. Each country chapter contains, among other sections: Country Highlights, Key Stakeholders Overview, Activities, and Current Trends (e.g. focusing on the status of national electronic ID schemes, and the major incidences of security breaches involving data loss).
The categorisation and mapping of stakeholders and their mutual relations was one of the main aims of the report. The most important areas in which national-level organisations have an impact on NIS were charted, namely: Policy Development (the drafting of, or assistance in the process of drafting, governmental policies relating to NIS); Policy Implementation; Privacy and Data Protection; Electronic Communications; Critical Infrastructure Protection / Critical Information Infrastructure Protection (CIP/CIIP); and Computer Emergency Response Team (CERTs).
The report found that institutions and responsibilities vary substantially from one country to another. However, some general trends were identified. These are as follows:
The most important actors for defining NIS policies are Governmental Organisations and Bodies: e.g. the Ministry of Communications, the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications (where established), the National Office for Data Protection, the Ministries of Interior, Defence, or those having shared responsibilities for different areas of NIS.
Public Network and Information Security Bodies: Public NIS bodies with broad responsibilities exist in about one third of the countries. Their main tasks are, among others, information gathering for IT security issues and scientific advice. Many also approve and certify the security of national information systems.
CERTs: There are over 100 CERTs active in the EU, but their geographical distribution is very uneven. Almost all countries have 1 or 2 public sector CERTs. Most CERT act as the national NIS point of contact and coordinate crisis response
The categorisation and mapping of stakeholders and their mutual relations was one of the main aims of the report. The most important areas in which national-level organisations have an impact on NIS were charted, namely: Policy Development (the drafting of, or assistance in the process of drafting, governmental policies relating to NIS); Policy Implementation; Privacy and Data Protection; Electronic Communications; Critical Infrastructure Protection / Critical Information Infrastructure Protection (CIP/CIIP); and Computer Emergency Response Team (CERTs).
The report found that institutions and responsibilities vary substantially from one country to another. However, some general trends were identified. These are as follows:
The most important actors for defining NIS policies are Governmental Organisations and Bodies: e.g. the Ministry of Communications, the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications (where established), the National Office for Data Protection, the Ministries of Interior, Defence, or those having shared responsibilities for different areas of NIS.
Public Network and Information Security Bodies: Public NIS bodies with broad responsibilities exist in about one third of the countries. Their main tasks are, among others, information gathering for IT security issues and scientific advice. Many also approve and certify the security of national information systems.
CERTs: There are over 100 CERTs active in the EU, but their geographical distribution is very uneven. Almost all countries have 1 or 2 public sector CERTs. Most CERT act as the national NIS point of contact and coordinate crisis response
lunes, 23 de febrero de 2009
La Eurocámara pide que se refuerce la seguridad del comercio electrónico
El Pleno del Parlamento Europeo aprobó un informe en
el que se pide un refuerzo de la seguridad del comercio
electrónico, una simplificación de las normas que lo rigen
y medidas específicas para las Pymes.
En la actualidad, uno de cada tres ciudadanos europeos
compra por Internet, pero sólo 30 millones realizan compras
transfronterizas.
El informe, aprobado por 562 votos a favor, 9 en contra y
10 abstenciones, avisa de que la desconfianza sobre la
seguridad de las transacciones y de los pagos es el peligro
más grave para el futuro del comercio electrónico.
Por ello, los eurodiputados piden a la Comisión que establezca
mecanismos que refuercen la confianza en los
pagos electrónicos internacionales entre empresas y particulares
y que cree sistemas adecuados de resolución de
conflictos en caso de prácticas comerciales ilegales.
Se reitera la necesidad de establecer mecanismos para
adoptar las medidas de represión necesarias y coordinar
de manera más efectiva la lucha contra las conductas
ilegales que se dan actualmente en el comercio en línea,
con especial atención a los casos que pueden suponer un
grave riesgo para la salud pública, como la venta por Internet
de medicamentos falsos. También apuesta por una
mayor participación de los países en desarrollo en el comercio
internacional a través de Internet.
el que se pide un refuerzo de la seguridad del comercio
electrónico, una simplificación de las normas que lo rigen
y medidas específicas para las Pymes.
En la actualidad, uno de cada tres ciudadanos europeos
compra por Internet, pero sólo 30 millones realizan compras
transfronterizas.
El informe, aprobado por 562 votos a favor, 9 en contra y
10 abstenciones, avisa de que la desconfianza sobre la
seguridad de las transacciones y de los pagos es el peligro
más grave para el futuro del comercio electrónico.
Por ello, los eurodiputados piden a la Comisión que establezca
mecanismos que refuercen la confianza en los
pagos electrónicos internacionales entre empresas y particulares
y que cree sistemas adecuados de resolución de
conflictos en caso de prácticas comerciales ilegales.
Se reitera la necesidad de establecer mecanismos para
adoptar las medidas de represión necesarias y coordinar
de manera más efectiva la lucha contra las conductas
ilegales que se dan actualmente en el comercio en línea,
con especial atención a los casos que pueden suponer un
grave riesgo para la salud pública, como la venta por Internet
de medicamentos falsos. También apuesta por una
mayor participación de los países en desarrollo en el comercio
internacional a través de Internet.
viernes, 20 de febrero de 2009
Impulsar el éxito Personas y Desarrollo Sostenible
La novedad de este documento es la utilización del enfoque de la sostenibilidad para maximizar el valor de la gestión de las personas y en la manera de proceder para implantar prácticas de desarrollo sostenible en las áreas clave de la empresa.
A través de once casos prácticos de estas empresas se muestran medidas pioneras aplicadas a la gestión de personas que no sólo contribuyen a aumentar el capital intelectual, si no también fortalecen la cultura corporativa y sentido de pertenencia, y ayudan a atraer y retener el talento. Por este motivo apoyan a los empleados y sus familias, trabajan por la estabilidad laboral en sus plantillas, apuestan por la igualdad de oportunidades, la gestión de competencias, la diversidad y la conciliación, sobre todo, se ocupan de que la empresa sea mejor y más competitiva.
Las empresas para ser competitivas y alcanzar el éxito pasa, hoy día, por invertir en las personas que forman la organización. Y que todo ello les da la oportunidad de asegurarse una plantilla comprometida e ilusionada que les permita ser, pensar y actuar con la sostenibilidad como referente. Además les facilitará enormemente todos los pasos que decida dar la dirección en materia de desarrollo sostenible.
A través de once casos prácticos de estas empresas se muestran medidas pioneras aplicadas a la gestión de personas que no sólo contribuyen a aumentar el capital intelectual, si no también fortalecen la cultura corporativa y sentido de pertenencia, y ayudan a atraer y retener el talento. Por este motivo apoyan a los empleados y sus familias, trabajan por la estabilidad laboral en sus plantillas, apuestan por la igualdad de oportunidades, la gestión de competencias, la diversidad y la conciliación, sobre todo, se ocupan de que la empresa sea mejor y más competitiva.
