SINAM corporate brochure

About Us Since 1994, SINAM Ltd. has been driving ICT-based transformation projects for Government and private sector clients. Over the years, we have helped our clients improve governance, increase efficiency, and transform and streamline business processes.

In the Republic of Azerbaijan alone, the seat of our head office, we have provided a wide range of ICT-oriented transformation solutions to various government and corporate customers:  Office of the President  United Nations Development Program (UNDP)  Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies  Ministry of Economic Development  Ministry of Finance  Ministry of Industry and Energy  Ministry of Health  Ministry of Education  key social services departments (e.g., National Pensions Fund, Customs Committee)  private enterprises (e.g., QLM Aviation Industrial Concern, MedLayt Company) Today, SINAM is Trans-Caspian’s market leader in e-transformation and e-government services, and we have been instrumental in the region’s drive for informatization. In fact, back in 2005, together with the Azerbaijan Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies, we established the KUR LLC electronics factory—the first-ever operation in the South Caucasus and Middle Asia to run in-line assembly of computers.

Having established an impressive track record in post-Soviet nations, SINAM is well poised to penetrate new markets. Its next-step growth strategy is supported by an established network of offices in Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, United Arab Emirates, Russia, and the United States. And this is just the beginning.

MISSION SINAM Ltd. aims to become the Provider of Choice, especially in emerging markets, for ready-to-use and customized ICT solutions for egovernment transformation. We will continue to help our clients create synergies to enable effective service delivery, transparency, and accountability.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS Our work is based on four key principles:  Understanding of our Clients’ Needs  Partnership Development  Commitment to Professionalism  Maximization of Competitive Advantage With these, we have been able to achieve success in our markets because:  We make sure we understand in depth the current and future business needs and objectives of our clients.  We strive to create the broadest and most robust network with strategic partners, including global manufacturers of high-technology equipment.  We employ only certified and highly skilled engineers, programmers, and experts in networking and telecommunications.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Since our founding, our staff base has grown to 200 employees in 3 key departments:  Systems Integration and Programming: design, development, and deployment of advanced software- and Web-based solutions  Technical Support: installation and maintenance of computer networks and cabling systems; after-sale support (warranty and post-warranty), customer hotline  Sales: market development; distribution of software solutions and equipment from top manufacturers and vendors in Europe, Asia, and North America SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS SINAM has been certified under ISO 9001:2000 and more recently ISO 9001: 2008, which means that we are able to meet the universal standards for quality management systems.

Furthermore, international recognition of our organization has facilitated the development of partnerships with industry leaders, such as Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco Systems, Compaq Computer Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., Microsoft Corp., and Oracle Corp.

Our present market position has helped fuel our expansion and entry into the global marketplace. We have been featured in several trade fairs, including the well-attended CeBIT 2005 (Hanover, Germany), as well as the ITU World Telecom 2009 (Geneva, Switzerland), GITEX 2006-2012 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates), Expocomm 2006 (Moscow, Russia), and the annual BakuTel event (since 2003 in Baku, Azerbaijan).

What is E-Government?

Electronic government or e-government is the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to automate the provision of State information and services, making them more readily available, effective, and accountable.

Automating processes and transactions helps governments streamline the various ways they interact with clients, citizens, and stakeholders, thereby, reducing costs and increasing overall efficiency. Numerous cases have been able to demonstrate how technology can improve particular service areas—including customs, taxes, and justice—thus, enabling leaders to better fulfill their mandate.

Integrating ICT into government systems mainly impacts two key aspects of operations:  Receiving, processing, and exchanging of documents within and between State departments (government-to-government or G2G)  Providing essential services from government to citizens (G2C) and from government to businesses (G2B) ICT can assist governments in their efforts to restructure their organizations or implement programs on a wider scale. As an example, in social insurance, using a uniform database management system can reduce backlog and automate the release of payments to pensioners through individual or personalized accounts. Such a facility can be expanded eventually into multilevel modules that can work across other departments or service areas.

Worldwide, e-government development has increased in the past few years, largely due to the integration, expansion, and consolidation of services already ported online, especially in Europe and the Americas. However, in regions where the digital divide still drives a wedge within populations, e-government strategies have suffered from both underdeveloped infrastructure and local technical skills base.

Although the success of implementations appears to be uneven, there is much promise due to the impressive advancements made in providing access to broadband Internet and especially mobile telephony, especially in developing countries. Considering this, policy makers and proponents are now better positioned, not only to address the diverse needs and demands of citizens for improved delivery of services through electronic means, but more importantly, to utilize the transformative nature of e-government for sustainable development.

