Originally posted by freeradical
reply to post by alienesque
The question is, if they can already get this information, why the need for a centralised database? I presume it will just make it easier and
therefore quicker to process information which is obviously key.
This makes sense on some level, as theoretically at least it would be "easier and therefore quicker" to access information. I'm fairly familiar
with databases so I know how useful they can be. However, I also see it from a different perspective too. An analogy might be the compartmentalisation
of a ships structure as a protective measure.
Databases are great but like all pieces of software, they're only as good as the end user. Unless the government are working on robot civil servants,
this means potentially putting extra data into the hands of human end users. Humans tend to make mistakes, are often thieves, often have grudges and
are vindictive and are often forgetful. When they only have legitimate access to small amounts of compartmentalised data that room for # up - either
accidentally or intentionally - is marginalised.
The intentions are always good,
Heh. I wish I had your optimism!
but this government has a proven track record of messing big IT projects up usually giving away millions of tax payers funds to corporate
entities, these corporations usually then gain a monopoly stranglehold on the project.
Not enough people seem to be aware of the government's track record of PFI-lead IT schemes and how much money has been lost through this over the
years and how, despite certain firms making huge messes of previous schemes, still get new contracts for big schemes.