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WITSA Newsletter Volume 6 - February 28, 2003 For free subscription, email Anders Halvorsen Article suggestions are encouraged
WITSA ACTIVITIES:
WITSA Article on Digital Divide to be featured in "International Communications" WITSA recently submitted an article for publication in International Communications, an authoritative policy, strategy and reference publication for the global communications industry professionals. The article, which will be published in early August, 2003, demonstrates how WITSA is working within developing areas of the world, looking at skills shortage, educational programs, growth of Internet and information security and why these developments are of benefit to the developed areas of the world. The publication will be mirrored with a website which will be online the same day as distribution. It will also be linked to the WITSA web site at that time.
WITSA’s membership rose from 22 in 1998 to 49 currently. Of the 27 new economies joining the Alliance since 1998, 22 were from emerging economies. As a result of this transformation in membership, WITSA has increasingly assumed an active advocacy role in international public policy issues impacting the “Digital Divide”.
Kenya Featured in New Edition of WITSA's "Member In Focus" Web Column
CSK was formed in 1986 as “ Kenya Computer Institute” and renamed in 1991 to better reflect changing trends in the Industry. It is registered by the government of Kenya as a non-profit making Society to serve all Information Technology practitioners (professionals) all information technology service providers, academia, the larger ICT fraternity and Society in general.
To date it has registered over 3000 IT practitioners out of a total of 4500 (66%) over 500 IT Solution Providers out of a total of 900 (55%) and accredited over 600 academic institutions out of 1200 ((50%).
Through it’s various regular publications i.e. Kenya Email directory, guide to IT in Kenya, Computer age, Information Systems Management Journal, Computer Training News etc. It reaches the entire breadth of Kenya Information and Communication Technology (ICT) broad Spectrum.
World Congress 2004 Program Outline The main topics of WITSA's 2004 World Congress on IT (WCIT 2004) , which will take place in Athens on May 19 to 21 next year, include some of the most cutting edge issues in Information Technology, Telecommunications and e-Government, three areas which will be covered extensively in the Congress’ agenda. All the keynote speeches will be delivered by distinguished members of the ICT community, while many more will take part in panels and round table discussions.
There will be panels and sessions dealing with the “hot” topic of “How IT leads the way to big changes in our lives”, offering an in-depth look into the synergies between the two converging technologies of IT and Communications. Also, on how the governments around the world may best exploit the latest products and services (e-solutions), in order to offer better living standards to their citizens, in a world that is constantly changing, getting networked very fast.
The role of “IT as the locomotion of the world economy” will be the focal point of another round of sessions and speeches, where consulting firms, market research companies and distinguished analysts will examine the latest hot-topics and trends, while members of academia and researchers will offer their perspective on ICT evolution and the way it influences every aspect in all other sciences. Finally, the ICT industry will be examined vs. the human being in the context of its environment, exploring the possible ways to secure our future. For additional details please see the official WCIT2004 Web Site.
WITSA MEMBER ACTIVITIES:
AIIA elects new Board Chairman The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) on February 24, 2003, announced that the Board had unanimously elected John Price as Chairman of AIIA. Mr Price is a foundation member of AIIA having joined the NSW Committee in 1985. He is the longest serving Board Member, joining the AIIA Board in 1992.
As Chairman of the BITS incubator Item3 and Chair of the Canberra based IT storage company Intermine, Mr Price has a deep understanding of the issues faced by all members of the ICT industry. Mr Price replaces Phil Kerrigan, the outgoing Chief Executive of Fujitsu Australia.
With AIIA pursuing an ambitious program to develop the Australian ICT industry, Mr Price’s experience will be invaluable. As a member of AIIA’s Local Industry Action Group, he is keen to develop partnerships between local companies and multi-nationals. Mr Price also has significant focus on the issues surrounding education, training and skills development, another key element of AIIA’s program in 2003.
Australian Information Industry Association Announces New Contract Negotiation Guide The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) on February 20, 2003 announced its new Contract Negotiation Guide, which provides industry-specific information to ensure contractual frameworks for positive customer relationships. With the increasing complexity of relationships between suppliers and customers, and society’s increased tendency towards litigation, AIIA produced the Guide to satisfy industry's need for a practical and informative business tool to guide them through issues specific to ICT contracts. AIIA’s Contract Negotiation Guide provides practical, industry-specific business tools provided to members to reduce the rising and cost of business. Available free of charge to AIIA members, the Guide features; ·
Pre-Contract Issues; ·
Contractual Insurance Obligations; and Additional topics will be added and members can provide feedback on areas of interest and concern.
Australian Information Industry Association Launches RecycleIT! Program On November 15, 2002, AIIA and Resource NSW launched Recycle IT! a computer collection pilot. RecycleIT! is aimed at households and small businesses in the Western Sydney area and will continue until March 31, 2003. Residents who want to recycle an old computer or some other designated electronic items may take it to any one of the collection sites. Further information on RecycleIT! can be obtained from the: The purpose of the pilot is to:
New Zealand – ICT Task Force Report This Draft Report proposes a growth target for the New Zealand Information and Communications Technology industry of growing 100 new ICT companies, each earning over $100 million in sales per year, by 2012. This means that ICT will need to increase from contributing 4.3% of GDP to 10%, by 2012. The Taskforce believes this is achievable provided certain barriers to growth are overcome.