Government-to-Government Solutions  Enterprise Resources Planning  Automated Information System for Customs Declarations and Operations  Integrated Tax Administration System  Analytical Information System for Social-Economic Development of Regions  Document Workflow Solutions  Geo-Information Systems  State-Of-The-Art Solutions for Network Infrastructure

Enterprise Resources Planning As an organization grows, the scope of business will become increasingly complex, often to a point that it can become difficult to manage. Answerable to taxpayers and driven mainly by public mandate, State agencies—despite being typically constrained by limited resources—are thus compelled to keep multiple systems, departments, and branches running at optimal efficiency and efficacy.

To allow for optimal fiscal controls and spur capacity building across its network, the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Azerbaijan endeavored to establish a modern financial and accounting reporting system to be used by the various budgetary institutions under its purview. SINAM was charged with supplying and installing the Financial and Accounting Reporting Application for Budgetary Institutions (FARABI) application that would promote the use of best practices in budget management, data administration, and internal and external reporting.

At the heart of this project is the FARABI Data Center, which is based on a centralized, client-oriented system for enterprise resources planning. This core facility will link initially to the budget offices in other Government Ministries, starting with the Education, Health, Tourism and Culture, and Youth and Sports departments. They will be followed by 35 Higher Education Institutes and other State agencies.

SINAM Enterprise Resources Planning The SINAM Enterprise Resources Planning (SERP) is an integrated Web application that enables users to plan, register, control, and analyze all its business processes. Developed specifically for thin client architecture, SERP users will benefit from lower total cost of ownership.

SERP offers a multilingual interface, full conformity to local legislation, use of several currencies for accounting purposes, and administration of rights. Moreover, it can be installed over the Internet, allowing clients to remotely access functionalities from any location; we even integrated the UNICODE format to facilitate localization.

Built with a robust database management facility and kernel, SERP is able to maintain high flexibility and usability. It is also easily scalable, making it especially suitable for egovernment efforts. However, it will be useful in organizations of any size or nature, whether private or public, from small enterprises to big production facilities and holding companies, as evidenced by our long list of SERP clients.  

Ministry of Economic Development Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources

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Ministry of Culture and Tourism Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Defense Industry

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Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies Ministry of Finance Ministry of Youth and Sport Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population Ministry of Industry and Energy Ministry of Health Ministry of Education

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President of the Republic of Azerbaijan-Administrative Department State Committee for Work with State Official Workers State Social Protection Fund QLM Aviation Industrial Concern MedLayt Company

SERP MODULES: HUMAN RESOURCES AND ENTERPRISE ACCOUNTING SERP operates as a system of multiple modules. Depending on their individual objectives, organizations may use the full solution scheme or avail of the modules separately or even in various combinations. For example, human resource departments can easily integrate SINAM HUMAN RESOURCES (SHR) into existing entry-exit management systems. They can automate departmental activities, using the different functionalities of SHR, including: Enterprise Structure, Staff Table, Personal Cards, Business Trips, Time-board, Resume Manager, and Learning Manager.

[TEXTBOX] The Azerbaijan Ministry of Finance supervises a large number of regional and district branches located all across the country. In 2008, the agency needed a human resources management (HRM) and payroll subsystem to help keep records of its employees (i.e., salaries, vacations, travel allowances, etc.), ensure compliance with labor agreements, run statistical analyses on employee-related data, and perform other tasks related to staff management. Based on these requirements, SINAM created a modular database solution that contained employee information

and also provided training to the system’s users, such that the Ministry can better manage its satellite operations.

[TEXTBOX] Similar to the requirement of the Ministry of Finance, the Civil Service Commission (CSC)—which reports directly to the President Administration Office (PAO)—needed to improve the management of the country’s public employee records. As an initial project (2004-2005), SINAM was contracted to develop and implement the Civil Servants Information Management System (CSIMS)—a central database on all civil servants in Azerbaijan. After this first engagement, it was then tasked to automate the Civil Servants Register (2006-2007), which allowed the CSC to comply with legislation and keep up to date with civil service standards.

Our ENTERPRISE ACCOUNTING SYSTEM (EAS), on the other hand, may be used to keep accounts and track and manage accounting-related documents. EAS has several modules that support real-time control and coordination of the organization’s financial activities, such as: Inventory Accounting, Fixed Assets, Treasury, Bank Operations, Services Accounting, and Contracts and Projects.