Las empresas para ser competitivas y alcanzar el éxito pasa, hoy día, por invertir en las personas que forman la organización. Y que todo ello les da la oportunidad de asegurarse una plantilla comprometida e ilusionada que les permita ser, pensar y actuar con la sostenibilidad como referente. Además les facilitará enormemente todos los pasos que decida dar la dirección en materia de desarrollo sostenible.
sábado, 14 de febrero de 2009
transformación versus innovación
La innovación palpable hoy parece insuficiente tanto para resolver este problema
básico como para darle un nuevo dinamismo a las TIC. Pero eso no es lo más
grave. Podríamos estar en un momento más complicado (y no solamente por la
crisis financiera y económica) en el cual la innovación -motor esencial de las TICno
sea suficiente.
"La innovación murió en 2008" escribió el 31 de diciembre el columnista Bruce
Nussbaum. "La mataron la sobreexplotación, el uso a destiempo, la estrechez de
espíritu, el gradualismo y la incapacidad de evolucionar". La innovación, "reveló ser
débil como táctica y como estrategia frente a las turbulencias económicas y
sociales".
En su lugar propone el concepto de "transformación", una guía, según él, mucho
más útil para el futuro. "La innovación implica cambiar lo que está; la
transformación implica crear lo nuevo" (sic). Afirma que "nuestras vidas estarán
organizadas alrededor de plataformas digitales y de redes que sustituirán edificios y
grandes organizaciones, poniendo el acento sobre la gente diseñando redes y
sistemas en base a sus deseos y necesidades".
Estamos presenciando una desaceleración de las TIC que pasan de unos quince
años de revolución a una era de evolución más gradual en un momento en el cual
hace falta acelerar y cambiar de lógica. A los rigores de la crisis se agregan los
imperativos de las transformaciones. Sólo sobrevivirán las empresas capaces de
enfrentarse a la vez a ese doble obstáculo; pero otras nacerán.
básico como para darle un nuevo dinamismo a las TIC. Pero eso no es lo más
grave. Podríamos estar en un momento más complicado (y no solamente por la
crisis financiera y económica) en el cual la innovación -motor esencial de las TICno
sea suficiente.
"La innovación murió en 2008" escribió el 31 de diciembre el columnista Bruce
Nussbaum. "La mataron la sobreexplotación, el uso a destiempo, la estrechez de
espíritu, el gradualismo y la incapacidad de evolucionar". La innovación, "reveló ser
débil como táctica y como estrategia frente a las turbulencias económicas y
sociales".
En su lugar propone el concepto de "transformación", una guía, según él, mucho
más útil para el futuro. "La innovación implica cambiar lo que está; la
transformación implica crear lo nuevo" (sic). Afirma que "nuestras vidas estarán
organizadas alrededor de plataformas digitales y de redes que sustituirán edificios y
grandes organizaciones, poniendo el acento sobre la gente diseñando redes y
sistemas en base a sus deseos y necesidades".
Estamos presenciando una desaceleración de las TIC que pasan de unos quince
años de revolución a una era de evolución más gradual en un momento en el cual
hace falta acelerar y cambiar de lógica. A los rigores de la crisis se agregan los
imperativos de las transformaciones. Sólo sobrevivirán las empresas capaces de
enfrentarse a la vez a ese doble obstáculo; pero otras nacerán.
El Proyecto SALA+ ofrece un servicio especial de búsqueda de socios en su
El Proyecto SALA+, con el objetivo de fomentar las cooperación entre Latinoamérica
y Europa a través de la cooperación en I+D en el área de las Tecnologías
Audiovisuales en Red (eNEM), ofrece un acceso gratuito on-line a una base de
datos que permite la identificación de socios potenciales, así como recibir
información puntual sobre oportunidades de participación en proyectos FP7,
Iberoeka, etc.
Esta base de datos on-line está disponible a través del siguiente link a “Partner
Search” de la página web del proyecto SALA+ (http://www.salamas.eu/ )
A través de dicho link los potenciales usuarios pueden:
• Registrarse gratuitamente y cumplimentar el perfil de la entidad a través del
cuestionario electrónico (5 minutos aprox.)
• Disponer de la lista actualizada con los perfiles de todas las entidades
registradas y hacer uso de ella, mediante la herramienta de búsqueda.
• Realizar búsquedas de socios on-line en esta base de datos para poder
identificar todas aquellas entidades que cumplan con las características
requeridas (tipo de entidad, país/región, áreas de interés…)
• Recibir periódicamente información relativa a oportunidades de colaboración en
propuestas de proyecto.
• Participar activamente en las actividades organizadas por el proyecto SALA+.
Por lo tanto, todas aquellas entidades interesadas, tanto Latinoamericanas como
Europeas, están invitadas a registrarse en la base de datos y participar activamente
en el lanzamiento de propuestas de proyectos de I+D en el ámbito de Tecnologías
audiovisuales en Red (eNEM).
Con este servicio gratuito, SALA+ espera que en un futuro próximo se puedan
establecer fructíferas colaboraciones entre entidades Europeas y Latinoamericanas.
y Europa a través de la cooperación en I+D en el área de las Tecnologías
Audiovisuales en Red (eNEM), ofrece un acceso gratuito on-line a una base de
datos que permite la identificación de socios potenciales, así como recibir
información puntual sobre oportunidades de participación en proyectos FP7,
Iberoeka, etc.
Esta base de datos on-line está disponible a través del siguiente link a “Partner
Search” de la página web del proyecto SALA+ (http://www.salamas.eu/ )
A través de dicho link los potenciales usuarios pueden:
• Registrarse gratuitamente y cumplimentar el perfil de la entidad a través del
cuestionario electrónico (5 minutos aprox.)
• Disponer de la lista actualizada con los perfiles de todas las entidades
registradas y hacer uso de ella, mediante la herramienta de búsqueda.
• Realizar búsquedas de socios on-line en esta base de datos para poder
identificar todas aquellas entidades que cumplan con las características
requeridas (tipo de entidad, país/región, áreas de interés…)
• Recibir periódicamente información relativa a oportunidades de colaboración en
propuestas de proyecto.
• Participar activamente en las actividades organizadas por el proyecto SALA+.
Por lo tanto, todas aquellas entidades interesadas, tanto Latinoamericanas como
Europeas, están invitadas a registrarse en la base de datos y participar activamente
en el lanzamiento de propuestas de proyectos de I+D en el ámbito de Tecnologías
audiovisuales en Red (eNEM).
Con este servicio gratuito, SALA+ espera que en un futuro próximo se puedan
establecer fructíferas colaboraciones entre entidades Europeas y Latinoamericanas.
miércoles, 11 de febrero de 2009
EU/US: MEPSIR Study – Measuring European Public Sector Information Resources
This document is the final report of the MEPSIR study that conducted a measurement related to the European Directive 2003/98/EC of 17 November 2003 on the re-use of public sector information (PSI).
The first part of this report contains a description of the context (chapter 2) and the scope (chapter 3) of the study, followed by a description of the approach (chapter 4), methodology (chapter 5) and analysis method (chapter 6). This introductory material is followed by chapters with presentation of the overall results (chapter 7) and overviews of the results for all domains (chapter 8), for all countries (chapter 9) and for economic indicators (chapter 10). Chapter 11 describes the situation in the USA, while chapter 12 contains a description of seven case studies. The report concludes with a number of conclusions (chapter 13).