In a November 20, 2002 press release, the Information Technology Association of New Zealand (ITANZ) said ICT Task Force goals achievable. According to the press release, ITANZ believes the target of ICT contributing to 10 percent of GDP by 2012 is achievable, provided that tertiary institutions, research institutes and the Government commit to help achieving this goal.
FKII Hosts International Conference on IT Evaluation The International Conference on IT Evaluation will be held in Seoul, Korea on April 24, 2003. This conference is hosted by the Federation of Korean Information Industries (FKII), which is the official representative organization of 150 Korean IT companies including Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and Korea Telecom Inc. etc. One of the purposes of the conference is to bring together all of the current technology and software packages for IT evaluation and introduce them to CEOs and CIOs, who are seriously concerned with how to evaluate IT performances and investment decision makings. This conference will have over 20 speakers and is expected to attract approximately 500 companies as attendees. Speakers and attendees will identify key opportunities for advancement in IT evaluation methods, software packages, their application in industrial environment.
In this regard, companies are invited to participate in the conference as participants and speakers. From the viewpoint of providers, this conference will give participants an excellent chance of meeting with potential customers and introducing their products/services in depth. For further information, please contact Jong Nam An at FKII.
Hong Kong: HKITF to Support HUSITA7, August 25-28, 2003 On August 25-28, 2003, the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation (HKITF) will be a supporting organization for HUSITA7. HUSITA (Human Services Information Technology Applications ) is an international association of information technology innovators in human services (social services, health services, education etc) dedicated to promoting the use of IT to better serve humanity. HUSITA7, to be held in Hong Kong, on August 25-28, 2003, will be co-organized by HUSITA with the Hong Kong Council of Social Services (HKCSS). It will also be supported by the Information Technology Services Department (ITSD) of the HKSAR Government.
As stated by HKITF in a recent newsletter, to IT companies, the human services sector represents tremendous opportunities in Hong Kong, China and the rest of the Asia region. Cooperating with HKCSS, HKITF will conduct business matching activities for IT vendors and service providers in Hong Kong who have an interest to cooperate with overseas technology companies targeting the human services sector, and bring business opportunities to Hong Kong IT companies. For further information, please contact Rachel Wong at HKITF.
MALAYSIA: PIKOM Does Its Bit For Life The Association of the Computer And Multimedia Industry Malaysia (PIKOM) recently donated 2000 button badges to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Multimedia University Chapter's Blood donation campaign. The campaign was held from 18th February 2003 to 21 February 2003 and successfully collected 410 bags of blood. The sponsorship came as part of PIKOM's effort to help charitable organizations. Other than PIKOM, Shell Malaysia, IBS and Dutch Lady sponsored cash and kind to the same event.
INDIA: NASSCOM welcomes government’s ongoing support to the Indian Software and Service industry The National Association of Software and Services Companies' (NASSCOM), India’s apex industry association of IT Software and Service companies on February 28 welcomed the Union government’s support in the Union Budget 2003-04 by retaining the full tax exemption under Section 10 A/ 10 B to the industry as committed by the government and originally envisaged. In a press release, NASSCOM also stated its support for the government’s move to amend the clause in Section 10A/10B of the Income Tax Act which was holding back acquisitions and mergers. The retention of Section 10A/10 B was seen as a very positive step by the government which will help continue the growth momentum of the Indian IT and ITES industry. Overall the budget was deemed IT friendly, and the government was applauded for taking a "long term approach" to support the industry which has consistently contributed to the growth of the Indian economy.
NASSCOM welcomed the Indian government’s move to exclude excise duty on pre-loaded software which was said to have a positive impact on reducing software piracy in India. Pre-loaded software, which was bundled with hardware, was previously subject to excise duty and the doing away of the same was thought to encourage PC adoption in the country. This would also provide a major boost to usage of legal software and encourage Intellectual Property Rights.
At the broader level, NASSCOM welcomed the move towards computerization of the Indian Customs and Income Tax departments. This was seen as not only increasing efficiency and transparency, but also giving a boost to the domestic IT market and stimulating e-governance roll-out in the country. NASSCOM stated its belief that the positive initiatives taken by the Indian government is extremely significant in the context of the global economic scenario, which continues to be challenging. The removal of taxation will assist the industry especially SME’s in investing and expanding their base across new service lines and geographies.
