February 2001

Bosnia Summary Report (1999 - 2000)

1.1 Project: "Building the academic and research network BIHARNET"

In 1998, the BIHARNET Centre (Bosnia and Herzegovina Academic and Research Network) in Sarajevo was established by five universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Government of the Republic of Slovenia funds the project through the framework of the Donation Program for Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of technological aid for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project is led by the BIHARNET Centre, Sarajevo, the Academic and Research Network Slovenia (ARNES, see http://www.arnes.si/), and is involved in collaboration with the Institute of Information Science from Maribor, Slovenia (IZUM, see: http://www.izum.si/).

BIHARNET follows the Western European model of specialist dedicated academic and research networks. It is limited to users from the educational, research and cultural sphere, who enjoy free access to the network.

The BIHARNET Centre has the strongest link in Bosnia and Herzegovina to the international community, and is connected to the European research network TEN-34/TEN-155 via the similar Slovenian Academic and Research Network (ARNES). It is the only ISP in the country with its own infrastructure that covers both Entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The main goals of the BIHARNET project are:

• The development, organization and operation of a uniform academic and research computer network in Bosnia and Herzegovina, its international representation and the provision of expert and technical connections to European computer networks;
• Planning, organization and management of the services offered by computer networks, and steering and performing the central activities which are necessary to carry out the above, including the purchase and the lease of the software, hardware and communications devices and equipment;
• The organization and performing of educational and advisory activities;
• Co-operation in international organizations, including also the membership in the corresponding and related organizations (e.g. TERENA, RIPE, CEENet, etc.);
• Transparent functionality as the "local Internet registry" for all organizations from research, educational or cultural areas;
• The establishment of the common organization, founded by all five universities in the country, to lead the project, meet project goals and continue with appropriate activities until the project's end.

More information: http://www.biharnet.ba/.

Timing: from 1998 on, still going on.

1.2 Open Society Fund Bosnia and Herzegovina (Soros Foundation)

The Open Society Fund Bosnia and Herzegovina spent approximately 21,500 Euro in 1998 implementing its Internet Program, with the aim of carrying out two large groups of projects:

• Infrastructure development projects and Internet connection
• Internet content development programs and Internet education.

In the first group of projects, the Program established and put into operation the North-South Network for non-profit and academic users in the cities of Tuzla, Zenica and Mostar on the Internet, and connected Banja Luka University to the Internet within several months. The Program also supported the establishment of Internet connections for numerous non-profit organizations: ANUBiH, Sarajevo Film Festival, MESS, Constitutional Court of Bosnia-Herzegovina, many media organizations (Oslobodjenje, Onasa, BH Dani, Alcak, Radio Zid), libraries in Tuzla, Sarajevo, Zenica, Association of Ham Radio Operators of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sarajevo Faculty of Economics MIS Center, many humanitarian organizations of regional and local importance (Phare, La Benevolencija, Sezam, Cna), and approximately 10 high schools.

The Program enables the creation of Internet services, easy expansion of capacities, and local profiling of user needs. The universities of Tuzla, Banja Luka, Mostar, and faculties and institutes in Zenica are the most significant users.

The Open Society Fund Bosnia-Herzegovina has carried out a number of additional activities linked to the development of the Internet and Information Society within Bosnia and Herzegovina. These include:

• Providing literature, program tools, and professional training in the fields of server administration, and inter-networking for the universities of Tuzla, Mostar and Banja Luka, as well as the Zenica Internet Center.
• Financing travel of staff from four universities to Bratislava for the CEENet WorkShop and a conference.
• Support for participation in roundtables on the Internet in Bosnia-Herzegovina (Tuzla, PROMO International 98).
• Carrying out preparatory activities for projects that will promote original Bosnian-Herzegovinian content on the Internet, which will be implemented in 1999.
• Support for "distance learning" processes, as well as the "Distant learning" Project implemented within Open Society Fund B-H.
• The Internet Program has continually supported all Open Society Fund B-H Centres in establishing Internet connections, services, and implementation of projects encompassing an Internet component.

More information: http://www.soros.org.ba/

Timing: from 1998 on, similar activities still going on.

