IP network delivers savings for UK council: Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council in the UK has made more than EUR3 million in cost savings since implementing an IP network from Alcatel in 2004. A EUR1.4 million investment in a converged voice, video and data network has enabled the council to more than halve its telephony costs, from EUR6.69 million to EUR3.42 million. The council says that the savings have enabled it to make further investments in e-government, including the introduction of electronic planning applications and a customer relationship management system. The IP network links 250 buildings including schools, hospitals and libraries and covers 4,700 administrative workers. The rollout has also enabled councillors to avail of video-conferencing and wireless connectivity, and has facilitated the establishment of a consolidated call-centre that can deal with 80 percent of citizen inquiries at the first point of contact. The Italian government is considering a similar rollout and has shortlisted Alcatel's Trafford IP network as an example of a best-practice e-government implementation.
Microsoft invests in Thai e-government: Microsoft is partnering with the Thai government to invest THB180 million (EUR3.6 million) in ICT, education and e-government in the country. The software giant said it would invest THB40 million in the extension of its Partners in Learning programme, an initiative supported by the Ministry of Education that fosters ICT skills among schoolchildren. Microsoft also said it would supply affordable software for schools and set up an e-learning portal for teachers. On the e-government side, Microsoft plans to contribute THB4 million in manpower, technology and expertise to its development. During a brief visit to Bangkok, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates also revealed the software company's plan to invest THB136 million in the Thailand.Net project, a plan to help Thailand develop its web services industry.
Uganda improves financial management: The government of Uganda has announced the completion of the first phase of an integrated financial management system (IFMS) project, reports IT Web. The multimillion-dollar system, implemented by HP at six government ministries and four local government organisations, is designed to enhance budgeting, improve accounting and financial management, and enable departments to share information easily. "The system allows for increased access to information on financial and operational performance, internal controls to prevent and detect fraud, access to information on the government's economic performance, and the ability to demonstrate accountability to donors and the people of Uganda," said Professor Semakula Kiwanuka of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Development. He said that the project would now progress to rollout phase, "which will include implementing the IFMS at a further 21 public sector sites and the setting up of a disaster recovery centre in Kampala."
Omani IT literacy project to bridge digital divide: A local college in the province of Barka in Oman is planning to launch an IT literacy programme that it hopes will bridge the digital divide and help citizens to take advantage of e-government services. The Times of Oman reports that the Middle East College of Information Technology (MECIT) said that both native and non-native Omanis would be targeted by the pilot scheme, which if successful could be extended throughout the rest of Oman. The programme's objective is for at least one member of every household in Barka to become IT-literate, and for at least 30 percent of women to undergo basic computer training. IT literacy among the general public is seen as essential if the administration's e-government programme is to be a success; there are plans to make a significant amount of citizen services available on the web in about a year from now.
Dubai to launch online building services: The municipality of Dubai is launching an online system for the administration of building licences and controls for citizens and businesses. The new system can handle the 101 services currently offered by the Building Department, including the processing, follow up, delivery, evaluation and archiving of all services. Users of the web-based system are expected to include building consultants, contractors, demolition companies and property owners. The system will also provide a database of buildings in the city, offering up-to-date information on the components of each building and recording alterations to them. The system is expected to be rolled out gradually in three phases.
Autor: Sylvia Leatham
Quelle: ElectricNews, 06.07.2005