INDIA: NASSCOM Announces 2003 Edition of India ICT Industry Study India's National Association of Software and Services Companies' (NASSCOM) annual ICT industry study, Strategic Review, analyses the performance of the sector across various market segments. As in the previous years, Strategic Review 2003, is focused on providing a macro and micro view of the ICT sector, juxtapositioning the developments taking place in the Indian market against the performance highlights of the global industry. Besides statistically evaluating the progress made by the ICT industry during the year, Strategic Review also makes key recommendations for the companies operating within this market and the country's central and state Governments. The idea is to create a strategic blueprint for the Indian IT software and services industry, which can help companies operating in this space to maximize growth. The Study also serves as a feedback mechanism for the Government, providing policy makers with an insight on the requirements of the high growth ICT market and the steps that can be taken to further catalyze its development. Strategic Review also focuses on the initiatives that NASSCOM has taken during the year to enable the ICT industry to move forward. Provided below are a list of the Chapters contained in Strategic Review 2003:
- Indian software and services exports - Indian domestic IT market - Indian ITES BPO market - Software products, embedded software and technology services - Country competitiveness - Emerging growth areas-technologies - Animation market - Internet and E-commerce - E-governance - Knowledge professionals - Venture capital and private funding - Indian telecom market - Quality picture - India's policy environment - Vision 2008 - Indian software services industry
BANGLADESH: BCS Reaches Memorandum of Understanding With Ocean Network Group of Japan An agreement has been reached between Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) and Ocean Network Group of Japan to work jointly in information and communication technology sector. Discussions and meetings were held on 24-25 December 2002 at BCS office. Mr. Norihiro Cassano, the President of Ocean Network led the Japanese team. Md Sabur Khan, President of BCS along with Executive Council members were present during discussions. Both teams have agreed to develop a strategic partnership in mutually beneficial areas. A Memorandum of Understanding was finalized and sent to Japan for legal review before signing.
The immediate and first cooperation would be to provide human resources support to Ocean Network. The Japanese firm will recruit ICT professionals from Bangladesh to work in Japan. BCS will manage the recruitment process including selection and legal formalities. Ocean Network is a fast growing Japanese IT company specialized in multimedia products, software development, web based B2B solutions, mobile application, games and camera based technology. It has large-scale operation in India and partnership agreements with Tata, Wipro and Infosys. The partnership agreement between BCS and Ocean Network will give encouragement to ICT professionals and boost to ICT sector. This will also create positive impression about Bangladesh ICT scenario.
Bangladesh: BCS Computer Show 2003 The 14th Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) show, 12th BCS computer show- a yearly occasion held by BCS took place at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center (BCFCC) on 12-18 January 2003. The show is one of the biggest computer shows in the field of computer hardware and software industry in Bangladesh. Where Technology Meets people- was selected for the computer show, with the goal of meeting the demands of the people from different walks of society. The BCS Computer Show-2003's presented Information and Communication Technology (ICT) from a different angle compared to previous years. The show was designed to encompass all the people of society, to demonstrate how applications of ICT can be used in every-day situations. As with the successful `BCS Computer Show 2002', this year's Show also attracted many ICT based enterprises from abroad. The European Union (EU) was also represented with a booth at the computer fair. It is a first time ever that the EU has been participating in any Bangladeshi fair. A representative team from the American-Bangladesh Chamber also attended. As in 2002, the organizing committee took the initiative to coordinate seminars following the fair that is intended to help the ICT sector in Bangladesh. Computer scientists, computer engineers and experts and ICT experts from various countries, Government and ICT industry executives took part in these seminars.
The 2003 Show was represented with booths from more than one hundred ICT companies (including computer hardware and software, and Internet service providers). This was, in fact, the first time in the history of BCS that all the booths were booked in first two hours after the request for such applications was announced.
ITAA Supports Australia Free Trade Agreement The Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), in comments submitted January 21 to the United States Trade Representative (USTR), gave its full support to pursuing a free trade agreement with Australia. The ITAA comments focused on the benefits of trade commitments in Computer and Related Services, Electronic Commerce, and Government Procurement. According to the ITAA submission, The Australian ICT market grew from $22.7 billion in 1993 to over $37.6 billion in 2001. The compound annual growth rate for that eight-year span is 6.5 percent. The Australian market ranks 10th after the United States, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, France, China, Italy, Canada and Brazil. Australia also ranks tenth globally in Internet purchases.
In a press release, ITAA Vice President for Global Affairs Allen Z. Miller emphasized that "an appropriate negotiating objective for the USTR is to achieve full market access and national treatment in all Computer and Related Services for Australia". ITAA urged the USTR to seek agreements on government procurement, market access, and combinations of current Computer and Related Services commitments (e.g. evolved Internet and web-based services). Through WITSA, ITAA works closely with the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA).