As well, we have embedded into EAS two powerful instruments, Task Manager and Crystal Reports, to help managers track the progress of projects and tasks, generate ad hoc reports, and run various types of analyses. In addition, EAS is compatible with most third-party information systems and proprietary ERP software, offering maximum flexibility. For example, its tax, social protection, and corporate mail features are now fully integrated.

[TEXTBOX] Subsequently, the Ministry of Finance required automation of its fixed asset accounting system; thus, SINAM was contracted in 2009-2010 to develop a Webbased solution that covered not only the agency’s operations but also those of the various Foreign Embassies in the country. This online application was created with several layers—data management, application, integration, and presentation—to allow better control over their fixed asset transactions. To ensure strict security over the sensitive financial data, SINAM built in secure sockets layer encryption, issuing each user a unique certificate for special access.

Ensuring Security The inner workings of SERP provide for flexibility to both administrators and users. Based on their needs, organizations can customize our built-in protective measures, such as deciding on rights of access. For example, administrators can create as many user accounts as required, after which the system will be able to track the activities of each individual while they are online. This feature can be especially useful for time-critical tasks.

SERP also has an Audit feature that administrators can utilize for managing security. For example, it can address the problem of handling records of deleted users by keeping track of all the steps taken by every person within the system: what has been done and by whom, as well as the timestamp of the activity. The Audit module can even be applied across a department or organization, thanks to its structurally ideal links.

SERP can also be implemented in combination with our e-Signature solution, to ensure secure and authorized exchange of information, whether within the organization or with outside partners. Related to this, our work in Public Key Infrastructure will allow crossintegration with ERP systems; in fact, it is now possible to create an organizational Certification Center to automatically identify specific users through certificates.

[TEXTBOX] While SINAM’s ERP solution is highly suitable for publicly funded agencies, it will also work extremely well for private corporations. In 2011-2012, for example, the firm installed SERP to improve the accounting and production systems at two top Azerbaijani companies. At AzQtel, a premier Internet services provider, it customized the software to develop a Web-based, modular solution, in order to support via a unified environment its various key business processes.

Meanwhile, for the Surakhani Oil Operation Company S.A., a leader in the local petroleum market, SINAM is currently devising a SERP-based system that they are using to monitor inventory; automate production cycles; conduct cost accounting for their fleet of vehicles; perform payroll accounting for their 1,700-strong workforce; and manage all their financial transactions involving up to 12,000 document files.

SERP IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY Executing an ERP strategy presents a major undertaking and will create significant impacts on the client organization. SINAM’s SERP team of professionals—from our project managers to our software trainers—possesses the necessary expertise in change management and organizational behavior, to be able to overcome any resistance and unite management and staff behind a common goal: to improve all business processes, in order to benefit all stakeholders.

We have developed a distinct methodology that not only sets the proper standards for achieving identified milestones in a most systematic manner but, more importantly, to contribute to the bottom line. At the same time, they are flexible enough to tailor the project design to meet the particular objectives of the client.

Moreover, when deploying our SERP implementation strategy, we provide an intensive training program for all prospective users, including administrators, managers, and end users. We not only ensure their general familiarity with the solution; we help them become advanced, power users. We then extend multi-layer, after-sale support, wherein we assist with any technical issues via our call center, help desk, and remote and local support services, to make sure that the client is able to derive all the advantages offered by SERP.

Automated Information System for Customs Declarations and Operations Customs agencies play an important role in the global economy. Their operations must be kept efficient, transparent, and constantly updated, to be able to keep up with international trading regulations and norms. Otherwise, poor management or, worse, corrupt and illegal practices will lead to millions in lost revenue.

In the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Customs Committee (SCC) was a late addition to the organizational structure, formed only the year after the country gained its independence in 1991. However, given the role of modern customs services in national economic development, the Government realized the critical significance of establishing a state-of-the-art operation, to eliminate any unnecessary barriers to trade, comply with international anti-corruption practices, and better foster investor confidence.

In the case of Azerbaijan, this meant implementing extensive structural reform.

Thus, in 1999, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) partnered with the National Government to carry out the flagship “Capacity Building and Data Transmission Network Implementation” project. This joint undertaking sought to: strengthen the technical capacity of the SCC, accelerate the collection of customsrelated information, establish a customs database, and increase the overall efficiency of the SCC’s activities.

To date, this initiative—the longest-running collaboration between the UNDP and Azerbaijan Government—is considered one of the primary examples of egovernance in the country. Started from the ground up, it first required massive upgrading of data and network infrastructure. Only after this first stage was it possible to link the key customs checkpoints to the main database, to allow the exchange of information between the main agency and its remote stations.

