IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

IT Standards to improve information sharing and integration across Government Entities and bring numerous benefits to delivery of Government services

The Abu Dhabi Systems & Information Committee (ADSIC), established to drive the transformation and modernization of government services in Abu Dhabi, today issued a set of extensive and comprehensive Information Technology (IT) Architecture & Standards Reference Manuals to Abu Dhabi Government Entities. These Reference Manuals, the first of their kind in the UAE, provide the guidelines, requirements, facilities and constraints necessary for uniform development and maintenance of government services.

In general, appropriate utilization of the Reference Manuals and later compliance with the standards they recommend will reduce costs associated with supporting and maintaining IT infrastructure and service delivery, as well as increase security, enhance interoperability between government systems and improve reusability. The Reference Manuals contain a Standard Reference Model which provides a single source of mandatory and recommended IT policies and standards. Research shows that the introduction of common standards results in a more efficient allocation of resources and improved delivery of services. This new Reference will ensure compatibility, facilitate integration, simplify maintenance and better align future IT investments across all government entities. In addition, there is an IT Reference Architecture, which outlines the target state for data, systems and infrastructure, which will facilitate the planning, design and deployment of new systems in the Government.

To ensure the proper dissemination of these Reference Manuals within the user community, and ensure the realization of the expected benefits, ADSIC has established an IT Architecture & Standards Committee comprised of representatives from the various IT departments within the Government, and whose role would be to maintain, communicate, enforce, and monitor the application of these standards.

Mr. Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Chairman of ADSIC, stated: "The launch of Abu Dhabi Government IT Architecture & Standards Reference Manuals is a cornerstone of the government's effort to deliver a world-class and leading e-Government both regionally and internationally. It is among the first major achievements of this effort with many more to follow in the coming period as mandated by the Executive Council. These Reference Manuals were developed with the active involvement of an extended Government User Committee, whose insight and input have been invaluable. Going forward, our aim is to actively collaborate with all departments to maximize the impact, benefit and guidance of the Reference Manuals across the Government of Abu Dhabi and their respective services to the public."

Mr. Al Mansoori further added that, "the Abu Dhabi Government IT Architecture & Standards Reference Manuals will both ease and promote interaction across Government. As such, I am confident that as the IT Architecture & Standards are adopted, Government Entities will be able to share information with each other faster and more securely, creating a more efficient, effective and easily accessible government for everybody in Abu Dhabi."

ADSIC is a government entity formed in October 2005 by Executive Council Resolution No.33, issued by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Quelle/Source: Zawya, 11.11.2006