The second part of this report presents the detailed results of the study, both from a domain perspective, showing the figures for the sub-domains relevant for public sector information, as well as from a geographical perspective, showing the figures for the countries that were surveyed.
Original URL:
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/psi/library/index_en.htm
Number of pages:
Executive Summary of the MEPSIR Study: 20 pages
Part 1 of the final report of the MEPSIR Study: 94 pages
Part 2 of the final report of the MEPSIR Study – Detailed results for sub-domains and individual countries: 119 pages
The first part of this report contains a description of the context (chapter 2) and the scope (chapter 3) of the study, followed by a description of the approach (chapter 4), methodology (chapter 5) and analysis method (chapter 6). This introductory material is followed by chapters with presentation of the overall results (chapter 7) and overviews of the results for all domains (chapter 8), for all countries (chapter 9) and for economic indicators (chapter 10). Chapter 11 describes the situation in the USA, while chapter 12 contains a description of seven case studies. The report concludes with a number of conclusions (chapter 13).
The second part of this report presents the detailed results of the study, both from a domain perspective, showing the figures for the sub-domains relevant for public sector information, as well as from a geographical perspective, showing the figures for the countries that were surveyed.
Original URL:
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/psi/library/index_en.htm
Number of pages:
Executive Summary of the MEPSIR Study: 20 pages
Part 1 of the final report of the MEPSIR Study: 94 pages
Part 2 of the final report of the MEPSIR Study – Detailed results for sub-domains and individual countries: 119 pages
jornada continua y flexible aumenta la producción y reduce el absentismo
Una jornada laboral compacta y con horario flexible tiene unos beneficios claros para las empresas que apuesten por esta fórmula: la productividad de los empleados aumenta entre un 15 y un 20% y se reduce su absentismo hasta en un 30%.
Así lo señaló recientemente la directora general de Igualdad de Oportunidades en el Trabajo de la Generalitat catalana, Sara Berbel, que participó en las Jornadas europeas ¿Hacia dónde va nuestro tiempo?.
A su juicio, un banco de horas dentro del horario laboral o el teletrabajo ayuda a mejorar el clima laboral. Berbel recalca que estas políticas no pueden ser cíclicas y depender de los vaivenes de la crisis -frente a la presión de las empresas de hacer trabajar más a sus empleados- y cree que se ha de luchar contra el prejuicio de que los horarios son "inamovibles".
Estas jornadas, promovidas por el Ayuntamiento de Barcelona, analizan los retos del uso social del tiempo e idean cómo hacer operativa una Red Europea de Ciudades de Usos del Tiempo, esto es, ciudades que se comprometan a promover la racionalización de horarios, informa EFE.
Racionalizar horarios como alternativa a los despidos
El ingeniero de la Universidad Politécnica de Catalunya (UPC), Jordi Ojeda, es coordinador de un grupo de investigadores que ha desarrollado un programa informático cuyo fin optimizar los tiempos -sobre todo en sectores como los servicios- para que los empleados puedan hacer horarios diferentes y los varíen según sus necesidades.
Ojeda, que presentó su programa capaz de realizar esta tarea en apenas, un minuto, apuntó, no obstante, la paradoja de que "a todos se nos llena la boca a la hora de hablar de conciliación, pero luego todos vamos al cine o a cenar fuera por la noche, o queremos que nos atiendan a las cuatro de la mañana si tenemos un accidente; el discurso no tiene que ser sólo el de conciliación, sino el de ofrecer servicios en condiciones para que el trabajador esté cómodo".
Además, con una buena organización del trabajo, se pueden reducir costos, "y algunas empresas no tendrían que echar a sus empleados en períodos de crisis", señaló ayer Ojeda, para quien la flexibilidad concertada es una de las vías de solución.
La doble presencia femenina
La profesora de Sociología de la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Teresa Torns, expuso por su parte que no todo se circunscribe a la jornada laboral, sobre todo en el caso de las mujeres, ya que éstas mantienen una "doble presencia" por las tareas domésticas y de cuidado de los hijos y ancianos de las que se suelen encargar, una labor que "no tiene prestigio social y está invisibilizada". Por el contrario, lamentó que en el mercado laboral se mantenga el prestigio de la disponibilidad absoluta, una opción a las que muchas mujeres no pueden optar por sus "obligaciones".
Así lo señaló recientemente la directora general de Igualdad de Oportunidades en el Trabajo de la Generalitat catalana, Sara Berbel, que participó en las Jornadas europeas ¿Hacia dónde va nuestro tiempo?.
A su juicio, un banco de horas dentro del horario laboral o el teletrabajo ayuda a mejorar el clima laboral. Berbel recalca que estas políticas no pueden ser cíclicas y depender de los vaivenes de la crisis -frente a la presión de las empresas de hacer trabajar más a sus empleados- y cree que se ha de luchar contra el prejuicio de que los horarios son "inamovibles".
Estas jornadas, promovidas por el Ayuntamiento de Barcelona, analizan los retos del uso social del tiempo e idean cómo hacer operativa una Red Europea de Ciudades de Usos del Tiempo, esto es, ciudades que se comprometan a promover la racionalización de horarios, informa EFE.
Racionalizar horarios como alternativa a los despidos
El ingeniero de la Universidad Politécnica de Catalunya (UPC), Jordi Ojeda, es coordinador de un grupo de investigadores que ha desarrollado un programa informático cuyo fin optimizar los tiempos -sobre todo en sectores como los servicios- para que los empleados puedan hacer horarios diferentes y los varíen según sus necesidades.
Ojeda, que presentó su programa capaz de realizar esta tarea en apenas, un minuto, apuntó, no obstante, la paradoja de que "a todos se nos llena la boca a la hora de hablar de conciliación, pero luego todos vamos al cine o a cenar fuera por la noche, o queremos que nos atiendan a las cuatro de la mañana si tenemos un accidente; el discurso no tiene que ser sólo el de conciliación, sino el de ofrecer servicios en condiciones para que el trabajador esté cómodo".
Además, con una buena organización del trabajo, se pueden reducir costos, "y algunas empresas no tendrían que echar a sus empleados en períodos de crisis", señaló ayer Ojeda, para quien la flexibilidad concertada es una de las vías de solución.
La doble presencia femenina
La profesora de Sociología de la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Teresa Torns, expuso por su parte que no todo se circunscribe a la jornada laboral, sobre todo en el caso de las mujeres, ya que éstas mantienen una "doble presencia" por las tareas domésticas y de cuidado de los hijos y ancianos de las que se suelen encargar, una labor que "no tiene prestigio social y está invisibilizada". Por el contrario, lamentó que en el mercado laboral se mantenga el prestigio de la disponibilidad absoluta, una opción a las que muchas mujeres no pueden optar por sus "obligaciones".
viernes, 6 de febrero de 2009
An Introduction to the Business Model for Information Security
This introduction guide, with case study, is the first document in a series planned around the Business Model for Information Security. Based on the white paper “Systemic Security Management,” developed by the USC Marshall School of Business Institute for Critical Information Infrastructure Protection, this guide provides a starting point for discussion and future development. It defines the core concepts that will evolve into practical aids information security and business unit managers can use to align security program activities with organizational goals and priorities, effectively manage risk, and increase the value of information security program activities to the enterprise.