ITAA Says FCC Decision Kills Broadband Choice in the U.S. Responding to the February 20 vote by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to not require regional bell operating companies to offer broadband-enabling fiber-optic communications networks to competitive Internet service providers, the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) issued the following statement by ITAA President Harris Miller: "A competitive ISP market has helped transform the Internet into a powerful communications and technology tool for both individuals and organizations, stimulating small business development and benefiting the entire economy. The Commission today rejected preserving meaningful choices for ISPs among wholesale mass-market broadband telecommunications service providers, and thereby killed consumers' chances to continue to enjoy the significant benefits of today's competitive broadband information services market." " Today's FCC decision for broadband is likely to reduce the number of ISPs consumers can choose from by about 99%." Following is a brief summary of the key issues resolved in the February 20 decision:
ITAA Denies Need for Carrier Access Charges on Voice-over-Internet Services ITAA on January 24 said voice-over-Internet services are information-not telecommunications-services and should not be subject to carrier access charges. The Association said that Bell Operating Company (BOC) assertions to the contrary are "plainly incorrect." Moreover, ITAA noted that applying such charges would stifle Internet innovation, lead to Internet regulation, require significant government involvement in determining which types of voice-over-Internet services would be subject to access charges, and adversely impact U.S. international telecommunications policies.
ITAA expressed these views in comments filed yesterday before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC is currently considering whether the BOCs should be allowed to impose carrier access charges on AT&T's voice-over-Internet service. ITAA argued that the AT&T service is classified as an information service under current law and is, therefore, not subject to such charges. Even were the law to change, ITAA said AT&T would not be required to pay carrier access charges because the FCC itself has deferred voice-over-Internet service pricing issue decisions until "future proceedings." In voicing opposition, ITAA stated in a press release that "extending the carrier access charge regime to voice-over-Internet services would be a significant step towards regulation of the Internet. In the Telecommunications Act, Congress adopted as a national policy 'preserv[ing] the vibrant and competitive free market that presently exists for Internet and other interactive computer services, unfettered by Federal or State Regulation.' One of the most basic, and burdensome, forms of Federal common carrier regulation is the obligation to pay subsidy-laden carrier access charges..." The ITAA filing is available on the web.
Boost ICT Investment in Health Care, ITAC Says The Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) in a February 3 press release, stated its belief that information and communications technology (ICT) tools can contribute significantly to enhanced patient safety and security, as well as to improved efficiency and productivity in the health care sector. ITAC has called upon all governments to raise the rate of Canadian investment in ICT. Across Canada, only $2 to $3 billion is spent annually on information and communications technology. This represents less than 2 per cent of operating budgets in health care. Organizations in the United States commit six per cent of their operating budgets for health care on ICT and benefit from greater efficiencies.
ITAC is calling upon Canadian governments to match U.S. investment in information and communications technology by tripling their investment in ICT in the health sector, as well as providing ongoing change management support for users. In a white paper it released February 3, ITAC outlined the role that technology such as the Internet can play in reshaping health care delivery. The Internet can make patient records, test results and practice guidelines accessible from the examination room or the bedside. It can be used to modify home medical devices remotely. And it can be used to streamline administrative practice and reduce overhead.
Another key technology is electronic health records. The vision for electronic health records is to provide a collection of a patient's interactions with the health care system that would be secure, private and available to health care professionals on a need-to-know basis anywhere in the country. ITAC believes that the ICT industry can play a pivotal role in overcoming the challenges of EHRs in a timely fashion. It has called upon the Federal Government to ensure that pan-Canadian implementation of EHRs is supported by a secure national infrastructure and national standards, interoperable among all provinces.
ITAC Believes Information and Communications Technology Is Key to Achieving Climate Change Targets According
to the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC),
Information and communications technology will play an important role in
achieving the targets outlined in the Canadian Federal Government's
"Climate Change Plan for Canada". In a position
paper on climate change released
January 8, ITAC stated it believes that preserving our environment and our
planet is a moral obligation that must be fulfilled. The statement
recognizes that this obligation presents challenges and changes in the way
people live and work - but that the IT industry has been an ally in overcoming
challenges and fostering innovation for over half a century. The paper outlines an array of mature and emerging information and communications technologies that will help Canada achieve its climate change goals. For example, teleconferencing and video-conferencing can measurably reduce the harmful emissions generated by traveling to attend meetings face to face. It's estimated that six people traveling 300 km. by car to attend a meeting produce emissions that it would take over a million mature trees to clear. The teleconference alternative clearly eliminates that impact. Electronic commerce, too, is a tool for environmental stewardship. Amazon, the largest e-business retailer, estimates that the energy costs for 100 classic bricks and mortar transactions is about $0.44 (U.S.). The electronic commerce alternative, even calculating the impact of product delivery, is $0.03 per 100 transactions.
Intelligent systems are being deployed throughout our environment in everything from smart buildings to roadways. The smart components in traffic management systems, for example, improve traffic flow and reduce emissions by expediting traffic, reducing idling times and the overall time of travel. Similarly, wireless technologies such as global positioning systems can relay information to the dashboard of vehicles giving drivers data on the most expedient routes to follow to reduce travel times and emissions.
CESSI Participation in Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Conference of the WSIS Argentinean WITSA member CESSI (Cámara de Empresas de Software y Servicios Informáticos) Participated in the January 29-31, 2003 Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Conference of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). CESSI Chairman and WITSA Vice Chairman for Latin-America, Dr. Jorge A. Cassino, represented the Argentinean IT industry at the WSIS event, which took place in Bávaro, Dominican Republic.
