ESIS extension / Key Person Contacts and Organisations / Estonia / Update Memo 2

Update October 1999: Estonia

This Report is also available in local language on the ESIS Estonian Web site
Raport Eesti kohta "Ülevaade võtmetähtsusega organisatsioonidest ja isikutest"

Between July – October 1999 there were no big changes in the structure of key persons and organisations.

1. Changes related to essential organisations

There will be changes awaiting Open Estonia Foundation (Avatud Eesti Fond), an organisation that has to a great extent helped to shape Estonia’s development towards the information society (for example, by supporting establishment of Internet access points (avalikud internetipunktid), web-site creation, organisation of workshops and training courses, etc.). The focus will shift from supporting the development of a certain sphere to more indirect support measures, that is also reflected in the new possible name suggested for the organisation – the Institute of Open Politics.

There are also important developments related to the biggest Baltic information technology affiliated company Microlink:

The two leading suppliers of information service, Microlink Online from Estonia and Parks LvNet from Latvia made an announcement about their conclusion of strategic partnership on July 12.
Microlink acquired the control over stock in software company IC Systems Ltd., the purpose is to increase the share of software production and information technology services in the turnover of the company.
In June one hundred per cent of the shares of Internet company I-Network Services Ltd. were also bought, the objective being to take over the customers of the company and invest into network extension and modernisation.

Levicom BroadBand Ltd providing Internet services (AS Netexpress, Meediamaa Ltd.) and cable television services (through Tallinn Cable Television Ltd. and Levi Kaabel Ltd.) under the trademark of TELE2 has taken active interest in the market. In 1999 the company took over server Mail.ee providing electronic mail services free of charge and since September 1999 it also offers Internet connection free of charge (for the use of telephone lines Estonian Telephone Company has to be paid by users).

One of Estonian computer companies - Pennu Computer Technology Group – decided to change the business profile of the company and in addition to its main operating area (computer completion and sales, IT-services) it will concentrate on digital media and Internet solutions and interactive information solutions-portals. A Finnish portal development company Infopiste OY was involved as a strategic foreign partner. The new name of the company is XXL.EE Ltd.

An opinion expressed by Estonian telecommunication experts in a review "Alternative networks" has been confirmed – smaller companies based on local capital have problems with survival in the toughening competition (like Telset, K-Networks, RHR Group, Nom). In summer 1999 Starman Kaabeltelevisioon took over Antenna3.

2. Changes related to key persons

In July the former Vice President of the Bank of Estonia (Eesti Pank) Heldur Meerits started a new career as an economical counsellor to the Prime Minister (Peaminister); in September the Tiger Tour (Tiigrituur) project manager Linnar Viik became a counsellor to the Prime Minister – his main area of influence will be generation of ideas for new innovative projects.

Please note that this report has been prepared under the sole responsibility of the ESIS II contractors.
It does not necessarily reflect the views of the Commission, nor does the Commission accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information contained herein.
The ESIS Team of contractors welcomes any additional information or corrections.