The Business Model for Information Security does not replace the many sources of security program best practices. It does, however, provide a view of information security program activities within the context the larger enterprise, to integrate the disparate security program components into a holistic system of information protection.
This guide introduces the model and its core concepts to enterprises, particularly to:
Senior executives
Information security managers
Those who have responsibility for managing business risk
Individuals who have responsibility for the design, implementation, monitoring and improvement of an information security management system
The Business Model for Information Security does not replace the many sources of security program best practices. It does, however, provide a view of information security program activities within the context the larger enterprise, to integrate the disparate security program components into a holistic system of information protection.
This guide introduces the model and its core concepts to enterprises, particularly to:
Senior executives
Information security managers
Those who have responsibility for managing business risk
Individuals who have responsibility for the design, implementation, monitoring and improvement of an information security management system
miércoles, 4 de febrero de 2009
Enterprise Risk: Identify, Govern and Manage Risk The Risk IT Framework
This IT enterprise risk management framework was designed to allow business managers to identify and assess IT-related business risks and manage them effectively. It provides the missing link between enterprise risk management (ERM) and IT risk management and control, fitting in the overall IT governance framework of ITGI, and building upon all existing risk related components within the current frameworks, i.e., COBIT and Val IT.
The exposure draft is posted for 45 day public exposure and comment. At the conclusion of the exposure period, the authors will use the feedback, comments and suggestions provided to improve the publication for issue.
Any feedback and/or material ("Submitted Material") submitted by e-mail or otherwise to ISACA/ITGI regarding the exposure draft, will be considered non-confidential. ISACA/ITGI is free to use any Submitted Material incorporating it into subsequent drafts and the resulting published versions of the work. You hereby assign exclusively to ISACA/ITGI any and all of your rights, title and interest in and to the Submitted Material as it is incorporated into the work.
The exposure draft is posted for 45 day public exposure and comment. At the conclusion of the exposure period, the authors will use the feedback, comments and suggestions provided to improve the publication for issue.
Any feedback and/or material ("Submitted Material") submitted by e-mail or otherwise to ISACA/ITGI regarding the exposure draft, will be considered non-confidential. ISACA/ITGI is free to use any Submitted Material incorporating it into subsequent drafts and the resulting published versions of the work. You hereby assign exclusively to ISACA/ITGI any and all of your rights, title and interest in and to the Submitted Material as it is incorporated into the work.
martes, 3 de febrero de 2009
ENISA presents its first report on pan-European eIDM
On 29 January 2009, the EU Agency ENISA (the European Network and Information Security Agency) presented its first report on the current state of pan-European eID interoperability.
Europe has bold ambitions regarding interoperable eID services by the end of 2009. This report looks at how various initiatives such as the STORK project and the Services Directive could make eID work for business and government eServices across Europe.
Security and interoperability of eID systems across Europe is a current topic. European eID Management (eIDM) presently stands at crossroads. This is a vital and delicate stage, as pilot studies and models are now transformed into actual working systems.
ENISA calls its report a “milestone”, as it is the Agency’s first experts’ snapshot of Europe’s state of play in eIDM. The study charts the origins and scope of European eID interoperability. It focuses specifically on the triangle of three intrinsically connected drivers:
Policy level; an examination of the eID Roadmap and the eID -2010 goals to be reached by 2010.
The analysis of the recently initiated €20 million STORK Project. Among several EU projects focusing on eID, this initiative develops a series of pilot projects for citizens of 13 EU Member States, using their governments’ eID/authentication systems. Thus, the STORK project pilots a basic infrastructure in the EU for cross-border eID systems. But, the report strongly underlines that although STORK is significant, it is not to be seen as the panacea for all eID interoperability problems. Many European eIDM projects overlap but the solution does not lie in any single project. Instead the outcomes of all eID building blocks must eventually be put together to create a coherent and pragmatic infrastructure for European eID interoperability.
The implementation of the Services Directive. The Directive requires Member States to put electronic points of single contact in place by 28 December 2009. By then, service providers from any Member State should be able to complete formalities, to offer their services and to identify themselves electronically in a reliable way.
The report identified the following four main policy priorities for European eIDM:
In 2009, the policy objectives of the eID Roadmap will need to be reviewed and updated.
The results of the STORK project and how the pilot infrastructure can be expanded into a full-scale system, will need to be examined.
Once an interoperability infrastructure is in place, Member States will need to decide on the security requirements of their applications which do not discriminate against foreign citizens and enterprises.
Greater emphasis will need to be given on the citizen-centric approach to eID. It is crucial to give users sufficient personal control over their identity.
Mr. Andrea Pirotti, Executive Director of ENISA commented:
“This report shows that the pioneer eID systems soon must move into interoperable systems. This is a crucial time for EU Member States to make the right decisions, not only to guarantee interoperability, but also security and usability.”
Further information:
Source press release – ENISA
ePractice Library – i2010 eIDM Roadmap
Website of the STORK Project
ePractice Library – Directive on services in the internal market
ePractice Library – ENISA Report on the state of pan-European eIDM initiatives and FAQs of the report
Europe has bold ambitions regarding interoperable eID services by the end of 2009. This report looks at how various initiatives such as the STORK project and the Services Directive could make eID work for business and government eServices across Europe.
Security and interoperability of eID systems across Europe is a current topic. European eID Management (eIDM) presently stands at crossroads. This is a vital and delicate stage, as pilot studies and models are now transformed into actual working systems.
ENISA calls its report a “milestone”, as it is the Agency’s first experts’ snapshot of Europe’s state of play in eIDM. The study charts the origins and scope of European eID interoperability. It focuses specifically on the triangle of three intrinsically connected drivers:
Policy level; an examination of the eID Roadmap and the eID -2010 goals to be reached by 2010.
The analysis of the recently initiated €20 million STORK Project. Among several EU projects focusing on eID, this initiative develops a series of pilot projects for citizens of 13 EU Member States, using their governments’ eID/authentication systems. Thus, the STORK project pilots a basic infrastructure in the EU for cross-border eID systems. But, the report strongly underlines that although STORK is significant, it is not to be seen as the panacea for all eID interoperability problems. Many European eIDM projects overlap but the solution does not lie in any single project. Instead the outcomes of all eID building blocks must eventually be put together to create a coherent and pragmatic infrastructure for European eID interoperability.
The implementation of the Services Directive. The Directive requires Member States to put electronic points of single contact in place by 28 December 2009. By then, service providers from any Member State should be able to complete formalities, to offer their services and to identify themselves electronically in a reliable way.
The report identified the following four main policy priorities for European eIDM:
In 2009, the policy objectives of the eID Roadmap will need to be reviewed and updated.
The results of the STORK project and how the pilot infrastructure can be expanded into a full-scale system, will need to be examined.
Once an interoperability infrastructure is in place, Member States will need to decide on the security requirements of their applications which do not discriminate against foreign citizens and enterprises.
Greater emphasis will need to be given on the citizen-centric approach to eID. It is crucial to give users sufficient personal control over their identity.