Regional preparatory conferences are taking place in each of the regions of the world, providing input to the December 10-12, 2003 first World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva, Switzerland. The regional conferences assess the key challenges, opportunities and constraints stemming from the information society, develop a common vision and understanding for the region and prepare a plan to address the key issues and solve the problems identified.
Argentina participated actively in the regional conference, including in the Bávaro Declaration drafting committee as well as in the plenary sessions that dealt with the main conference subjects: Transition towards the Information Society, Human Capital, Financing and Regulatory Framework. The text of the final Declaration for the Regional Conference can be found here.
New Argentinean laws for the Production of Software Argentina's House of Representatives recently approved a new law that establishes that the production of software must be considered as an industrial activity, with all the effects that it brings about. On the other hand, Argentina's Senate approved a new project that classifies the hardware and software industry as a strategic activity for the national development. Thirdly, along with other private sector groups, CESSI was an active participant in the government-industry task force that laid the foundation of the draft Law for the Promotion of Software (which still needs to be approved by both chambers of the legislature). CESSI contact: Executive Director Silvia Bidart.
U.K.: Healthcare Council to drive Intellect policy and communications Intellect, the UK association for the IT, telecommunication and electronics industries has held the inaugural meeting of its Healthcare Council. The Council is a representative group of member companies that will work on developing and co-ordinating Intellect healthcare policy and communications. The Council will bring focus to the work of the Healthcare Interest Group which will continue to provide a platform for key speakers and encourage debate among the wider Intellect membership. Intellect has also been asked by Richard Granger, Director General of NHS IT to build a fully representative Supplier Consultation Group (SCG) which will include representatives from all NHS IT supplier bodies. The Council will help to provide Intellect contribution to the SCG agenda and seek to work directly with the National Programme Office on specific issues of concern for Intellect members. More on Intellect's Healthcare programme
ICT-Norway Voices Concern over Digital Copyright Fees These days, the Copyright Directive (2001/29/EC) is implemented in EU Member States. The Directive calls for so called "fair compensation" to the ownership of intellectual property, as a compensation for private (non-commercial) copying of digital works. The music lobby in Norway and many other EU countries are now seeking levies on products such as PCs, multimedia storage cards, CR-R, MP3 players, cellular phones, etc. In a February 13, 2003 article by ICT-Norway, the WITSA member association representing the IT industry in Norway, argues that very much the wrong approach.
ICT-Norway claims that the music industry has not been willing to invest in technology that could have solved problems with illegal copying of protected works. This technology exists today, and the Norwegian company "BeepScience" is one of the world leaders in this field. The music industry is eager to protest billions in lost revenue from illegally copied music and movies. However, ICT-Norway notes that there were more music CDs sold in Norway in 2002 than over the previous year. The article also disputes many of the studies "demonstrating" huge losses for the music industry, calling them, at best, statistically flawed.
ICT-Norway notes that the EU has started to experience some of the side effects of and increased resistance against the application of copyright duties on IT products. The EU fears, among other things that: :
Norwegian authorities have not yet presented its plans for implementing the Directive, through the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement. However, ICT-Norway is hopeful attempts to apply copyright fees on IT products will continue to be resisted. Anything else would impede technological innovation and unfairly hurt low-income consumers by making IT products more expensive to buy. Rather than resisting the digitization of music products, business should welcome it as a challenge and a great opportunity earn profits through new business models. For more information about the article and ICT-Norway's work on digital rights management, contact General Secretary Per Morten Hoff .
Swedish IT Association in New Headquarters The Association of the Swedish IT and Telecom Industry (IT-Företagen) will be moving into new offices on March 3, 2003. The new address will be as follows:
Blasieholmsgatan 5 Box 16105, 103 22 Stockholm Sweden Tel. +46 (0)8-762 70 50
E-mail addresses and URL will remain unchanged. Due to the office move, the Association will not be reachable on February 28 and March 3.
LITHUANIA: INFOBALT To Co-Host World IT Forum The first World IT Forum (WITFOR) will take place in Vilnius, Lithuania, 27-29 August 2003. The Government of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Computer Society (LIKS) and the Association of the information technology, telecommunications and office equipment companies of Lithuania - INFOBALT - (143 Lithuanian ICT companies and organizations) will host the conference as the main organizers. WITFOR focuses on the ICT-equity agenda and aims at assisting developing nations to implement sustainable strategies for the application of ICT by organizing state-of-the-art conferences on global trends in information and communications technology in developing countries and by initiating projects in different areas of the ICT spectrum. WITFOR will be organized every other year in co-operation with The International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) member societies and local governments in developing countries.
BULGARIA: BAIT To Coordinate Bulgarian Cybercrime Center A computer center for training Bulgarian judicial system representatives on topics related to cyber crimes was opened on January 28 in the National Investigation Service. The project was launched by the American Bar Association / Central European and Eurasian Law Initiative, Criminal Law Reform Program (ABA-CEELI); the Bulgarian Association of Information Technologies (BAIT); and the Chamber of Investigators in Bulgaria. The project envisions training and improving the qualification of the personnel of the judicial system in the country by covering topics, related to the computer crimes in Bulgaria, as well as with the ways for its investigation and prevention.
