ITA holds fifth board meeting

Several issues were discussed at this meeting including the review of the minutes of the last meeting and a summary of accomplishments during the year 2007. Current status and the progress of e-government projects were also presented for ongoing eOman initiatives. Proposals for private sector e-government initiatives from International companies were presented before the board for consideration and action.

As an important item in the agenda a resolution for adding 4,498 Microsoft desktop and server licenses, to the 22,500 desktop licenses which were utilized out of an earlier agreement with Microsoft in June 2006, was endorsed by the board. This brings the number public sector Microsoft licenses at an aggregate of 26,998.

This license requirement of was identified through a survey conducted by ITA in close cooperation with the IT departments of government entities. The survey resulted in calculating the accurate number of desktop, server and application licenses that were being used. This move encourages the adoption use of licensed software within government agencies and discourages the use of invalid/ pirated software in line the aim of protecting Intellectual Property Rights within the Sultanate. It also signifies the keen interest of Oman government in protecting Intellectual Property Rights up to global standards.

Availability of accurate data with regard to ICT usage within the public sector as compiled by the survey, will further improve the position of the Sultanate in the world ICT rankings. Further, this creates an encouraging investment environment for international and national companies to invest in ICT business venture within Oman. This will further strengthen the foundation of the knowledge-based economy of the Sultanate.