Mr. Andrea Pirotti, Executive Director of ENISA commented:
“This report shows that the pioneer eID systems soon must move into interoperable systems. This is a crucial time for EU Member States to make the right decisions, not only to guarantee interoperability, but also security and usability.”
Further information:
Source press release – ENISA
ePractice Library – i2010 eIDM Roadmap
Website of the STORK Project
ePractice Library – Directive on services in the internal market
ePractice Library – ENISA Report on the state of pan-European eIDM initiatives and FAQs of the report
PenalNet: secure e-communication in Criminal Law Practice
PenalNet is a web platform which will supply a secure network of communication between EU criminal lawyers. The project objective is to develop better communications and strengthen the cross-border confidence of the practitioners. PenalNet provides the security that a lawyer is actually dealing with the wanted colleague, and that the latter is the only entitled to access the content received. Likewise, the system guarantees that the information exchanged cannot be modified or rejected. Communication is encrypted (SSL protocol) between lawyers, always including a time-stamping attested by ‘PenalNet’. Among other functionalities, PenalNet contains a directory of criminal lawyers who are registered at the platform by means of their professional digital certificate, which enables secure online identification and signature. It also allows secure email and document delivery through digital signature, acknowledgment of receipt provided by the platform, acknowledgement of reading and sms alert. All in all, using PenalNet will imply a notable decrease of burocratical delays, allow faster interaction and efficiency, and increase confidence between the professionals and amongst clients/citizens whilst protecting their right to privacy. It will also help to promote a culture of safe communications and closer cooperation at European level which, at present, are at an initial stage. PenalNet is being implemented as a pilot project in five Member States: Spain, France, Italy, Hungary and Romania, each of them putting together 300 tester lawyers. From 2010 onwards, PenalNet aims to become a permanent service provided for every EU qualified lawyer
lunes, 2 de febrero de 2009
New IBM Consulting Service Finds Savings Throughout Supply
23 January 2009 - At one time, Chinese shipping and logistics company Cosco had 100 distribution centers. Turn's out, the company really only needed less than half of them.
With the help of IBM's new supply chain consulting service, Cosco figured out it could reduce its number of distribution centers from 100 to only 40 while maintaining the same level of service to its customers.
IBM's service, Supply Chain Network Optimization Workbench (SNOW), takes a look at the entirety of a company's supply chain, and can help analyze five logistics areas: materials for products, sourcing and suppliers, manufacturing and production processes, warehousing, and transportation and distribution.
In the case of distribution centers, it can look at where a company's centers are, look at where it's customers are and create alternative set-ups and scenarios that would lower costs and cut energy and fuel use.
In Cosco's case, the company lowered its logistics costs 23 percent and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 15 percent, or about 100,000 tons per year.
"The main thing is, it gave them a way to look holistically at the placement and utilization of their centers,” said Eric Riddleberger, IBM's global leader for business strategy consulting. "Especially with companies that grow quickly, you build distribution centers based on where there is demand. This is a chance to step back and say, ‘What should our distribution centers be like, where should they be?'”
IBM works with companies to use the service and understand the impacts of alternatives. The service is also designed to help companies find alternate transportation routes to reduce fuel and trucking miles, and to analyze the trade-offs of sourcing from different suppliers.
How often a company will have to use the tool to look at its operations will depend on its situation. "You're not going to make changes in distribution centers or sourcing or production on a continuous basis, but it is the kind of thing that you want to see them working on a semi-annual or annual basis," Riddleberger said. Companies expanding quickly might want to do it more often; companies that are fairly stable would have to do it less frequently.
This article is reproduced with kind permission of GreenBiz.com.
With the help of IBM's new supply chain consulting service, Cosco figured out it could reduce its number of distribution centers from 100 to only 40 while maintaining the same level of service to its customers.
IBM's service, Supply Chain Network Optimization Workbench (SNOW), takes a look at the entirety of a company's supply chain, and can help analyze five logistics areas: materials for products, sourcing and suppliers, manufacturing and production processes, warehousing, and transportation and distribution.
In the case of distribution centers, it can look at where a company's centers are, look at where it's customers are and create alternative set-ups and scenarios that would lower costs and cut energy and fuel use.
In Cosco's case, the company lowered its logistics costs 23 percent and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 15 percent, or about 100,000 tons per year.
"The main thing is, it gave them a way to look holistically at the placement and utilization of their centers,” said Eric Riddleberger, IBM's global leader for business strategy consulting. "Especially with companies that grow quickly, you build distribution centers based on where there is demand. This is a chance to step back and say, ‘What should our distribution centers be like, where should they be?'”
IBM works with companies to use the service and understand the impacts of alternatives. The service is also designed to help companies find alternate transportation routes to reduce fuel and trucking miles, and to analyze the trade-offs of sourcing from different suppliers.
How often a company will have to use the tool to look at its operations will depend on its situation. "You're not going to make changes in distribution centers or sourcing or production on a continuous basis, but it is the kind of thing that you want to see them working on a semi-annual or annual basis," Riddleberger said. Companies expanding quickly might want to do it more often; companies that are fairly stable would have to do it less frequently.
This article is reproduced with kind permission of GreenBiz.com.
jueves, 29 de enero de 2009
Review of the Australian Government's Use of Information and Communication Technology
By Sir Peter Gershon CBE FREng
In April 2008 Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner, engaged Sir Peter Gershon to lead an independent review of the Australian Government's use and management of information and communication technology (ICT).
Sir Peter provided Minister Tanner with his report on the 28th of August 2008.
Minister Tanner released the report on 16 October 2008.
Sir Peter’s report provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of a wide range of issues affecting the Government’s use and management of ICT, and also outlines a staged plan for the implementation of recommendations. The Government is currently considering the findings and recommendations.