1.3 Project "Building the Cooperative Online Bibliographic Systems and Services - COBISS"

In 1997 all the universities and numerous libraries in Bosnia and Herzegovina accepted the proposal for the project "Computerized interconnection of libraries in Bosnia and Herzegovina via the Internet" (working title). This proposal suggested that the Slovenian model of co-operative online bibliographic systems and services (COBISS - see http://www.izum.si/cobiss/) would be transplanted to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On the one hand, COBISS represents the organizational model of interconnecting libraries to a library information system, on the other hand it represents the software, which is an original product made by the Institute of Information Science (IZUM) in Maribor (see http://www.izum.si/), for the automation of library activities.

A large number of the libraries in Bosnia and Herzegovina were destroyed together with holdings and databases during the recent war. Their restoration is required as soon as possible, and databases made accessible via the Internet. The establishment and development of the BIHARNET communications infrastructure has created potential co-operation between libraries throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is a vital prerequisite for faster access to the information needed for scientific, educational and cultural development. The development will support the work of the libraries, which have limited financial means for the purchase of literature - very often foreign publications.

The main goals of the project are:

• Planning and coordination of the activities concerning the automation and computerized interconnection of libraries in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Carrying out the necessary central activities concerning the functioning of the COBISS system of shared cataloguing, and coordination and supervision of the activities of the participants;
• Management of the COBIB BiH online union catalogue;
• Providing technical help to libraries with regard to the acquisition, installation and maintenance of computer and communications equipment for the needs of COBISS applications;
• Providing COBISS software and technical help to the users of COBISS applications;
• Organization and carrying out of training and advisory activities, verifying professional qualifications and issuing licenses for working in the shared cataloguing system;
• Providing access to foreign databases for the needs of libraries, specialized information centres, and other users;
• Participating in international organizations, including the membership in corresponding organizations;
• Establishing the organization, founded by at least all universities, to take care for realization of goals mentioned above and continuing the activities after the end of the project.

The project is led by the Institute of Information Science, Maribor, Slovenia. Funding is granted by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia as part of technological aid for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will last until the end of 1999.

More information: http://www.cobiss.ba/.

Timing: from 1997 on, still going on.

1.4 International Conference: Science in Transition Countries

The conference took place on 6-8 October in Banja Luka. It has been organized by the University of Banja Luka, the Academy of Sciences and Arts of the Republic of Srpska, and the United Nations' European Center for Peace and Development. This was done with the co-operation of the Ministry for Science and Culture of Republic of Srpska and Ministry for Industry and Technologies of Republic of Srpska. The program covered all aspects and areas connected with methods and problems of organization of science and scientific research and development work in transitional states. The main areas of interest were:

• Science and scientific research and development work in the developed countries of Europe and North America
• The nature and perspective of progress of science and scientific research and development work in transition countries of East and South Europe
• Methods and directions of progress of science and scientific research and development work in countries of former Yugoslavia.

More information: http://www.urc.bl.ac.yu/scitraco.html

Timing: October 1999

1.5 Automation of counter services

The Public Enterprise PTT BiH announced the automation of counter services in their operations with citizens. (PTT Offices in Bosnia and Herzegovina perform a lot of banking/savings services for citizens.) The counters will be interconnected (by computer means), and all equipment should rely upon modern computer networking technologies, including special printers, barcode readers, and some classical post-office "devices" like weighing machines etc.

Timing: October 1999

1.6 The first Bosnian banking payment card

The oldest and one of the greatest banks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Central Profit Bank in Sarajevo, issued the first Bosnian banking payment card. The card is "the smart card" with a chip and secret PIN. The network of automatic teller machines ("bankomat") will be established throughout whole country.

Timing: November 1999

1.7 Computer courses

International Centre for Education and Meetings In Sarajevo (originally supported by Internationales bildungs und Begegnungswerk in Dortmund, Germany) organises courses for work on personal computers. The program includes topics on Windows, Word, Excel and Power Point.

Timing: first half of 1999, still going on

1.8 Newspaper weekly supplement Cyber

The daily newspaper Oslobodjenje in Sarajevo has a weekly supplement called Cyber. Among short news pieces from the computer and informatics areas they recently began to publish "teach-yourself" topics. Besides paid advertisements from computer related companies one can find some interesting links to various web sites.

Timing: first half of 1999, still going on

1.9 Postgraduate study "European studies"

University of Sarajevo together with the London School of Economics (UK), University in Sussex (UK) and University in Bologna (Italy) announced a postgraduate study course in the framework of the TEMPUS program. The study is called "European studies" and deals with up-to-date European movements. Among the main topics are also themes that are interesting to the IS environment, like European policy and society, Transition and development, transformation of enterprises for European integration, European Institutions etc.