According
to a BAIT press
release, the opening of the first computer center of its kind in Bulgaria
demonstrates the policy of consent, which the non-government organizations
wish to be established among all institutions of the justice system, when
questions of major importance to society are concerned. The deputy-director of
the National Investigation Service -Roumen Georgiev-, the Chairman of BAIT -Miltcho
Borov-, Members of the Board of BAIT, the Liaison of ABA/CELLI -Robert Lochary-,
the Staff Attorney at ABA/CELLI -Albena Panainte-, experts from NIS, and
consultants in the area of cyber crimes were at the official opening of the
center.
The National Investigation Service provided the other equipment and the software, and committed a hall for training purposes. NIS will also organize the courses for the magistrates from the investigation. BAIT took the responsibility to provide lecturers, who will train the trainers at the first stage of the project. BAIT will develop a basic course for computer literacy for the interested representatives of the judicial system. Experts will introduce the specialists in cyber-space crimes with the basic technical terminology, going along investigations of such type. At a later stage, foreign experts will be appointed to educate Bulgarian lawyers on cybercrime-related issues .
WITSA Associations Partners in EU Information Society Initiative ISIS (Information Society Initiative in South Eastern Europe) is a project supported by the European Commission Information Society Directorate General. ISIS is aiming at promoting the Information Society in South Eastern Europe. Introducing the SMEs of South Eastern Europe to the Information Society Technologies (IST) practices and offering them the possibility to compete on a worldwide basis, overcoming regional disadvantages and avoiding the risk of being excluded from the electronic marketplace is the major priority of ISIS. To achieve this goal, ISIS will implement several measures (workshops, studies, build-up a repository, etc). Two WITSA member associations are main partners of the project, playing a key part in the development of the Information Society in the region:
ISIS’ ambition is to enhance its services and offer them to the wider business and research community in South Eastern Europe and not only to its partners. The ISIS brochure further explains the objectives of the project. On the web site you would find more about the ways ISIS could help you in identifying opportunities for co-operation in the Information Society issues. For further information, contact BAIT Executive Director Marieta Popova.
JORDAN: int@j Helps Facilitate Jordan-Swiss IT Partnership The official launch of the Swiss-Jordanian Business-to-Business platform "Trado" took place on February 2 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, under the Patronage of His Excellency Dr. Fawaz Zu’bi, and attended by the Swiss Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Rolf Boden Mueller. As stated in a press release, this official launch followed an initial 'pre-launch' of the portal in October 4th, 2002, during His Majesty King Abdullah’s visit to Bern.
This platform has joined four parties and is an illustration of the strong Private-Public partnership in Jordan, as well as in Switzerland. The Information Technology Association of Jordan (int@j), and it’s counterpart the Swiss Interactive Media and Software Association (SIMSA) have joined hands with the government bodies namely The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MoICT), the Swiss Import Promotion Program (SIPPO), and the Swiss State Secretary of Economic Affairs (SECO) to create this unique partnership between the two countries.
The Trado platform aims to foster trade in the IT sector between Jordan and Switzerland, by giving both markets the opportunity to interact and meet via the portal to develop business and investment potentials. The Trado platform is a website that serves as an electronic matchmaker between Jordanian and Swiss companies. With this electronic support, the path is paved for business contacts between the two countries. Two sections are available on the site. The ‘offer’ section is where each company that registers online posts information about its business, products and services and make it available to other IT professionals to view. In the ‘demand’ section, companies post their requests, and inform Trado members the IT services or software they need.
PITA participates in Jeddah Economic Forum A delegation from the Palestinian Information Technology Association (PITA) consisting of Dr. Mashhour Abudaka, PITA Executive Manager, Mr. Omar Sahili, DAI / IT sector Manager, and Mr. Kamel Husseini, G.M. of Ellam Tam PR & Media Company, attended the Jeddah Economic Forum which was held from 18 to 20 Jan 2003. As described in the January-February PITA Newsletter, the Forum is annually organized by the Jeddah Marketing Board. The delegation met with members of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce to discuss future links. The Palestinian Delegation also met with Comdex Management and several other Saudi officials, and organizations as part of a Mission that aimed to significantly contribute to and support the overall marketing and market penetration strategies of the Palestinian IT Association as well as the Palestine Trade Center (Paltrade). More specifically, this study visit aimed to;
1) Network with related Saudi trade organizations, and key decision makers in order to build strong allies; (2) Better prepare for a trade mission to Saudi Arabia in April in cooperation with Paltrade; (3) Effective planning for Comdex Jeddah exhibition and provide relevant recommendations
Based on the recommendations of the delegation; PITA and Paltrade are preparing for a trade mission parallel to Comdex Jeddah 2003, in which most of the Palestinian Economic Sectors will be represented.