Download PDF
Review of the Australian Government's Use of Information and Communication Technology PDF version [ 2.6MB]
Table of Contents
Glossary of abbreviations
Executive Summary
Introduction /Context
Methodology
Key Findings
Summary of key recommendations
Implementation
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: Views from within the Australian Government
ICT Investment Decision Making
Project delivery
Organisational capability
People
Managing ICT spend
Procurement and ICT Outsourcing
Use of best practice
Views on existing whole-of-government arrangements
Views on data centres
Views on the ICT industry
ICT arrangements in Ministerial Offices
Chapter 2: Views from outside the Australian Government
Better utilisation of ICT assets
Shared services
Standardised/coordinated approach to procurement
Use of Commercial Off-the-shelf Solutions
Need for standardisation
Whole-of-government governance
High costs of tendering
The Australian government compared to other governments
Skills shortage
Green ICT
Security Clearances
Best practices
Chapter 3: Summary of survey findings
Survey approach
Survey Results
Chapter 4: Key findings
Weak governance of pan-government issues related to ICT
Agency governance mechanisms are weak in respect of focus on ICT efficiency and understanding of organisational capability to commission, manage and realise benefits from ICT-enabled projects
The business as usual ICT funding in agencies is not subject to sufficient challenge and scrutiny
Disconnect between the stated importance of ICT and actions in relation to ICT skills
There is no whole-of-government strategic plan for data centres. In the absence of such a plan, the government will be forced into a series of ad hoc investments which will, in total, cost significantly more than a coordinated approach
The Government ICT marketplace is neither efficient nor effective
There is a significant disconnect between the Government’s overall sustainability agenda and its ability to understand and manage energy costs and the carbon footprint of its ICT estate
Chapter 5: Recommendations
Recommendation 1 – Strengthen pan-government governance
Recommendation 2 – Strengthen Agency Governance
Recommendation 3 – Tighten the management of ICT business as usual funding
Recommendation 4 – Enhance the management of the APS ICT skills base
Recommendation 5 – Data Centres
Recommendation 6 – Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the ICT marketplace
Recommendation 7 – Sustainability of ICT
Chapter 6: Implementation
Appendices
Terms of Reference
Submission questions
Survey instrument
Submissions received
Consultations
Agencies with ICT Spend over $20 million in 2007–08
Agencies with ICT Spend $2 million to $20 million in 2007–08
Candidates for whole-of government approaches
Proposed criteria for whole-of-government approaches and arrangements subject to opt-out
Proposed role of AGIMO
Linkage between Terms of Reference and Recommendations
Details of ICT Review Team
Letter from Sir Peter Gershon to the Hon. Lindsay Tanner
The Hon. Lindsay Tanner
Minister for Finance and Deregulation
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Minister
I have now concluded the Review of the Australian Government’s use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) which you invited me to undertake on behalf of the Government on 25 March 2008, and attach my report for your consideration. The terms of reference asked me, amongst a number of issues, to review and report on both the efficiency and effectiveness of the Australian Government’s current use of ICT, to determine whether the Government is realising the greatest return from its investments in ICT, and to examine whether the right institutional arrangements are in place to maximise the return.
This report is the outcome of a process in which I have sought to (i) gather a substantial body of evidence to understand how ICT is currently used and managed; (ii) analyse the evidence to identify significant issues; and (iii) produce recommendations which will address these issues. This has involved engagement with the Prime Minister, Ministers, across government, and with industry and other interested bodies. During this process, 112 submissions were received, 63 meetings held, 3 visits made, and 1 large and 2 small surveys conducted.
The outputs of the review provide a snapshot of the current state of ICT in the Australian Government.
At the heart of my findings is a conclusion that, not withstanding the work undertaken to date, the current model of weak governance of ICT at a whole-of-government level and very high levels of agency autonomy, characterised by an ability to self-approve opt-ins to existing whole-of-government ICT arrangements, leads to sub-optimal outcomes in the context of prevailing external trends, financial returns, and the aims and objectives of this Government. While ICT has undoubtedly benefited government administration and the delivery of key public services, I have also found that benefits realisation and the measurement of benefits arising from investments in ICT are areas where there is substantial scope for improvement, together with measuring and improving the efficiency of current ICT operations.
My recommendations involve a major program of both administrative reform of, and cultural change from, a status quo where agency autonomy is a longstanding characteristic of the Australian Public Service. Based on my experience of creating sustainable change in the United Kingdom public sector environment, there are two critical requirements which will determine the success of this reform program: firstly, sustained leadership and drive at Ministerial and top official levels and, secondly, ensuring the enablers of change are properly resourced, not only in funding terms but also with skills of the right calibre.
Given these two requirements are met, I am confident that the recommended actions and changes can be successfully implemented over the next two to three years and deliver substantial benefits to the Australian Government.
Thank you for the opportunity to lead such a stimulating and challenging review. I would like to pay tribute to my team of agency and AGIMO secondees whose commitment, contribution, professionalism and support made it possible to undertake an exercise of this complexity and size in a tight time frame.
Sir Peter Gershon CBE FREng
28 August 2008
In April 2008 Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner, engaged Sir Peter Gershon to lead an independent review of the Australian Government's use and management of information and communication technology (ICT).
Sir Peter provided Minister Tanner with his report on the 28th of August 2008.
Minister Tanner released the report on 16 October 2008.
Sir Peter’s report provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of a wide range of issues affecting the Government’s use and management of ICT, and also outlines a staged plan for the implementation of recommendations. The Government is currently considering the findings and recommendations.
Download PDF
Review of the Australian Government's Use of Information and Communication Technology PDF version [ 2.6MB]
Table of Contents
Glossary of abbreviations
Executive Summary
Introduction /Context
Methodology
Key Findings
Summary of key recommendations
Implementation
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: Views from within the Australian Government
ICT Investment Decision Making
Project delivery
Organisational capability
People
Managing ICT spend
Procurement and ICT Outsourcing
Use of best practice
Views on existing whole-of-government arrangements
Views on data centres
Views on the ICT industry
ICT arrangements in Ministerial Offices
Chapter 2: Views from outside the Australian Government
Better utilisation of ICT assets
Shared services
Standardised/coordinated approach to procurement
Use of Commercial Off-the-shelf Solutions
Need for standardisation
Whole-of-government governance
High costs of tendering
The Australian government compared to other governments
Skills shortage
Green ICT
Security Clearances
Best practices
Chapter 3: Summary of survey findings
Survey approach
Survey Results
Chapter 4: Key findings
Weak governance of pan-government issues related to ICT
Agency governance mechanisms are weak in respect of focus on ICT efficiency and understanding of organisational capability to commission, manage and realise benefits from ICT-enabled projects
The business as usual ICT funding in agencies is not subject to sufficient challenge and scrutiny
Disconnect between the stated importance of ICT and actions in relation to ICT skills
There is no whole-of-government strategic plan for data centres. In the absence of such a plan, the government will be forced into a series of ad hoc investments which will, in total, cost significantly more than a coordinated approach
The Government ICT marketplace is neither efficient nor effective
There is a significant disconnect between the Government’s overall sustainability agenda and its ability to understand and manage energy costs and the carbon footprint of its ICT estate
Chapter 5: Recommendations
Recommendation 1 – Strengthen pan-government governance
Recommendation 2 – Strengthen Agency Governance
Recommendation 3 – Tighten the management of ICT business as usual funding
Recommendation 4 – Enhance the management of the APS ICT skills base
Recommendation 5 – Data Centres
Recommendation 6 – Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the ICT marketplace
Recommendation 7 – Sustainability of ICT
Chapter 6: Implementation
Appendices
Terms of Reference
Submission questions
Survey instrument
Submissions received
Consultations
Agencies with ICT Spend over $20 million in 2007–08
Agencies with ICT Spend $2 million to $20 million in 2007–08
Candidates for whole-of government approaches
Proposed criteria for whole-of-government approaches and arrangements subject to opt-out
Proposed role of AGIMO
Linkage between Terms of Reference and Recommendations
Details of ICT Review Team
Letter from Sir Peter Gershon to the Hon. Lindsay Tanner
The Hon. Lindsay Tanner
Minister for Finance and Deregulation
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Minister
I have now concluded the Review of the Australian Government’s use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) which you invited me to undertake on behalf of the Government on 25 March 2008, and attach my report for your consideration. The terms of reference asked me, amongst a number of issues, to review and report on both the efficiency and effectiveness of the Australian Government’s current use of ICT, to determine whether the Government is realising the greatest return from its investments in ICT, and to examine whether the right institutional arrangements are in place to maximise the return.