Timing: first half of 1999

1.10 Conference "Special Pedagogy"

The Norwegian trade union of education "Norsk laerarlag" organised a two-day conference "Special pedagogy - a challenge in educational system of Bosnia and Herzegovina" in Fojnica. Aimed primarily at handicapped children, the new information technologies (computer aided teaching and learning, Internet, etc.) can give new values and improve the orthodox educational system.

Timing: third quarter 1999

1.11 Survey of commercial ISP

The daily newspaper Oslobodjenje in Sarajevo published a small survey of commercial ISPs in Bosnia and Herzegovina and some other countries. It stressed the fact that, although some tariffs are lower than those in surroundings countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina is among a few countries where a monthly subscription for an Internet connection must be paid together with spent telephone impulses and hourly charged access. Nonetheless, taking all expenditures into account, the monthly costs can be regarded as cheaper than those in surrounding countries.

Timing: third quarter 1999

1.12 Drop in prices for GSM services

Both domestic mobile phone operators announced a significant drop in prices for GSM subscriptions and initial fees. They claim that they are doing this for the benefit of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina so that they can benefit from modern telecommunication possibilities.

Timing: November 1999

1.13 PROMM electronic commerce

The private enterprise PROMM - Complete Internet Solutions offers services for electronic commerce. It already manages the "Online bookstore" (probably the first in the country) and is working on "Virtual Shops". Its offer includes a complete solution - from domain name registration, email services, web space, to web page management including commercial activities.

Timing: third quarter 1999

1.14 Internet Survey Through Bosnia and Herzegovina

Three companies, the computer magazine Read.me from Sarajevo, web-hosting and web-design company Multicom from Tuzla, and Progressive Information Technologies Ltd. from Konjic together have built an extensive "Internet Survey Through Bosnia and Herzegovina" (bosnia.ba). It combines a search machine like AltaVista and catalogued information like Yahoo.

Timing: second half 1999

1.15 Bosnia Online Web Server

A team of four individuals of Bosnian citizens who live in Switzerland, Greece and Sweden established the "Bosnia Online Web Server". It is a web-page index, catalogued like Yahoo and similar servers. It covers a lot of interesting information, search facilities and a chat server.

Timing: second half 1999

1.16 Online directory of Bosnian companies and enterprises

The Chamber of Commerce of Bosnia and Herzegovina manages an online directory of Bosnian companies and enterprises. It offers brief information on reconstruction and development projects, Bulletin Board System of electronic advertising, shows current issues in Bosnian economy and policy, commodity and services exchange etc. The directory of Bosnian companies is also searchable online.

Timing: October 1999

1.17 Management and Information Technologies Center

Management and Information Technologies Center - MIT Center has been established on the initiative of the Open Society Fund Bosnia and Herzegovina and with acceptable participation from the Faculty of Economics in Sarajevo. Its goal is to help, in one unique way (with high education and research work) the reconstruction and development of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The MIT Center considers its primary aim to connect Bosnia and Herzegovina (in every way - including by means of information technologies) to the modern and developed world. That is why MIT educational program started first.

MIT Center is moving toward an information technologies architecture based on the principles of an open, marketplace provided, standard systems and technologies. The architecture is expected to sustain and support MIT Center information technology needs for two to five years. MIT Center’s IT architecture is based on the principle that information technology management should establish new state-of-the-art technological standards for Bosnian educational institutions. The MITC's policies, processes, and supporting information technology should be designed to enable efficient and effective workflow in both educational and administrative aspects as a tool and not as an aim. Evaluation and approval of information technology investments should be based on full cost analyses, including the costs of managing and maintaining technology investments throughout their expected useful lives. Investments in new information technologies are made to improve or sustain the support of the MITC's mission. Administrative data should be sufficiently accessible, comprehensive, timely, accurate, and flexible to accommodate the information and reporting needs of MITC students and staff. IT support should be made to make academic data available to all with a legitimate need, consistent with the MITC’s responsibility to preserve and protect data. The technical infrastructure should provide students and staff with convenient access to institutional and global computing and information resources and facilitates interaction and collaboration among individuals and groups. Technical systems should collect information electronically and directly from the information source, and deliver it electronically and directly to those who need it. Intermediaries are added to the process only if they increase the value to the information being transmitted. Administrative data should be collected and validated once, and re-validated only when transformed. The MITC's technical infrastructure should be optimized to support both data capture and data access. It should provide a common set of core services that support efficient implementation, operation and management of applications in a distributed and collaborative computing environment. The MITC’s technical infrastructure should conform to an agreed-upon set of open system standards and support a limited number of hardware, software, and networking choices. MITC should continually evaluate new technologies, standards, and products that have the potential to further enable the MITC's mission, lower costs, or improve overall productivity.

