Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. ICT - a core management issue Part 2 Managing ICT resources Produced in Collaboration between World Bank Institute and the Development Data Group (DECDG)

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. ICT for dissemination Modern technology has reduced the need for printing In addition to printed formats, CD-ROMS and Internet can be used Advantages of Internet publishing include: Speed Cost reduction Versatility and interactivity No limit to data and metadata Equal access for all Possibility to publish out-of-print editions Database searches are possible Flexible download formats 2

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. ICT for internal communication Intranet very useful tool for internal communication built from the same concepts and technologies used for the Internet provide a gateway to the Internet by means of a network gateway with a firewall deliver tools and applications, and for collaboration used as corporate culture-change platforms, enabling organization- wide discussions Extranets extend a private network onto the Internet with special provisions for access, authorization, and authentication 3

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. ICT for external communication and e- Government e-Government increasingly important: promoted by the United Nations is about providing information and knowledge to citizens Electronic dissemination of statistics is therefore part of e- Government is also about providing e-services to citizens and business Electronic data collection is therefore also part of e-Government Some countries have started collecting Census data electronically 4

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Custom-made or off-the-shelf Customized software development is risky Many customized software projects were never or only partially completed, or much later than planned, or over budget If an off-the-shelf product meets most of the requirements, buy it and drop additional requirements Avoid immature products Check experiences of other buyers of a product Check whether or not the product is compatible with existing IT Assess risks and price/performance issues 5

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Outsourcing Outsourcing: buying ITC products or services Proven technologies are available in the marketplace Standard products are less expensive Vendors have specialized skills The NSO can concentrate on its core mission Competition can bring innovation to bear Risks can be shared with a vendor Proprietary systems are only available from a vendor 6

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Relations with vendors NSOs can accomplish their missions by outsourcing Jeopardizing core functions or information confidentiality are risks Outsourcing risks can be shared with a vendor, along with the rewards Market analysis is needed to be sure the acquisition of the product is justified Care should be taken not to invent something that is much more cost-effectively available in the market Do not create a sub-optimal solution to a problem best left to the creativity and competition of the private sector Maintain a healthy relationship with a commercial supplier Managing outsourcing requires special expertise 7

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Sound ICT practices Conditions for sound ICT management include: Attention from top-level management Effective risk analysis Avoidance of untried technologies Preference for small projects End-user involvement Preparation of a detailed ITC project plan Three phases: 1.Selection phase 2.Controlling 3.Evaluation 8

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. ICT Project management Larger ICT projects demand special management Management elements: Investment management Information management IT architecture System development Information security 9

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. ICT Strategy Main pillars of an ICT strategy for NSOs should be: One common system with common standards across the NSO Common access throughout the organization to all data and metadata Data security: common access restricted in accordance with the rules on the protection of confidential data Common documentation: access to all common repositories of documentation Metadata must be accessible in direct conjunction with the data Common platforms and tools; a limited number of technological platforms Common methods for ICT projects and system development ICT training program to facilitate collaboration and rotation of staff 10

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Computer system security Risks include break-ins, causing disruption and possible corruption For NSOs electronic data collection involves risks Information security policy is needed to ensure: Integrity Confidentiality Availability of data and systems 11

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Security threats Viruses, worms and Trojans are malware Other malware includes adware and spyware Antivirus software can be used to fight malware Spam is unwanted and can be kept out through spam filters A firewall is designed to block unauthorized access to computer systems, in particular Intranets 12

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Free statistical software For general office use: Open Office, a suite compatible with Microsoft Office Free statistical packages include: CSPro CCOUNT ProtoGenie IMPS Stats and others ASYCUDA is software for international trade statistics 13

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Paperless office The concept of paperless office arose with the proliferation of the PC Improvements in printers and copiers have made it easier to reproduce documents in bulk Initially, the use of paper increased instead of decreased Over the last decade, the use of office paper has stabilized Many paper systems can be replaced by digital systems and Internet replaces reference books Paper can also be eliminated by automating paper-based processes that rely on forms; in the case of NSOs electronic data capture Special consideration must be given to electronic signature etc. Consideration must also be given to equal access; paper must be maintained when some participants cannot practically gain electronic access 14