Developing countries look to clouds
For many developing countries, traditional information technology development for customs modernization is cost prohibitive. But the emergence of cloud computing, or the ability to use third-party servers to store and disseminate customs information, may bring some of them quickly up to industrialized nation standards.
'It delivers significant benefits and opportunities in emerging markets,' said Nick Small, a director with Crown Agents at the World Customs Organization's IT Conference and Exhibition in Seattle.
It's estimated that cloud computing could save customs administrations as much as 90 percent in IT development costs and speed to market.
Microsoft, a developer of cloud systems, is working with the customs administrations of Namibia, Botswana and South Africa to implement the Trans Kalahari Corridor single window. Based on a memorandum of understanding signed in 2003, the countries agreed to institute seamless customs controls for cargo landing at Namibia's Walvis Bay, transiting through southern Botswana, and arriving at Johannesburg. 'We are encouraged by the advent for cloud computing and that it will provide the solution,' said a Namibian Customs official.
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| Mikuriya |
WCO Secretary General Kunia Mikuriya noted that cloud computing is a new concept for customs. The Brussels-based organization, with its 177 customs administration members, will track cloud computing advances and assist with developing related data standards, similar to its work with the SAFE Framework of Standards for trans-border cargo security after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
' Chris Gillis 
