-- a Commonwealth Perspective

Proposed Infrastructure Services Model

The delegates were presented with a proposed model that could be used to define a common approach to the development of needed infrastructure services. This was a model developed by the Government of Canada which provided a foundation for the development of a government-wide infrastructure for ICT services. The model, shown in the accompanying diagram, is primarily service-based as opposed to technology-based. It is composed of five interconnected layers that are supported by and dependant upon the lower layers. Starting with the lower layers, the model consists of:

• Basic Transport Services that enable the transfer (or transport) of information through basic conduits or links;

• Network Services that enable a "client" or "server", to connect through Basic Transport Services to other clients or servers within and across network domains as well as enabling value-added messaging, conferencing or broadcasting services;

• Distributed Computing Services that provide a unified and interoperable workstation and computing environment integrating applications, information and computing tools;

• Application and Information Services that provide and integrate services for common support applications and agency and government-wide information services; and

• Program Delivery Services that provide agencies or departments or enterprises with common delivery vehicles for the provision of program-related services to users.

The model recognizes the many external requirements and inputs which influence the delivery of these services, including;

• Business drivers such as the requirement for current statistical information or trade opportunities;

• Architecture, technology & standards which exist in the country itself and on which the entire system of services must depend;

• Clients and the public who reflect the eventual users of the services; and

• Suppliers and the private sector who will provide the facilities to deliver the services.

By following the step-by-step analysis proposed in the model, national programs to support the application of ICT can be developed to fit the current and particular circumstances of the country concerned. Use of the model can improve the quality of the dialogue among agencies within governments and with the private sector by applying common terminology. The application of a "building block" approach provides countries with the opportunity to define their relevant and current needs in infrastructure services if they are to achieve the maximum benefit from the application of ICT. It also clearly differentiates between the content and the media or carriage.

Infrastructure Services Model

Business Drivers

Programme Delivery

Call Centres, Tele-centres, Kiosks, etc.

Application and Information Services

e-mail, e-forms, etc

Distributed Computing

Shared client servers, databases, etc.

Network Services

X-400, teleconferencing, etc

Basic Transport Service

Digital services, ATM. etc

Architecture

Technology

Standards