Palestinian Computer Professionals Host Free Software Expert in Ramallah The Palestinian IT Association of Companies (PITA) on January 14, 2003 hosted a surprise visit from the globally renowned advocate for free software and founder of the free software movement, Richard Stallman. A packed room of Palestinian computer professionals from Ramallah turned out at a short 12-hour notice to listen and discuss the issue of free software and the global movement to cooperate in developing software. The first Palestinian software professional to greet Mr. Stallman upon his arrival at PITA headquarters was Mr. Jack Rabah who surprised Mr. Stallman by presenting him a textbook for his signature. The textbook, which Mr. Rabah had used while in school, was authored many years ago by Dr. Stallman.
Richard Stallman, a 1974 Harvard graduate in physics, is the founder of the Gnu Project, launched in 1984 to develop the free operating system GNU (an acronym for ``GNU's Not Unix''), and thereby, as Dr. Stallman stated, “give computer users the freedom that most of them have lost. GNU is free software: everyone is free to copy it and redistribute it, as well as to make changes either large or small.” Today, Linux-based variants of the GNU system, based on the kernel Linux developed by Linus Torvalds, are in widespread use. There are estimated to be some 20 million users of GNU/Linux systems today. The Palestine IT Association of Companies is a trade association of 65 Palestinian IT firms and is one of the most active and vocal players in the Palestinian economy advocating proper legislation to promote the IT industry and promoting widespread use of modern technology to build the State of Palestine and to compete internationally.
PUBLIC
POLICY NEWS:
NGO Registration for Fifth WTO Ministerial Conference WTO Members on February 10, 2003 agreed on registration procedures for applications from NGOs wishing to attend the WTO's Fifth Ministerial Conference. Applications will be accepted from NGOs on the basis of Article V, paragraph 2 of the WTO Agreement, i.e. such NGOs “concerned with matters related to those of the WTO”. As referenced in the press release:
International IT Award Now Open for Project Submission - Join the Stockholm Challenge Award 2003-2004 The Stockholm Challenge offers an opportunity to join a global network of IT experts, entrepreneurs and enthusiast, working in the field of user-oriented and driven development of IT applications. The online entry form is open for submission until November 1, 2003. The finalists will be announced on February 2, 2004, and the final event is planned to take place in Stockholm in May 2004, once again gathering some of the worlds best IT entrepreneurs and expertise for a great networking experience, crowned by the Prize-Giving Ceremony in the Stockholm City Hall. The days include seminars, Best Practice exhibition and other activities that support sharing of knowledge and experience.
Projects compete in six categories, in areas where information technology has great influence on people's lives; e-Government, Culture, Health, Education, e-Business and Environment. The jury evaluates the projects on the basis of four basic criteria: Innovation, User Need, Transferability and Accessibility. Every project is also evaluated in relation to its own economic, social and cultural context, and its potential to improve the society in which it operates. This enables projects from both developed and developing countries, with different economic circumstances, to compete on equal terms, regardless of financial situation or other resources. For more information, please contact Maria Hinas, Information Manager, The Stockholm Challenge: Tel: +46-70-47 28 068 and e-mail: maria.hinas@challenge.stockholm.se; or visit www.challenge.stockholm.se.
Beijing Issues Draft Plan for 2008 Digital Olympics & Seek Public Comment In accordance with issuing arrangement concerning Special Programme for Action Plan for Beijing (draft for seeking public comments) and the 29th Olympic Organizing Committee, a Special Programme for Construction of Digital Olympics (draft for soliciting public comments) has been issued with the Chinese and English versions available through Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee's Website. Companies and individuals are welcome to send in comments and suggestions in written form to Beijing Municipal Office of Informatization by mail, fax, and e-mail. Following is the detailed contact information:
Advice and suggestions should be sent to Beijing Municipal Government Commission for science & Technology Development & planning Department ( the Office of High-Tech Olympics of Beijing Municipal Government Commission for science & Technology) at the following address. For those who choose to send in your comments by mail or fax, please write "For High-Tech Olympics " on your envelope or fax:
Mailing
Address: #102 N. BLD No.16 S.St. Xizhimen, Comments and proposals is also possible over the hotline of the Office of High-Tech Olympics of Beijing Municipal Government Commission for science & Technology (daytime Mon.-Fri.): +(86)(10)66189235
EUROPE
EU's Approach to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) The Summit's aim is "to develop a common vision and understanding of the Information Society and to draw up a strategic plan of action for concerted development towards realizing this vision". It is to be held in two phases: the first in Geneva, 10-12 December 2003 hosted by the Swiss government, and the second in Tunisia in 2005. By many, it is referenced as the single, most important political event in this area since the term Information Society was coined.
The Information Society is at the core of the European Union policies. This emphasis has been given concrete shape by the e-Europe initiative and the associated plans which were adopted at the level of heads of state or government. Furthermore, the eEurope 2002 plan became a pillar of the EU’s Lisbon agenda which aims to make the EU the world’s most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy. More recently, the European Council of Seville endorsed an eEurope action plan for 2005. As Information Society policies are becoming part and parcel of the objectives of the European Union, they tend to be integrated in all the external policy aspects (dialogues, agreements, trade negotiations, scientific relations, economic co-operation and development aid) and initiate new debates on emerging global issues resulting from the networked economy.