Timing: third quarter 1999, still going on

1.18 The International Symposium on Internet and Information Systems

The International Symposium on Internet and Information Systems took place in Sarajevo on 4-6 October 1999. It has been organised by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering Sarajevo. The Chairman was Mr. M. Harbi, the Special Advisor to the ITU Secretary General, and the keynote speaker was Mr. R. Shaw from ITU Internet Strategic Planning Unit, who is one of the ITU's key experts on the Internet. The main topics were:

• Internet today - architecture and services (including the subtopic "Standards and Legislation")
• Internet developments trends
• Internet and business information systems
• Internet in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Forty-two papers were presented; among them included the presentation of the ESIS II project (presented by Slovenian national contractor D. Caf and his assistant M. Bonac). The discussion after the presentation was vivid. About 80 questionnaires on IS projects were delivered and a lot of interest was expressed.

Timing: October 1999

1.19 Electronic services in civil administration of the City of Sarajevo

The "City of Sarajevo" together with the Ministry of traffic and telecommunication of FBiH announced the introduction and implementation of electronic services into the civil administration of the City of Sarajevo. The main goal is to provide a better quality of services to Sarajevo citizens and to improve the work of the civil administration by the use of modern information and telecommunication technologies. The services that are considered in this context cover online access to libraries, management in transport and traffic infrastructure, access to legal and juridical information to authorised subjects, the global interconnectivity of hospitals, clinics, and other medical, health care and social care institutions. As for the public administration subsystem it is to be expected that simple, efficient, secure and fast electronic exchange of information will be available for public institutions and citizens, in relation with population data, infrastructure, urbanism and municipal environment.

Timing: October 1999

1.20 The new "center" in University of Sarajevo

The University of Sarajevo established the new "center" (with no special name) with responsibilities for maintaining the university telecommunication network, including its connectivity to the national and European academic and research networks. Before that the University of Sarajevo used satellite connection to Amsterdam (the Netherlands), donated by some foreign organisations (Government of the Netherlands, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Open Society Fund). Of course, this connection still exists. The new Center is to give the opportunity for students, teachers, researchers and other university staff to use the broader highway to the resources of the modern world information society. The University of Sarajevo is doing this in collaboration with the Interlink Centre, which was founded together by University of Sarajevo and the WUS Austria (World University Service - Austria). This action is supervised directly by the head of rector's department for informatics.

Timing: December 1999

1.21 WUS - BiH Academic Cooperation

The World Organisation Services - Austria has been engaged in internetworking in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a long time. They follow the strategy of "filling-out the gaps" of other, bigger projects, by locating small spots of engagement with a high return-on-investment. The main sponsors are the European Union within the Inter-Community Relations Program and the Federal Chancellery of Austria. Some of their activities are:

• Providing the equipment necessary to build up a network for the University of Banja Luka, connecting the campus with an optical ring and providing connections for the out-of-campus faculties. The network will be connected to the Bosnian Academic Network "Biharnet".
• Providing the equipment for two computer centers at the University of Banja Luka, under the name of "Unilink"). They will mainly function as "Walk-In" centres, providing free Internet access to university members. Computer and Internet courses are also planned.
• Providing the equipment (routers, modems etc.) for connecting 6 faculties in Tuzla to the main Internet node provided by the Soros Foundation.
• Development of the web page on "Academic Cooperation in Bosnia and Herzegovina". This web page will provide comprehensive information on higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The intended audience includes international organisations and individuals interested in co-operation with the academic sector in country, as well as academic organisations and individuals interested in interuniversity and international contacts.

Timing: second half 1999

1.22 The Biharnet Centre - new connections

The Biharnet Centre continues to connect more organisations from various areas to the Bosnian academic and research network BIHARNET, like State Hospital Sarajevo, Ministry for Civil Matters and Communications in Serb Sarajevo and Ministry of Science and Culture in Banja Luka. Projects for local area networks for these organizations were also made or at least supervised by the Biharnet centre.

