ESIS Extension / Cyprus / IS Promotional Activities / Update Memo 2

The following document summarizes the developments which occurred within the past three months in the areas of the existence and promotion of IS strategies and individual projects, as well as in the area of building up awareness.

For the time being, the description, objectives and status of the "Information Systems Strategy" i.e., the Government master plan for the computerization of all ministries, departments and independent offices of the government are communicated to government officers and to potential suppliers of IT goods and services through the production and distribution of two annual documents called "Information Systems Strategy Statement" and "Information Systems Business Plan", and of a regularly issued Executive Progress Report.

Further to these, the government publishes several other relevant documents, comprising the "Detailed Management and Technical Policies" report, the "Project Catalogue" report, the "Implementation Program Report", the "Development Manual" report, and the "Government Data Model" report.

In the future, the said communication would be enhanced by the publication of an annual "information Systems Business Plan" which would define the targets of the current year.

In line with the national IS strategy undertaken on a government level in Cyprus, the Government’s Information Systems Strategy commonly referred to as the "Government Computerization Plan" originally conceptualized in 1987 is paid particular attention and is sufficiently promoted within state organizations.

The said Information Systems Strategy which was revised and approved by the Computerization Executive Board in 1997 aims at ensuring that the full potential of Information Technology is utilized in an effort to support the policies and objectives of the state. More specifically, the strategy would provide the tools with which ministries and departments may develop and operate information systems to support their own business needs. A very important aspect of the Strategy (and a pre-requisite for the accession of Cyprus to the European Union) is the harmonization of information systems with the relevant EU standards.

The Information Systems Strategy defines a policy framework in three areas : management policies ; technical policies ; and strategic information systems. The latter are the mechanisms for providing core information to the public service. They can be distinguished into : strategic application systems to support key areas for the operation of government services ; and information technology infrastructure systems to provide a common It framework across all state organizations.

Within the overall government Computerization Plan, ministries and departments are expected to create their own Information Systems Strategies, and Implementation Programs. At the lowest level, individual development projects will create their own project plans and system documentation.

A total of 29 million Euros was spent between 1989 and 1997 on the Government’s Information Systems Strategy, while it is estimated that between 1998 and 2001 the expenditure would rise to 64 million Euros.

The Strategy comprises 18 strategic application projects (high priority), and 61 candidate application projects (low priority) which are to be addressed as resources allowed. Of the 18 priority projects, 7 are in full or partial production, and 5 are under development and planned for delivery by the end of 1999. In addition, proposals for 2 have been submitted and are being evaluated, and the specifications for proposals have been prepared for 4.

In addition to the 8 promotional activities identified and described in the previous report, 4 seminars were identified between May and December 1999 :

This was a two-day conference organized by the Industrial Training Authority ; the University of Cyprus ; and the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority ; and the Research and Promotion Foundation which funded the seminar. It was held between May 27 and 28, 1999. The seminar’s aim was to address the issue of how Cypriot small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can exploit European IT. Other than local IT specialists, the seminar attracted 3 speakers from DGs of th European Union in Brussels.

The political party DISY organized a conference on June 15, 1999. The conference was broadcasted via the web.

Cyprus Telecommunications Authority organized a one-day seminar on the organization’s future plans with regards to the Cyprus telecommunication facilities and infrastructure. The seminar was held in Nicosia. CYTA’s managing director was the principal speaker in the seminar.

This will be a three-day seminar to be held in Nicosia between December 17 and 20. It will be organized by the Planning Bureau ; the Department of Information Technology Services (Ministry of Finance), the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority, the University of Cyprus ; the Cyprus Bureau of Shipping ; and the Cyprus Computer Society.

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 Commision, 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.