This section on the World Summit on the Information Society gives an overview of the European Union and European Commission’s contribution to the Summit and its preparatory process. For more general information, please refer to the official ITU WSIS website.
Commission Urges Europe to move to Broadband European Commission Communication IP/03/219 of February 12, 2003, states that the European Union must accelerate the changeover to broadband services and third generation mobile communications, according to a new European Commission Communication on the state of the electronic communications sector. The report identifies broadband and "3G" as the main drivers of the sector. The economic and social benefits they bring make it more urgent than ever that the availability and use of these technologies be improved. Erkki Liikanen, European Commissioner Enterprise and Information Society, in a February 12, 2003 press release said the Commission invited all Member States to commit themselves to a comprehensive broadband strategy by the end of 2003. In addition, by 2005 all public administrations should be connected to broadband. And by 2005, the ultimate aim should be that half of all internet connections in Europe are broadband connections. According to Liikanen, to achieve that, Member States need to implement the new regulatory framework for electronic communications by this summer to ensure a stable and predictable environment for investment. New and attractive content and applications, such as e-Government services, should stimulate investment in new networks. Through an emphasis on research we should ensure the long-term innovative capability of the sector."
EU Position on The WTO/GATS 2000 Services Negotiations on Telecommunications and E-Commerce As stated by the Information Society Directorate-General of the European Commission For electronic communications services, the EU position is based on the new EU package of electronic communications services legislation; see the new framework for electronic communications in the European Union. Following the presentation of requests during 2002, offers will be tabled during this spring/summer by all negotiating partners.
For the EU, the offer will take as basis the current commitments made during the negotiations on "basic telecommunications services" during 1994-1997. These negotiations resulted in a comprehensive set of commitments (see www.wto.org). The specific telecommunications annex of the GATS is also an important background text in this context (see http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/serv_e/gatsintr_e.htm ). See also information about the GATS 2000 negotiations on http://europa.eu.int/comm/trade/services/index_en.htm
ASIA, AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
ASOCIO Activities & Coming Events 1. Officers Meeting, , Kathmandu, Nepal, 7 - 8 June 2003 The Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO), the group of computing industry associations from the Asian-Oceanian region, will hold its 2003 mid-year regional industry heads meeting 2,175 meter above sea level at Hotel Club Himalaya, Nagarkot, one of Nepal’s renown resorts located at Himalayan. Tentative Programs include, local IT showcases, study visits to companies and academies, discussion with government officials and a courtesy visit to PM of Nepal, and more. Major issues concerning to the industry’s development will be reviewed and host for WCIT2008 and GA2004 will be decided. Officers and Executives are particularly advised to attend. Non-officers are also welcome to participate in the business visits and meetings. Programs will be made available soon.
2. 21st General Assembly & Symposium, Hanoi Vietnam, 27-30 November 2003 Vietnam Software Association, VINASA who joined ASOCIO in 2001 has been awarded the host of 21st General Assembly & Symposium. Following a series of successful events played host by other ASOCIO members, VINASA is determined to bring ASOCIO event to another peak. IT Awards will be organized, 2nd Chiang Mai Dialogue together with Conference, Exhibitions, Officers Meeting and General Assembly will take place from 27-30 November.
IT Industry Outlook of Korea 2003 Please see the 2003 edition of "IT Industry Outlook of Korea", as provided by WITSA Member Federation of Korean Information Industries (FKII). The report is an annual publication by the Korea Information Society Development Institute (KISDI). As the second such report produced, KISDI has provided greater content and improved layout of the report this year to offer a more objective and insightful look into the Korean IT industry. The report aims to promote Korea's IT industry, domestically and abroad, in order to contribute to a better understanding of the industry and to serve as a reference guide for the development of the IT industry.
It is already well-known that the IT industry is the heart of the knowledge-based industry in Korea. It is also one of the most dynamic industries, driving Korea's economic growth and exports. Korea's IT industry has performed remarkably well and is the envy and model for many countries. In this report, KISDI studied the importance of the IT industry in the Korean economy. The scope of the report's assessments goes beyond merely looking at the industry; it also encompasses factors important to its development including human resources, technology development, and start-up activities. The report also compares the Korean IT industry with those of other countries to ascertain its relative level of development.
**************************************************************** Anders Halvorsen, Sr. Program Manager World Information Technology and Services Alliance, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1100 Arlington, VA 22209; (Tel) +1 703-284-5333; (Fax) +1 617 687-6590 ahalvorsen@itaa.org; http://www.witsa.org **************************************************************** The World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) consists of 49 national information industry representative bodies from around the world. Its role is to develop public policy positions on issues of concern to the information industry and present these positions to governments and international organizations. For more information on WITSA and its members, please go to http://www.witsa.org
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