ESIS Extension / Cyprus / IS Promotional Activities / Update Memo 5

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.

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 documents describing the developments in the "Information Systems Strategy" i.e., the government’s master plan for the computerization of all ministries, departments and independent offices of the government comprise the "information Systems Strategy Statement", the "Information Systems Business Plan", the "Detailed Management and Technical Policies Report", the "Project Catalogue Report", the "Implementation Program Report", the "Development Manual", and the "Government Data Model Report".

Most of the promotional activities identified were in the form of educational and informative seminars and conferences. These were organized or involved participation by major players in Cyprus such as CY.T.A, the Cyprus Productivity Centre and the Cyprus Computer Society, while several also included the active participation of the private sector.

In addition to the promotional activities identified between April 1999 and March 2000, and described in the 4 previous reports, some of the most interesting events identified between April and June 2000 are summarized below.

As part of the 3rd Conference on Quality, between Cyprus and Greece, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism from June to June 30th 2000, a presentation was carried out on "Quality in Information Technology and Logistics". The chief speakers and moderators in the issues discussed included Members of the Cyprus Parliament, Mr. Antonis Karras and Mr. Christos Pourgourides.

The PCS company (member of the LogicDis Group) presented its new e-Mutual Fund Solution, "FORTUNE e-mutual funds", in Athens on May 31st, 2000, in conjunction with O.G Pliroforiki, the Cyprus representative Company of the DIS Group. The presentation was attended by high ranking officials from Companies handling Mutual Funds, both from Cyprus and Greece.

The new solution allows internet users to have direct access to mutual funds from the PC in the areas of both business to business and business to consumer. The application has been developed in an ORACLE environment, and allows authorized users to make purchases, update their portfolio, and have access to pictorial representations of mutual fund investment development.

2.3 Opening of Telemedicine Unit in Nicosia Makarios Hospital : A window for medical communication to the world

The opening ceremony of the new Telemedicine Unit in Nicosia Makarios Hospital was held on June 12th 2000, having recently become installed and operational. The ceremony was addressed by the Minister of Health, Mr.Frixos Savvides, who emphasized the important contribution the unit will have towards a higher level of health services, especially given the absence of a medical school in Cyprus. The operation of the unit is likely to allow patients to have diagnosis and therapy previously carried out abroad, to now be carried out locally.

The ceremony was also attended by international heart -surgeon Mr Magdi Yacub, and the Greek Minister for Health Mr. Alekos Papadopulos.

The Telemedicine Unit is a donation by the Greek Insurance Company Aspis Pronoia, and its application has been carried out with the participation of the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority which has provided the necessary infrastructure.

2.4 First International Symposium on Archives : Archives and Prospects for the New Millenium

As part of the first International Symposium on Archives held in Cyprus on June 4th, 2000, the "Training of Archive Officials" was discussed in relation to IT applications and modern communication systems. The Symposium was opened by the head of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Vasilios Mandilaras and was addressed by more than 35 speakers from Cyprus, Greece, Italy, France, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom.

2.5 Developments in Mobile Communications : A Presentation by the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority

On May 17th, World Telecommunication Day, the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority, General Manager, Mr. Nicos Timotheou conducted a presentation on the latest developments in Mobile telephony and communications.

During the presentation the new CytaW@p Service which allows access by mobile phone users to special internet web pages, was unveiled. The special pages cover stock prices (closing prices and real-time information) exchange rates, national and international news bulletins, late night pharmacies, and information on subscriber catalogues. The planned future expansion of the service was explained, including the provision of e-mail facilities, access to product advertising and information, electronic exchanges and supply of electronic money.

On May 22nd, 2000 the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority presented the awards to the winning school teams of a Competition with the theme "Designing a Web Page for My School". The competition was designed to promote creative activity within secondary schools in designing a web page for their own specific institution.

2.7 Minimizing Costs and Raising Productivity Through Innovative Solutions in PCs and Networks

A seminar was held on May 15th, 2000 in Nicosia, by the Compaq and Globalsoft.com companies. Specialized solutions and tools for the easier development of networks were presented. Specifically, the focus was on innovative strategic solutions in electronic commerce, uninterrupted operation for servers and work stations in environments of Local Area Network, Wide area network cluster & high availability, Remote Access and Internet.

2.8 Conference on "Information Technology in Education in the New Millenium"

The Cyprus Computer Society and the Association of IT Professors organised a two-day conference on May 19th-20th, 2000, focusing on Information Technology in Education. The Conference was addressed by the Secretary of the Executive Council of the Cyprus Computer Society Mr. Panikos Masouras. The aim was to inform and update the academic participants on IT issues and international developments, as well as to encourage the exchange of experiences and communication of problems faced.

The Cyprus Telecommunications Authority ran its own pavillion at the Cyprus International State Fair held between May 26th and June 4th,2000 in Nicosia. There were special customer services and display of the Authority’s recently launched products such as SYMPHONY and the new CytaW@P service. The Authority also operated audio-visual entertainment providing visitors with the opportunity to experience simulated potential future developments.

An Information Day projecting the EUMEDIS program was held in Nicosia on May 22nd, 2000, under the directions of Dr.Stelios Himonas, manager at the Ministry of Communications and Works,a key person responsible for EUMEDIS in Cyprus. The Eumedis program was presented by Andrea Ricci, programme co-ordinator of the Information Society DG.

As part of its effort to contribute to the upgrading of productive activities in businesses, the Cyprus Productivity Centre organised a series of lectures and workshops for the Design and Application of Scada Systems, between May 8th and June 8th,2000.

The purpose of the course was the study and analysis of the context and information for specific applications of Scada, the diagnosis and definition of the required elements and equipment, as well as the familiarization of participants with programming related to the system.

Participants included engineers, production officials and maintenance staff, and was approved by the Authority for the Development of Human Capital of Cyprus (formerly known as the industrial Training Authority).

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.