COMNET-IT '95

WORKSHOP REPORT CHAPTER 9

Contributions by COMNET-IT

 

9.0 Introduction

9.1 Good Practice

9.2 Directories and Opportunities

9.3 Portfolio of Applications

9.4 Procurement Procedures and Processes

9.5 Comparative Pricing Information.

9.0 Introduction

The launching of COMNET-IT was regarded as a significant event in assisting Commonwealth countries to face the challenges of the emerging IT world. At the highest level, COMNET-IT can provide links to senior level of Commonwealth governments including members of CAPAM and even the CHOGM.

A number of general ideas were suggested which might be studied by COMNET-IT. Some of these could be initiatives undertaken by COMNET-IT within its mandate. For others, COMNET-IT might make enquiries as to where appropriate information might be obtained and direct Member countries to that source. Needs identified were:

Comparative studies of computer network developments in Commonwealth countries;

The establishment of a network of trained professionals and educators, to assist in information sharing and in the exchange of experiences in Commonwealth countries, both South-South and North-South;

This electronic network could be supplemented by newsletter about IT, its impacts and developments (e.g. further development of the newsletter "Information Technology in Developing Countries");

Provision of links to institutions capable of monitoring and analysing technological trends and their likely impacts. From these sources, to provide an information service on technology trends and to estimate the likely demand for IT and related factors.

Specific actions for COMNET-IT to undertake are contained in the Recommendations in Chapter 10. They cover the following topics:

9.1 Good Practice

The collection, documentation and distribution of "Good practices" was considered an important function of COMNET-IT. This might include "good practice" manuals on particular topics which could be developed as guidelines and disseminated electronically.. The ITD Journal may be another vehicle for sharing Good Practice information.

It was concluded that:

Some excellent publications are available where countries have addressed key issues already and this work could be shared across co-operating countries to provide a comparative analysis. (e.g. Australia, Canada, USA and GB covering issues from Performance Measurement to Market Testing of IS services).

It would be helpful, for example, if COMNET-IT were to collect and distribute a catalogue of such works and provide details of how to obtain copies.

9.2 Directories and Opportunities

It was suggested that COMNET-IT could either develop or identify sources of

IT Policy -makers and key service agents;

technology opportunities;

curriculum data bank on IT courses that have been carefully evaluated for excellence

9.3 Portfolio of Applications

Participants noted that much effort and money is expended by Member countries in "re-inventing the wheel" - in solving problems which had already been solved by others. It was suggested that COMNET-IT provide information and advice on successful applications. In addition

It was concluded that:

COMNET-IT and ComSec might consider organising a conference on advances in information and communication technologies and their current and projected applications. This might also include a discussion of new technologies and services such as LEOs, ISDN and Voice Recognition. Other conference topics suggested were the impact of advances in communication technology on the economies of Commonwealth countries and a conference on utilising the Internet in Public Administration.

9.4 Procurement Procedures and Processes

It was concluded that

Public-Procurement processes are typically disproportionately long, due to, amongst other things, the need for researching the particular domain, drawing up elaborate specifications for invitations to tender and laborious adjudication. Most countries are involved in broadly similar acquisitions, where Technical specifications (in the case of hardware) and high level functionality (in the case of applications) are likely to be very similar.

9.5 Comparative Pricing Information

It was concluded that

The availability of pricing information is one of the challenges member countries face when evaluating options for technology procurement. Several countries have developed mechanisms for providing such information to purchasing agents.