Update November 2000: Cyprus

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.

1. IS National / Regional Strategies and Action Plans

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".

2. Interesting Actions / Initiatives

A total of 4 new promotional activities have been identified mainly in the form of educational and informative seminars and conferences. These included focus on the EUMEDIS program and further training organized provided by the Cyprus Productivity Centre, while one activity was organized by a private sector company.

In addition to the promotional activities identified between April 1999 and June 2000, and described in the 5 previous reports, some of the most interesting events identified between July and September 2000 are summarized below.

2.1 The Global Information society and Cyprus

A educational seminar was held on Wednesday September 20^th at the Forum Hotel in Nicosia. The seminar was addressed by a number of distinguished speakers, namely Mr. Tony Gilbert, International Business Expert, (IBM, Silicon Valley), Dr.Marios Dikaiakos (Professor, University of Cyprus), Dr.Soulla Louka, (Professor, Intercollege), Dr.Alexandros Michaelides (General Manager, Cyber-Group). The seminar focused on key areas such as

• latest global developments on Information Society Technologies
• EU efforts to reduce the informational and technological gap between European citizens
• the EUMEDIS initiative and the corresponding funding initiatives
• the possibility for funding of Cypriot businesses and organisations through the European Research and Technological Development programme, "Information Society Technologies"

2.2 EUMEDIS Information Day in Nicosia

A EUMEDIS information day was organised by the Research Promotion Foundation on July 20^th at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Nicosia. At the event. "expressions of interest" were presented from other countries for Cypriot participation in proposals which are currently being prepared in the context of the EUMEDIS programme. The application date for such proposals has been extended through to January 2001.

2.3 Introduction to the SCADA system : workshops and training

The Cyprus Productivity Centre has organised a series of lessons and workshops from September 11^th, 2000 to September 21^st, 2000 in Limassol, Cyprus. The main aim was the introduction and informing of participants regarding the technology of telemetry and telecontrol for automation purposes. The programme has been approved by the Authority for the Development of Human Capital.

2.4 SpiderTrade.com announces On-line Trading

In a press conference held on September 12^th,2000 spidertrade.com Ltd has announced its on line trading service. The company is part of SpiderNet services one of the five ISPs currently operating in Cyprus. The new service will enable on-line trading exchanges on the Cyprus Stock-Exchange during the time of trading.