SINAM came in at the third phase of the project to develop some of the more important components of the vital SCC system. Over the three-year project (20052008), it created and implemented an Automated Information System for Customs Services, installing the equipment and network needed for Customs Houses and Customs Posts. Using the Oracle relational database management system (RDBMS), the company made sure to build in advanced security control and logging procedures, given the sensitive information handled at the SCC outposts.

To optimize operations while allowing the various stations to connect with the main office of the SCC, SINAM broke down the solution into several modules:  Customs registration and control system  Automated workplace for declarants (i.e., customs brokers)  Customs risk management system

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Registration system for vehicles crossing borders Secure information exchange system (based on e-signature mechanisms) Analytical report generating system

The resulting architecture turned out to be quite complex—built as several modules and using several different technologies—and so, SINAM designed a user-friendly interface to allow for a most seamless transition. For example, the original interface was published in the Azerbaijani language but with future support for multiple languages, including at the database layer. Moreover, besides providing software development and technical services, the company trained (and in some cases, retrained) customs staff, in order to ease the switch to the new system.

SINAM AUTOMATED INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR CUSTOMS SERVICES Our software suite for customs declarations and operations—composed of four modules: (1) Computerized Customs Registration and Control System (2) Automated System for Violations Registration and Control (3) Risk Management System (4) E-Broker—is designed to automate business processes, improve transparency, cut costs, and ensure the smooth flow of goods. It will even keep track of available warehouse space, in case temporary storage will be required, to facilitate importing and exporting procedures.

NOTE: REVISE FIGURE

FEATURES Computerized Customs Registration and Control System (CCRCS) This module will support the full automation of the cargo declaration process, from data entry all the way to control and registration. On the client side, the CCRCS has two

modules—Broker and Customs Office—for use in keying in electronically all required information, which traditionally had been accomplished using printed forms.

For the customs agency, CCRCS can effectively eliminate errors due to manual data entry.

More importantly, automation can make the processing of customs declaration registration transparent at every level. Our approach is to create a local database for each customs station and then, to export all data to a central online database managed at the customs agency’s main headquarters, giving decision makers a real-time view of transactions.

Automated System for Violations Registration and Control Acting as anti-smuggling device, this component is used to register, analyze, and account for reported violations against customs regulations. Similar to the CCRCS, all data entered on this module’s client interface will be stored in a regional database and then, exported to the central customs records.

Using built-in controls, the system will present information matching the user’s profile (e.g., importers versus exporters). Furthermore, in order to mitigate risk, data may be filtered, based on country of origin, type of transport used, the nature of goods, and so on, to highlight known factors related to prohibited drugs, smuggled goods, or currency.

Based on permissions, certain users may access the database to run statistical analyses or produce reports on actual violations committed and the remedies taken in each case. The system can present the results in either standard or customized form, according to parameters that had been selected in the report generator.

Risk Management System Developed using Oracle, this feature may be used to create risk profiles, based on shipping country, sender, goods, recipient, and other relevant factors. With its robust search functionality, it can cull information from databases, text files, and other resources and then, based on the data collected, analyze the history of customs operations and prepare new risk profiles, if warranted.

For best results, we have linked this module with the CCRCS functionality, to be able to identify all variants of possible violations and even flag any form of potential breach, all in real time.

E-broker This module converts into electronic format all customs-related documentation, to permit remote communication between the customs stations and their clients. SINAM designed all e-documents in the system to be fully compliant with local legislation.

Integrated Tax Administration System Even in the midst of economic instability today, governments continue to introduce reforms in their tax and revenue collection systems. Through ICT-driven systems, many strive to improve tax compliance and automate administrative processes, all to make it easier and cost less for citizens and business establishments to pay their taxes.

Indeed, the need to enhance revenue administration was the key driver of the Tax Administration Reform and Modernization Project in the Kyrgyz Republic, which at the time was weighed down with tax collection problems, outdated hardware, ineffective procedures, and lack of skilled staff.

As part of the country’s Development Strategy, the initiative led by the Kyrgyzstan State Tax Service (STS) was designed to streamline operations and improve public governance, transparency, and accountability. With financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the STS contracted SINAM in 2010-2012 to conduct systems analysis and design, develop, and implement the Integrated Tax Administration System Software (ITAS) solution.

Aimed at promoting fiscal consolidation and thus macroeconomic stability, the project resulted in:  an integrated tax management information system and central database  communications infrastructure that would link its tax offices to the central database  modern central facilities for: the Large Taxpayer Unit (LTU), the tax office in Bishkek, a taxpayer service center, and a staff development center Built using advanced business intelligence (BI) technologies, the system included complex analytical and reporting functionalities to provide decision-making support. It provided a holistic view of key activities by covering all business processes related to tax administration and even integrating with information systems in other State agencies.

