The agreement defines Batelco's role in providing communications technology for the Kingdom's pioneering e-government initiative. Batelco will be working on the e-government initiative with the CIO, the Central Statistics Organisation, the body that runs central government computer systems and infrastructure. CIO is responsible for regulating information technology within the Bahrain Government and for optimising the use of the Government Data Network (GDN) that forms the backbone of the Bahrain e-government initiative.
H.E. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Ateyatalla Al Khalifa Undersecretary of CIO said: ' Government Data Network developed into one of the most advanced networks in the world. GDN already links all Bahrain government ministries, irrespective of platform, to deliver government wide financial management and human resource systems as well as government wide email and internet access'.
'GDN is a good example for a successful story that CIO and Batelco both can be proud of ', H.E. added
Tony Hart, Batelco chief executive said: 'We are committed to supporting the CIO's moves to completely modernise the e-Government environment and set-up a common framework to meet current and future communication needs."
The key principles of the e-government project include integrating Bahrain's back-end systems, such as a National Database, Immigration and Central Population Registration (CPR) systems, Decision Support systems, Customer Relationship Management and introducing Smart Cards and Security Control systems.
'The benefits of this project to Bahrain and its economy are numerous, including improved service levels, reduced time and cost in serving businesses and residents,' said Tony Hart. 'One significant benefit will be greater operational efficiencies between government departments and external organisations. Enhanced economic well-being through an environment that supports business development and is capable of incorporating emerging technologies is another by product of this pioneering project.'
Kingdom of Bahrain is the first in Middle East having MPLS technology
Isa AbdulRahman, Deputy General Manager Strategic Government Segment at Batelco said: 'Bahrain is the first country in the Middle East to implement MPLS (multi protocol label switching) technology and we are committed to developing and continually enhancing the government data network using the latest knowledge and skills. The CIO and Batelco will be sharing data across all aspects of the project to ensure the best solutions for Bahrain are developed.
IP telephony and calls' cost saving
Batelco's role in the Kingdom's e-government initiative will cover several aspects of the project. The company will develop internet protocol (IP) telephony for the Government, which involves setting up the Government Data Network (GDN) to enable all the core ministries and government organisations to interconnect by voice using the MPLS GDN which will save cost of intergovernmental local calls.
'All Batelco's customer service centres and shops will also support the new Smart Card that will be issued to all Bahraini citizens. This card will carry all essential information including identification, population data, driving licence, health details and an 'e-purse'. Using the Smart Cards will simplify processes such as bill payments and setting up new accounts and reduce customer waiting times,' he continued.
Home and mobile access for the government employees
Batelco will also provide solutions to enable Government employees to have access to Government related information and systems through a variety of channels, such as home, laptops and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
National email for every citizen
H.E. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Ateyatalla Al Khalifa Undersecretary of CIO said: 'Together with the Batelco, we will increase Internet penetration in the Kingdom in addition to assigning an email address to every citizen and resident in Bahrain. After all, it is a key in the success of the e-government project and Batelco is the key player in this.'
@Itijara services
The viability of setting up e-commerce solutions for the different Government departments via Batelco's secure @Itijara system will also be explored. This system is a payment gateway allowing online transactions through a variety of channels including the Kwikserve network, Internet, mobile phone and interactive voice response (IVR).
'Batelco is always keen to support projects important to the Kingdom's development and this e-government initiative is key to promoting Bahrain as a growing regional centre for finance, commerce and professional services,' commented Tony Hart.
Quelle: AME Info, 16.11.2003
