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.
Shaikh 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, to deliver government wide financial management and human resource systems as well as email and internet access. GDN is a good example for a successful story that CIO and Batelco both can be proud of."
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.
Tony Hart, chief executive officer of Batelco, said: "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."
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."
Batelco's role in the 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.
Quelle: MENAFN, 17.11.2003
