Microsoft technologies power newly launched Kuwait government online portal

Since the project commenced, Microsoft has worked closely with the Kuwait Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) and is in line with the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) signed with the Kuwait Government in April 2007.

Under this agreement Microsoft invested in providing consultancy in the following areas; Connected Government Framework to build seamless integrated Government E-services, Government E-service Integration Standards, Best Practices, Government E-Services Architecture and Digital Literacy Curriculum.

Phase I of the KGO Portal project, which is implemented by Diyar United Trading Company (DUC) & Contracting Company (Microsoft Gold Partner), is achieving Interaction Stage of the E-service Maturity Model and provides a single point of access where citizens, residents, visitors and businesses can access information and services from multiple government agencies without requiring knowledge of the individual websites of each agency.

The consolidation/aggregation of information and services into a single government portal provides transparency as the government will be able to publish accessible information to all portal users.

In addition the portal will enable KGO users to access Microsoft's Digital Literacy On-Line Curriculum that help citizens develop a fundamental understanding of computer technology and learn the essential skills that enable them to create documents, communicate via e-mail, browse the World Wide Web and use a computer safely and responsibly.

This is part of the National IT Literacy Project launched by CAIT aiming at achieving IT Awareness and National Capacity Building in the field of Information Technology for the citizens and employees in public sector.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Ali Al Shuraidah, Director General of the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT), Kuwait, said, "Kuwait Government has always valued partnerships with the private sector and NGOs as a key requirement for sustainable development and an effective ICT initiatives implementation.

Leveraging the local private sector capabilities with cutting-edge technology provided by Microsoft and other Multi-Nationals Corporations is an essential investment in Kuwait's future and part of Kuwaiti goals to connect our people to technologies. KGO Phase-1 is first step in this direction"

Ramez Dandan, Country Manager, Microsoft Kuwait said, "We live in an age where technology is providing people with powerful tools for creating new social and economic opportunities. Governments today are being challenged to provide more online services and transactions.

Under the strategic partnership agreement (SPA), we work in partnership with the Kuwait government to ensure that products meet their immediate and longer term needs and to help accelerate the development of a knowledge-based society by focusing on education, fostering innovation and creating jobs. Microsoft is pleased to work with the Kuwait government as we have a shared vision of accelerating the country's ICT strategy, thus empowering citizens and enhancing government efficiencies."