Timing: last quarter 1999 – January 2000

1.23 The Public Administration Program

Using the national and regional programs of the local governments and public services, the Open Society Foundation B-H attempts to offer support to those projects that will contribute in the future to more effective work of the administrative bodies on all levels. In the scope of the program, the Foundation supports public administration education, training for local governments, public administration research, and information and projects for improvement of the work of local government.

Timing: second half of 1999

1.24 The Science and Education Program

After operating for a few years when the main goal was preservation of the education system, the Open Society Foundation B-H can now participate in projects that contribute to advance, quality changes in the education system in the country. This program supports all levels of the education system. However, for our purposes only two items are worth mentioning: the enrichment the education process with new teaching methods based on the new information technologies, and the introduction of computers into the lecturing process and their integration with the Internet. In addition, there are activities for general support for the educational system, including procurement of computers and other high-tech teaching assets.

Timing: second half of 1999 – January 2000

1.25 CD ROM Medical Libraries

This program offers access to medical magazines on CD ROM's for medical libraries throughout the country and is initiated by the Open Society Foundation B-H.

Timing: January 2000

1.26 Spine of the Academic and Non-Profit Network in B-H

Through this program, some basic Internet services are provided, as well as an Internet hookup for the academic and non-profit network. The Open Society Foundation B-H ensures the necessary equipment and the support of the local development of Internet services. Training in this field is emphasised. Unlike previous years, when the priority task was to develop the Internet infrastructure, now the focus of this program has been shifted to Internet training.

Timing: second half of 1999

1.27 SRCE, the Student Resource Center

This Open Society Foundation B-H program offers information on the possibilities and methods of education at universities and other educational institutions in the country and abroad. Information is available on the possibilities for education, study courses, and workshops in various academic areas in local and foreign higher educational institutions. It also distributes the information on how to apply to foreign universities and seminars, as well as how to seek financial assistance, scholarships, or student jobs. The title (SRCE) means "heart" in the local language.

Timing: end of 1999 – January 2000

1.28 SOROS – LEA/LINK

This is generic name for complementary Open Society Foundation B-H projects whose aim is to improve the environment in which non-governmental organisations function in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The LEA (Law, Education and Advocacy) part concentrates on developing a legal structure in which NGOs can operate efficiently and effectively. The other part, LINK, provides opportunities for networking and possibilities for shared advocacy among NGOs. Together, the LEA/LINK program conducts a public education campaign designated to raise citizens' awareness of NGOs and other activities.

Timing: second half of 1999

1.29 The Media Program

Apart from the support of the creation of economic stability and proficiency of management in the media field, the focus is particularly insistent on professional journalism standards as well as on the mastery of modern production and sharing of information and communications techniques. The Open Society Foundation B-H encourages focusing efforts in the field of education and training in three directions: media-journalistic culture, production knowledge, and media management.

Timing: January 2000

1.30 The Library Program

This program (by the Open Society Foundation B-H) supports purchase of books for the libraries, implementation of seminars and workshops for librarians. A major part, however, is the computerisation of libraries in Bosnia and Herzegovina and development of information technologies in libraries.

Timing: January 2000

1.31 The Law Centre

The main goal of this program is aimed towards the legal education, the preservation of the dignity of the law profession, and the transformation of the legal system. For our purposes it is interesting because of the usage of all available resources of the Soros Foundation network, providing the participants with Internet-based data and offering them a means of communications and exchange with colleagues. Besides, special emphasis is given to European law, media law, etc.

Timing: second half of 1999

1.32 The Centre of Excellent Projects

The World University Service Austria (WUS) established the "Centre of Excellent Projects" as a cradle for new initiatives. A special tender was concluded in mid-March. Out of the twelve approved projects six are connected to our themes: Telemedicine, Laboratory for Computer techniques, Laboratory for CAD/CAM technologies (two projects), Computer supported mine and coal areas modelling, Laboratory for Digital Systems and Signals.

Timing: February/March 2000

1.33 S.U.N. – Support for University Network

The World University Service Austria (WUS) aimed this program towards faculties of the University of Sarajevo. The main goal is to provide technical and material support for faculties to connect to the university computer network. The necessary equipment will be provided.

Timing: February 2000

1.34 S.S.P. – Support to Small Projects

This program from the World University Service Austria (WUS) is the successor of very successful program "Ideas for Action" several years ago. Its important mission is to promote the practical implementation of students' projects. Program covers such activities as improvements of databases in university libraries, consultations, internet educational seminars etc.

