Is Regulation The Way Forward?

A deregulated market gives flexibility to businesses that operate in industries that have been regulated by governments and industry bodies. Often benefits flow to the consumer with better pricing and services. The issue that we are facing in the Web Software & Digital Services Industry is completely the opposite: There is a lack of regulation and appropriate control mechanisms.

For example: Where does a consumer go to find accredited suppliers of Digital Marketing Services? If someone is Google Accredited does that mean they are able to consult on Yahoo or know when to NOT use Google and perhaps try more traditional direct marketing?

Clearly AIMIA is acting like an industry body but what standards are they putting in place? Do consumers and marketers know that they even exist and even if they do, what powers does AIMIA have to enforce some standards in the industry.

Then of course there is the online development. Choosing the right technology for a business is tough enough. Typically large organisations use Business Analysts, Software Architects, Software Engineers and many more experts to help determine their business needs and technology requirements. So where does a small - large business turn to to find suppliers to provide consistent reliable development and best practice?

Typically there isn't an industry body that can help regulate development and list suppliers that meet and provide standards based development. Indeed the only standards that can be adhered too are industry based data standards and this really doesn't help when it comes to software design standards, historical project delivery and other key technical items.

What happens is that the constant failure of IT related software projects do not allow organisations to achieve the outcomes based objectives they originally set. Also CEO's & CFO's are then baffled why systems are often needed to be rebuilt after 3 years or even less!

I hate to say it but it's time that a professional body takes some ownership of the problems this over supplied and under qualified industry is having. Training certifications that are standards and achievements based need to be devised and adhered to. An industry body that is substantial in terms of it's public awareness, fairness and standards that consumers are aware of and that they can go to for guidance when looking to invest into critical web applications and digital services.

Just a thought!!!