"We expect to see consumption-based and shared delivery models gaining momentum in 2011, as agencies become more open to the efficiencies that a cloud-based approach can offer," said Jessica Hawkins, analyst, Ovum. However, she added that issues of privacy and security meant that some governments would remain cautious.

According to Ovum, the momentum for application-based shared services (such as HR, payroll and finance apps) will slow in government, while the drive for more commodity-like ICT infrastructure-based shared services (networks, application hosting and office computing) will grow strongly -- drawing on the broader impetus of the utility-like services demonstrated by cloud computing.

"Governments should push beyond knee-jerk cost-cutting measures and adopt a long-term vision of how fundamental changes to the way they deliver services will bring efficiency," advised Hawkins.

As well as new service delivery models emerging in 2011, Hawkins added that there will be a new approach to procurement by government agencies.

"With governments keen to ensure there's more visibility and accountability of how taxpayers' money is spent, in 2011, agencies will look at new ways of procuring services. In addition there will be changes in how contracts look -- in some cases we will see consolidation," she said.