Timing: February/March 2000

1.35 Inter-tec Tuzla: The Tax Surveyor

There are four levels of tax legislation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and there are a lot of rules and directives. In co-operation with both Ministries of Finance (FBiH and RS), Supreme courts, Faculty of Law in Sarajevo and some international organisations, the Inter-tec Tuzla prepares the fully computerised application "The Tax Surveyor", which is available for all taxpayers, other subjects liable to taxation, Tax Offices and similar users.

Timing: February 2000

1.36 KIM – The Tuzla Canton Information Network

This initiative is developed in co-operation with the Tuzla Canton Ministry of reconstruction, Enterprise and Development. A special database is being built and the information is supplied by Municipal data centres (13 out of 14). The goal is to provide an overview of several areas. At the moment, the agriculture and industry (mostly mining and chemical industry) and tourism are covered the best. Per Municipality, one can find information on history, economy, public services, companies/enterprises and educational facilities.

Timing: February 2000

1.37 Cyber Tuzla

Besides standard services, like free e-mail accounts, forums and Internet access, there are many interesting contents. There is great information dedicated to art, especially to theatre, galleries and literature. Radio broadcasting over the Internet is also present.

Timing: January 2000

1.38 The Chamber of Commerce

It manages a special "electronic bulletin board system" aimed towards commercial companies and enterprises. All information of promotions, fairs and some tenders can be found here. The project provides very useful up-to-date information regarding merchant, trade, customs and business relations with EU countries.

Timing: January 2000

1.39 The Broadcasting, Multimedia and Telecommunications Forum

In conjunction with BIRE 2000 Exhibition in June in Sarajevo, the Independent Media Commission and ITE Exhibitions prepared a showcase of broadcasting, multimedia and telecommunications technologies. The Forum comprises series of seminars, which provide a unique platform for European, US and regional business in industry leaders in telecommunications, broadcast, multimedia, manufacturing, and regulatory bodies to share their ideas and discuss appropriate strategies. The Forum focused predominately on three main themes:

• Broadcasting meets Broadband

• Regulating the Future

• Interactive Applications

Timing: June 2000

1.40 Agency for Privatisation in the Federation of B&H

The Agency for Privatisation in the FBiH put all of its experience available to the world community by means of the Internet technologies. Texts of laws, regulations, instructions, directives etc. are present in full. Model of privatisation is presented and a wide forum is ready for discussions. Lists of enterprises for small and large scale privatisation (for sale on auctions or tenders) are available. Some authorised agencies are also mentioned and links to publicly announced tenders could be found.

Timing: January 2000

1.41 Internet Shopping Centre

Inter-tec Tuzla and Commercial Bank Tuzla announced the Internet Shopping Centre. The goal is to provide the opportunity of shopping over the Internet. Over 100 companies already offered their products.

Timing: February 2000

1.42 On-line legal help

Inter-tec Tuzla offered a free-of-charge on-line legal service on the Internet. Users can put their questions via e-mails. Experts from various legal and juridical areas provide answers, advices, suggestions, etc.

Timing: March 2000, still going on

1.43 Interliber - Computer Hit Library

Interliber is an online bookstore currently offering titles written in Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian languages with subjects varying from all literature areas. In order to overcome problems related to infrastructure and availability of high-quality books published in local languages, they decided to connect the increasing popularity of the Internet with popularity of books. They have close relationship with National Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which categorizes every published title. Interliber is an excellent opportunity for local publishers to grow their business and increase sales.

Timing: March 2000

1.44 ZIRA - building information systems and education

The ZIRA company is one of the leading companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the fields of software engineering. It received the ISO 9001 certificate and now announces readiness for helping in building information systems, education etc.

Timing: June 2000

1.45 SIB - AR Invest Sarajevo

The privatisation process in Bosnia and Herzegovina also deals with special stocks that were issued to the public-at-large. Several institutions were established and registered for management and dealing with these issues. One of them, the "SIB - AR Invest Sarajevo", was among the first to announce the building of an information system that will be aimed towards all relevant participants (including online services for citizens), connected with other similar systems and totally incorporated to information systems of official financial institutions.

Timing: May 2000

1.46 Media Plan Institute

The "Media Plan Institute Sarajevo" together with its international partners will open the nine-month workshop for young experts working in the media areas. Among other topics, great emphasis is placed on themes like online journalism and communications.