This report is the outcome of a process in which I have sought to (i) gather a substantial body of evidence to understand how ICT is currently used and managed; (ii) analyse the evidence to identify significant issues; and (iii) produce recommendations which will address these issues. This has involved engagement with the Prime Minister, Ministers, across government, and with industry and other interested bodies. During this process, 112 submissions were received, 63 meetings held, 3 visits made, and 1 large and 2 small surveys conducted.
The outputs of the review provide a snapshot of the current state of ICT in the Australian Government.
At the heart of my findings is a conclusion that, not withstanding the work undertaken to date, the current model of weak governance of ICT at a whole-of-government level and very high levels of agency autonomy, characterised by an ability to self-approve opt-ins to existing whole-of-government ICT arrangements, leads to sub-optimal outcomes in the context of prevailing external trends, financial returns, and the aims and objectives of this Government. While ICT has undoubtedly benefited government administration and the delivery of key public services, I have also found that benefits realisation and the measurement of benefits arising from investments in ICT are areas where there is substantial scope for improvement, together with measuring and improving the efficiency of current ICT operations.
My recommendations involve a major program of both administrative reform of, and cultural change from, a status quo where agency autonomy is a longstanding characteristic of the Australian Public Service. Based on my experience of creating sustainable change in the United Kingdom public sector environment, there are two critical requirements which will determine the success of this reform program: firstly, sustained leadership and drive at Ministerial and top official levels and, secondly, ensuring the enablers of change are properly resourced, not only in funding terms but also with skills of the right calibre.
Given these two requirements are met, I am confident that the recommended actions and changes can be successfully implemented over the next two to three years and deliver substantial benefits to the Australian Government.
Thank you for the opportunity to lead such a stimulating and challenging review. I would like to pay tribute to my team of agency and AGIMO secondees whose commitment, contribution, professionalism and support made it possible to undertake an exercise of this complexity and size in a tight time frame.
Sir Peter Gershon CBE FREng
28 August 2008
miércoles, 28 de enero de 2009
World Economic Forum launches report on "Global Risks 2009"
The report identifies deteriorating fiscal positions, a hard landing in China, a collapse in asset prices, gaps in global governance and issues relating to natural resources and climate as the pivotal risks facing the world this year.
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http://www.weforum.org/en/media/Latest%20Press%20Releases/PR_GR09
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http://www.weforum.org/en/media/Latest%20Press%20Releases/PR_GR09
Artículo seminario México
He descubierto una referencia en Informationweek de un curso que impartí
en México el pasado noviembre
En este artículo se da un breve resumen del Governance
en México el pasado noviembre
En este artículo se da un breve resumen del Governance
Próximos Eventos en la Unión Europea
Upcoming Events
• UK: Workshop "Towards Shared Environmental Information in Europe: Opportunities and Challenges for Integrated Research" 28 - 29 January 2009 | United Kingdom
• DK: PEPPOL Architecture Conference 2009 29 - 30 January 2009 | Denmark
• BE: SEMIC.EU Methodology Workshop 2 February 2009 | Belgium
• BE: Final meeting of the CEN/ISSS eGov-Share Workshop 3 February 2009 | Belgium
• BE: Information Workshop on Open Source GIS&RS Software for environmental applications 5 - 6 February 2009 | Belgium
• BE: Open Conference on Data Protection and Privacy 12 February 2009 | Belgium
• BE: ICT Solutions using SOA and Web Services 19 February 2009 | Belgium
• BE: Workshop "eGovernment research: social and economic aspects" 20 February 2009 | Belgium
• SI: Data Protection Event on the occasion of the European Data Protection Day 28 January 2009 | Slovenia
• DE: CeBIT 2009 3 - 8 March 2009 | Germany
• TR: "First International Conference on eGovernment and eGovernance" of TURKSAT 12 - 13 March 2009 | Turkey
• CZ: European Conference "Towards eEnvironment 2009" 25 - 27 March 2009 | Czech Republic
UK: Patient 2.0 Empowerment - EHR for Personalizing and Improving Care
• UK: Workshop "Towards Shared Environmental Information in Europe: Opportunities and Challenges for Integrated Research" 28 - 29 January 2009 | United Kingdom
• DK: PEPPOL Architecture Conference 2009 29 - 30 January 2009 | Denmark
• BE: SEMIC.EU Methodology Workshop 2 February 2009 | Belgium
• BE: Final meeting of the CEN/ISSS eGov-Share Workshop 3 February 2009 | Belgium
• BE: Information Workshop on Open Source GIS&RS Software for environmental applications 5 - 6 February 2009 | Belgium
• BE: Open Conference on Data Protection and Privacy 12 February 2009 | Belgium
• BE: ICT Solutions using SOA and Web Services 19 February 2009 | Belgium
• BE: Workshop "eGovernment research: social and economic aspects" 20 February 2009 | Belgium
• SI: Data Protection Event on the occasion of the European Data Protection Day 28 January 2009 | Slovenia
• DE: CeBIT 2009 3 - 8 March 2009 | Germany
• TR: "First International Conference on eGovernment and eGovernance" of TURKSAT 12 - 13 March 2009 | Turkey
• CZ: European Conference "Towards eEnvironment 2009" 25 - 27 March 2009 | Czech Republic
UK: Patient 2.0 Empowerment - EHR for Personalizing and Improving Care
martes, 27 de enero de 2009
I Congreso Iberoamericano Buen Gobierno
I Congreso Iberoamericano de Buen Gobierno TIC
Lema:
Sonríe el Buen Gobierno ha llegado
Promotores
La Universidad Iberoamericana junto con la Cátedra de Buen Gobierno TIC
Lugar de celebración y fechas
Universidad Iberoamericana (Mexico DF)
12 al 14 de mayo de 2009
Presentación del Congreso
En los últimos tiempos venimos oyendo acerca de Gobierno Corporativo, sin embargo hay dos aspectos que debemos reseñar. Primero, el buen gobierno en una organización abarca más aspectos que el adecuado funcionamiento de su dirección y gobierno. Segundo es necesario contemplar la dimensión ética que está en la raíz del buen gobierno.
Por ello bajo el lema de “Sonríe, en Buen Gobierno ha llagado” nos planteamos en toda la amplitud y profundidad, que significa, como se lleva a cabo, cuales sus condiciones, sus implicaciones y consecuencias.
El buen gobierno significa que las organizaciones estén dirigidas por personas bien preparadas y éticamente responsables.
Las cosas se gestionan mientras que las personas se gobiernan, El gobierno de las organizaciones tiene relación con las personas, y por ello, en sus fundamentos, es una cuestión ética. El gobierno en las organizaciones está orientado a buscar el bien de la sociedad a la que sirven y al bien de los que participan en sus actividades.
Quienes tienen tareas directivas son los máximos responsables en gobernar bien sus organizaciones. Un aspecto de sus responsabilidades es que este sentido de buen gobierno impregne a todos los niveles y a todos los procesos de la organización. Solo así las organizaciones contribuirán a la mejora de las sociedades en las que operan.
