Into the crystal ball
Jonathan Murray, VP public sector, WW Technology Office, Microsoft
Technology plays a central role in modern society and impacts on almost every aspect of our daily lives. It has transformed the way we do things and continues to challenge our conventions. But technology is still young in its development and there is still much room for growth. When one places the current capability of technologies in the context of its rapid improvements, the possibilities for the future look overwhelming.
Jonathan Murray, vice president of public sector for the WW Technology Office at Microsoft presented a talk at SITA's GovTech 2009 conference that focused on technology innovation and the changes it is bringing.
Click here to read more
Convergence in a customer-centric era
Godfrey Ntoele, group executive, NSMO division, Telkom SA
South Africa's incumbent network operator, Telkom, is in the midst of a transformation being driven by a global expansion strategy and the demands of converging connectivity technologies.
Godfrey Ntoele, group executive of the NSMO division at Telkom SA describes Telkom's transformation as "a renaissance".
"A rebirth of sorts is going on and a strategy leads the structure," he said, speaking at SITA's GovTech 2009 conference yesterday. "Telkom is refocusing to maintain its leadership position in South Africa, while growing a strong footprint on the continent," he added.
Click here to read more
Government steps
up to the plate		 Building smart communities
New challenges have emerged from the current global economy that face all global markets. In meeting the challenges, preparing for the future and ensuring that countries survive the issues, governments are once again playing a vital role in regulating and implementing changes that prepare their constituencies for the future. Technology also plays an important role in meeting the challenges. This is according to Antoine Brugidou, senior executive for management consulting in Europe, Africa and Latin America at Accenture.
 Click here to read more		 Reaching deep into Africa, Cisco believes it has a connectivity and services model that will connect communities of skills around the world, while uplifting the villages in which they operate.
Jim Wynn, public sector director, Internet Business Solutions Group at Cisco, believes that smart and connected communities across Africa will help bridge the digital divide and provide citizens with the tools they require for basic services, such as healthcare, education and business opportunities.
Click here to read more
From citizen-centric to inclusive e-Government Seven security threats governments face
Trust, transparency, active participation and real value-add through citizen-centric services are just some of the attributes governments need to possess to drive true service delivery through the value chain.
In one of the breakout sessions at SITA's GovTech 2009 conference, professor Michael Blakemore from ECOTEC Research and Consulting UK, highlighted the fact that citizen-centric governments can deliver cost-effective, personalised and relevant e-services that simultaneously enhance the democratic dialogue.
 Click here to read more		 One of the most notable keynotes delivered on Tuesday at SITA GovTech 2009, was that of Dan Lohrmann, chief technology officer and director of Infrastructure Services, Michigan Department of Information Technology, which focused on securing government in a digital world. Globally, cyber security threats have risen sharply over the past few years, with recent local headlines, such as Symantec's concern about the expected increase of cybercrime during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ dominating the news. Moreover, a recent online security web site reported that cyber crooks stung the South African government for 13 million pounds.
 Click here to read more

WHAT THEY SAID

Ms Fridah Makuya, Department of Defense: “The Minister eloquently highlighted SITA’s successes and inroads made in improving service delivery through ICTs and through bodies such as the GITOC. I think his speech was excellent. I’m looking forward to more conference sessions, and hopefully to be part of a group of individuals who will assist in positively changing the ICT landscape for citizens of our country.”

Thoko Mnyango, GijimaAST: “We have held the diamond sponsorship status for the past four GovTech events due to our innate belief in what it stands for. In creating a platform for industry role players to converge, exchange ideas, and share expertise, GovTech has cemented its importance as the leading annual event for decision-makers in both the private and public sectors.”

 

TODAY'S KEYNOTES
 
The supplier-CIO relationship: Why it's so tough from both sides
Ken Jarvis, CEO, Jika Africa
The Real Value of Open Source within Government IT Systems
John Weathersby, Executive Director, Open Source Software Institute (US)
GamePlan 2010
Gary Bailey, ex-Manchester United, England goalkeeper and former World Cup ambassador
The Technology behind the 2010 Soccer WorldCup
Phumlani Moholi, Chief IT & Telecoms Officer, 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa
 

WHAT THEY SAID

Nivar Gayapershad, Neotel: “GovTech 2009 has once again provided the industry with ideas regarding government’s needs and requirements. The conference has enabled us to interact with customers, network, build relationships and ensure that we are not left behind in terms of industry trends.”

Jan Bouwer, Accenture: “GovTech’s importance lies in the sharing of best practice models globally. As Accenture, we simply realised that this is an event not to be missed. No other opportunity exists to interact with so many ICT role players at the same time.”