Timing: May 2000

1.47 New completely computerised place for public services

The Public Enterprise PTT continues to reconstruct its offices and services for citizens. In the centre of Sarajevo a new, completely computerised place was opened for public postal services.

Timing: second quarter 2000

1.48 CIC in Banja Luka

WUS Austria opened the CIC - Counselling and Information Centre in Banja Luka (capitol of Republika Srpska). CIC is the information centre for students, assistants and professors for offering various information, including education on Internet.

Timing: June 2000

1.49 S.S.P. - Support to Small Projects (second phase)

The program was launched by the World University Service Austria (WUS) as the successor of very successful program "Ideas for Actions" several years ago. Its goal is to promote practical implementation of students' projects. The tender was closed in May 2000. In June 2000 the Board announced the results. 33 projects were approved from five universities: Sarajevo, Tuzla, Bihac and Mostar (2 universities). Among them, nine are connected to IS themes: Real-time operational workstation, Laboratory practice for digital electronic, Modernisation of laboratory practise for Electric Circuit Theory and Analogue and Digital Filters, Helping students with special needs and volunteers, Equipment of computer panel for experimental analysis within modelling and optimisation of technology process, Web pages for "Basis of Electro engineering", CD Rom-photo, Implementation of expert systems into teaching process, and EDUSOFT.

Timing: Initially in February/March 2000, continued through June 2000 and still going on

1.50 N.I.P. - Networking Infrastructure Projects

The World University Service Austria announced two tenders for applications for Network Infrastructure Projects. They see efficient use of information technology as one of the key factors in the development of the education sector. Internet technology will provide the means for efficient worldwide exchange of information, which is crucial to progress in science and higher education. The support that World University Service is able to provide in this framework should help to create and improve the Internet infrastructure of the universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here the term infrastructure should be understood in a comprehensive sense, covering not only hardware, but also software, organisation and know-how. It is assumed that the applying organisation has developed a strategy for the future use of information technology. The NIP program is intended for granting support to networking projects that help in pursuing the IT strategy of your institution.

Since emphasis will be placed on networking, no support will be given to the purchase of computer equipment. The applying organisation can either be the whole university or single faculties. Projects will be supported up to a value of 5.000 Euro per institution. As a "test-bed" for N.I.P. the World University Service Austria already donated some 5.000 Euro to the University Dzemal Bijedic in Mostar for establishment of fibre optic links in the campus.

Timing: June 2000 – end of 2000

1.51 The Control, Protective Relaying and Communication Systems

The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina has received a load from the International Development Association towards the cost of the Second Electric Power Reconstruction Project. The electro-distribution company of Republika Srpsjka (Elektroprivreda RS) invites bids for the supply, supervision of installation, testing and commission of the control, protective relaying and communication systems.

Timing: June 2000

1.52 The International Conference on Copyrights

The conference was held in Sarajevo in May 2000. It has been organised jointly by the Independent Media Commission, the Institute for Standards, Metrology and Patents in Sarajevo and IREX. The main topics were: Protection of human rights, Government of rights, Market economy and Taxation. Key speakers came from the World Intellectual Property Organisation, European Council, Sine Qua Non (the local agency) and similar agencies from Croatia and Slovenia.

Timing: May 2000

1.53 The Internet - seminar for rectors

Institute for Information Science in Maribor, Slovenia, organised a special seminar/course on the Internet and usage of its services for rectors and vice-rectors of all universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim was to provide the key persons from universities with the relevant information of up-to-date technology and services that are necessary for new digital era. The seminar covered topics such as e-mail, www, file transfers, remote applications, seeking information etc.

Timing: second and third quarter of 2000

1.54 The use of Internet services in cataloguing process

The COBISS Centre in Sarajevo and Institute for Information Science in Maribor, Slovenia, organised a special course for librarians on using the Internet services in cataloguing process. The Internet and its services are of vital importance for shared catalogue among libraries in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which are connected to the COBISS. Co-operation in the COBISS system requires some skills for librarians, and such courses are permanent needs.

Timing: second and third quarter of 2000, continuing

1.55 System for Small Value payments

The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina issued an international tender (in Wall Street Journal and Financial Times in June) for system of small value payments. The system includes the installation of communication infrastructure, computer hardware and software and training. It is estimated that it will cover 90% of all payments and inter-banking transactions. The tender will be open until January 1, 2001 and will be selected by the International Committee.