Objetivos:
Los objetivos de este primer congreso son tras los análisis y debates dotar a las organizaciones participantes de:
Incremento en la productividad, mejora en la eficiencia operacional, impulsar el crecimiento sostenible y fomentar la innovación.
Temas del Congreso
Este Congreso está compuesto por siete temas y dividido en dos pistas (sector privado y sector público), con una duración de tres días y dos previos para los talleres.
Tema 1: Alineamiento Estratégico
Tema 2: Gestión del Valor
Tema 3: Gestión de Recursos
Tema 4: Gestión del Rendimiento
Tema 5: Gestión del Riesgo
Tema 6: Cumplimiento Legal y Normativo
Tema 7: Gobierno Corporativo
Lema:
Sonríe el Buen Gobierno ha llegado
Promotores
La Universidad Iberoamericana junto con la Cátedra de Buen Gobierno TIC
Lugar de celebración y fechas
Universidad Iberoamericana (Mexico DF)
12 al 14 de mayo de 2009
Presentación del Congreso
En los últimos tiempos venimos oyendo acerca de Gobierno Corporativo, sin embargo hay dos aspectos que debemos reseñar. Primero, el buen gobierno en una organización abarca más aspectos que el adecuado funcionamiento de su dirección y gobierno. Segundo es necesario contemplar la dimensión ética que está en la raíz del buen gobierno.
Por ello bajo el lema de “Sonríe, en Buen Gobierno ha llagado” nos planteamos en toda la amplitud y profundidad, que significa, como se lleva a cabo, cuales sus condiciones, sus implicaciones y consecuencias.
El buen gobierno significa que las organizaciones estén dirigidas por personas bien preparadas y éticamente responsables.
Las cosas se gestionan mientras que las personas se gobiernan, El gobierno de las organizaciones tiene relación con las personas, y por ello, en sus fundamentos, es una cuestión ética. El gobierno en las organizaciones está orientado a buscar el bien de la sociedad a la que sirven y al bien de los que participan en sus actividades.
Quienes tienen tareas directivas son los máximos responsables en gobernar bien sus organizaciones. Un aspecto de sus responsabilidades es que este sentido de buen gobierno impregne a todos los niveles y a todos los procesos de la organización. Solo así las organizaciones contribuirán a la mejora de las sociedades en las que operan.
Objetivos:
Los objetivos de este primer congreso son tras los análisis y debates dotar a las organizaciones participantes de:
Incremento en la productividad, mejora en la eficiencia operacional, impulsar el crecimiento sostenible y fomentar la innovación.
Temas del Congreso
Este Congreso está compuesto por siete temas y dividido en dos pistas (sector privado y sector público), con una duración de tres días y dos previos para los talleres.
Tema 1: Alineamiento Estratégico
Tema 2: Gestión del Valor
Tema 3: Gestión de Recursos
Tema 4: Gestión del Rendimiento
Tema 5: Gestión del Riesgo
Tema 6: Cumplimiento Legal y Normativo
Tema 7: Gobierno Corporativo
lunes, 26 de enero de 2009
Tercera Edición del master de Buen Gobierno
Me complace informarte sobre el III Executive Máster internacional sobre Buen Gobierno de las TIC que la Universidad de Deusto tiene previsto iniciar en la ciudad de Madrid el próximo marzo de 2009.
Como sabes, la constante evolución tecnológica de la Sociedad de la Información demanda nuevos perfiles profesionales, capaces de tomar las decisiones más adecuadas para las empresas.
El objetivo de este Máster es lograr esta máxima capacitación, y para ello ha estructurado su contenido en tres áreas básicas de conocimiento.
· Área de Aplicación, Control y Buen Gobierno de las TIC
· Área Legal
· Área Certificación CGEIT y COBIT
El desarrollo de estas áreas temáticas se detalla en el tríptico que te adjunto y espero que sus contenidos sean de tu interés.
También aprovecho la oportunidad para comentarte que, se ofrece un importante descuento en la matrícula.
Para cualquier información adicional que precises quedo a tu disposición.
Recibe un cordial saludo.
Manuel Ballester, PhD IEEE, MBA, CISA, CISM, CGEIT, Cobit Trainer
Director Cátedra Buen Gobierno Universidad Deusto
C/Valentín Beato, 2228037 - Madrid
M: +34 617 459 586
Como sabes, la constante evolución tecnológica de la Sociedad de la Información demanda nuevos perfiles profesionales, capaces de tomar las decisiones más adecuadas para las empresas.
El objetivo de este Máster es lograr esta máxima capacitación, y para ello ha estructurado su contenido en tres áreas básicas de conocimiento.
· Área de Aplicación, Control y Buen Gobierno de las TIC
· Área Legal
· Área Certificación CGEIT y COBIT
El desarrollo de estas áreas temáticas se detalla en el tríptico que te adjunto y espero que sus contenidos sean de tu interés.
También aprovecho la oportunidad para comentarte que, se ofrece un importante descuento en la matrícula.
Para cualquier información adicional que precises quedo a tu disposición.
Recibe un cordial saludo.
Manuel Ballester, PhD IEEE, MBA, CISA, CISM, CGEIT, Cobit Trainer
Director Cátedra Buen Gobierno Universidad Deusto
C/Valentín Beato, 2228037 - Madrid
M: +34 617 459 586
Constitución Cátedra Buen Gobierno
Es un honor que agradezco a Oesia y la Universidad de Deusto la constitución de esta Cátedra
de Buen Gobierno.
En próximas entradas iré desarrollando los contenidos y programa de esta Cátedra
incluyo los links donde se informa de su constitución:
http://www.europapress.es/educacion/noticia-euskadi-oesia-universidad-deusto-ponen-marcha-primera-catedra-buen-gobierno-tic-espana-20090121175055.html
http://www.pactomundial.org/index.asp?MP=6&MS=14&MN=2&id=1202
http://ecodiario.eleconomista.es/empresas-finanzas/noticias/984764/01/09/Rsc-crean-la-primera-catedra-de-buen-gobierno-en-nuevas-tecnologias-de-espana.html
http://www.aefol.com/8/entradasdetalle.asp?key=2729
http://www.deusto.es/servlet/Satellite/Noticia/1232367416024/_cast/%231101307572844/0/c0/UniversidadDeusto/comun/render?tipoColeccion=Page&esHome=si
Manuel Ballester
de Buen Gobierno.
En próximas entradas iré desarrollando los contenidos y programa de esta Cátedra
incluyo los links donde se informa de su constitución:
http://www.europapress.es/educacion/noticia-euskadi-oesia-universidad-deusto-ponen-marcha-primera-catedra-buen-gobierno-tic-espana-20090121175055.html
http://www.pactomundial.org/index.asp?MP=6&MS=14&MN=2&id=1202
http://ecodiario.eleconomista.es/empresas-finanzas/noticias/984764/01/09/Rsc-crean-la-primera-catedra-de-buen-gobierno-en-nuevas-tecnologias-de-espana.html
http://www.aefol.com/8/entradasdetalle.asp?key=2729
http://www.deusto.es/servlet/Satellite/Noticia/1232367416024/_cast/%231101307572844/0/c0/UniversidadDeusto/comun/render?tipoColeccion=Page&esHome=si
Manuel Ballester
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