Timing: September 2000 - January 2001

1.56 Business Directory of BiH 2000 - 2001

Mediapress Sarajevo issued a Business Directory of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2000-2001. It contains a list of companies and business organisations in the whole country, providing all the relevant data, GSM, web and e-mail directories, and names of responsible persons (directors). The directory is also available on the web.

Timing: September 2000

1.57 Supply of Computer Equipment

For a rebuilding project "Obnova" ("Reconstruction"), the European Commission Technical Assistance Unit in Sarajevo, in the name of DG IA of the European Commission, issued an invitation to tender for "Supply of Furniture and Computer Equipment". Computers, printers and related equipment are to be provided for the Parliament building and the Customs and Tax Headquarters in Sarajevo.

Timing: September 2000

1.58 Telecommunications Network in Bihac area

The Public Enterprise PTT BiH issued a tender for repairing the telecommunications networks in Bihac area.

Timing: September 2000

1.59 New GSM Equipment

The Public Enterprise PTT BiH signed contracts with companies Siemens and Ericson for activities in the second phase of building the GSM mobile network. The new telecommunications equipment will be installed by the end of this year. It is said that by these two contracts there will be additional 180,000 users connected to the GSM network.

Timing: September/October 2000

1.60 Public dial-up access to the Internet

The Open Society Fund in Sarajevo offered the dial-up access to the Internet via modems with speeds of up to 33.6 kbps. Standard PPP service is available, together with web based e-mail and web hosting.

Timing: from summer 2000

1.61 Chamber of Commerce Forum

Chamber of Commerce of Bosnia and Herzegovina and private enterprise QSS d.o.o. established an Internet Forum in form of web pages. Forum is intended for companies and enterprises to exchange experience in business and regulation related areas, and is aimed towards improvements of promotional activities.

Timing: October/November 2000

1.62 Program for education of managers and decision-makers in SMEs

Chamber of Commerce of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Konrad Adenauer Foundation and Carl Duisburg Society organize special Program for education of managers and decision-makers in small and medium enterprises in Germany. Program will start in 2001 and will last six months. Besides strictly business oriented topics, participants will become familiar with modern IT technologies for providing basis for their decision making process.

Timing: November 2000

1.63 Action "Do you think global?"

Chamber of Commerce of Bosnia and Herzegovina, private enterprise QSS d.o.o. and magazine INFO established started with an interesting action "Do you think global?". It is aimed towards all legal entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to help them, to teach them and to make them to appear on Internet with primary goal to improve their quality, spectre and competitive market position.

Timing: November 2000

1.64 Fundamental of laws, relevant for Economy

Chamber of Commerce of Bosnia and Herzegovina launched an internet-accessed collection of fundamentals of various laws, which are relevant for economy. There is also an assortment of actual legislation acts other than laws (bill, decrees, decisions etc). Included are all relevant documents on "How to make business with Bosnia and Herzegovina", aimed especially to the foreign partners.

Timing: November 2000

1.65 Register of Companies

There is a register of companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina available via electronic ways (Internet). This activity is managed by the Chamber of Commerce of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Beside companies and enterprises there are also two addendum registers of free market zones and of financial organizations and institutions.

Timing: November 2000

1.66 All-Academia Web page

WUS Austria together with EU/ICRP started an action of development a web page on "Academic Cooperation in Bosnia and Herzegovina". It will provide comprehensive information on higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The intended audience includes:

• International organizations and individuals interested in cooperation with the academic sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Bosnian academic organizations and individuals interested in inter-university and international contacts.

WUS plans to continue and further develop such activities.

Timing: third quarter 2000

1.67 SDH infrastructure booster

Telecom network operator JP PTT BiH announced the SDH technology for its infrastructure in the area. It will provide high-capacity resilient links around Sarajevo for an area of 180 square km including the towns of Tuzla, Zenica and Bihač. This activity is partly funded by a grant form the Japanese government under the Telecommunications Emergency Reconstruction Project, administered by the European Bank for reconstruction and Development.

Timing: November 2000

1.68 Electronic Catalogue of Regulations

Heda, the enterprise for software and electronic regulations (rules) form Zivinice, is working on electronic catalogue of regulations, rules, directives, laws etc. There are cca 180 items in the catalogue at the moment. One can find constitutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of some other countries, some inherited acts, manuals, examples and lot of laws, acts etc.

Timing: December 2000