The solution also allowed for easy customization, to be able to comply with local legislation and regulation. And because a central database was put in place, there was no need to maintain the system from the field, thus, allowing tax offices to focus their resources on tax collection and revenue generation.

By 2013, SINAM is set to complete the project. To date, the service provider has already tested and activated most of the modules and expects to complete the computerization portion by the first quarter of the year. It will then proceed to work on more advanced implementations by the middle of the year, including the integration of pension charges into the tax service and treasury system—a recently enacted piece of legislation.

SINAM Integrated Tax Administration System SINAM’s Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) has been developed precisely to provide governments a stable platform for mounting tax reform efforts. As a result, the State will be able to improve revenue administration, institute good governance and transparency, better engage the private sector, and ultimately, ensure macroeconomic stability.

Our software suite offers State tax agencies:  Automation of and control over tax payment facilities, to create fiscal space for government’s priority expenditures  Flexible administration of data and system tools  Modern systems for operations, reporting, and analysis  Integration with information systems in other regulatory bodies  Accurate, multi-level control over information and processes, to help eliminate corruption  More sophisticated operational environments  Simplified means for communication and interaction with taxpayers FEATURES The ITAS provides a unified interface covering all tax collection and revenue administration activities. For many governments, the solution’s most vital feature is perhaps the Web-based interface that individual and business taxpayers can use to file their tax returns and perform other tax-related tasks. This will greatly aid internal revenue agencies in improving collection and reducing opportunities for tax evasion.

Specific to the Kyrgyzstan modernization project, the STS wanted a cohesive view of all information collected across its various offices. Thus, the module for revenue accounting and returns processing, which integrates all the ITAS functionalities, proved to be most valuable.

Acting as a centralized database, the ITAS can be used to consolidate data generated within tax-related processes:  Revenue accounting and processing of tax returns  Collection of tax liabilities  Audits  Case tracking and correspondence  Call center operations  Data analysis  Registration and de-registration  Integration with other business processes  Appeals The solution is also well equipped to process information from external resources; for example, it can record tax liabilities, income, and other details, and then, check them against the country’s current tax code.

Analytical Information System for Social-Economic Development of Regions In our globalized, borderless economy, it is critical for decision makers to have ready access to data not only about their particular territory but also about trade partners, neighboring geographies, or even entire continents. For example, especially after gaining independence, it was essential for the Republic of Azerbaijan to gain access to these and other types of information, so that it could benchmark its strategies against other economies and be able to present itself as an attractive target for investment and development.

To aid the Government in this particular endeavor, in 2006-2007, SINAM implemented the Analytical Information System for Social-Economic Development of Regions (AISSEDR) application—a single database that would collect, process, and analyzing key socioeconomic indicators across the Trans-Caspian region and then, produce customized analytical reports for use by the country’s top decision makers.

The AISSEDR proved invaluable at such a critical turning point in Azerbaijan’s history. Built on Microsoft’s business intelligence solutions, the solution allowed users, particularly those in Government, to:  Gather data about regional development activities  Run automated analyses of social-economic development indicators  Visualize information to make crucial, informed decisions in a timely manner  Increase the effectiveness of State administration mechanisms through the open exchange and transparency of information  Create connections and build smooth relations between the population, business structures, and State organizations  Regulate the implementation of decisions to be able to oversee and manage social-economic development  Enhance overall relations between government agencies, businesses, and the Azerbaijani population

SINAM Analytical Information System for Social-Economic Development of Regions SYSTEMS PERSPECTIVE The SINAM Analytical Information System for Social-Economic Development of Regions (AISSEDR) was developed specifically to aid governments, regional associations, and other international development agencies in collecting, managing, and analyzing information that may impact their spheres of influence.

AISSEDR is unique in that it uses neural networks-based modeling, in order to ensure accuracy in analyzing and forecasting social-economic development data at the regional, city, or provincial levels, and subsequently, in making accurate decisions.

FEATURES

Information Input Distributed across regions, users of the AISSEDR will be able to access the database over the Internet, particularly via virtual private network (VPN). Microsoft InfoPath template forms will be available for entering the required socioeconomic data, to be saved

automatically in XML format and then transferred via a file transfer protocol (FTP) server to the main Analytical Information Center.

Information Exchange Being a distributed network, the various nodes may also exchange information with each other. For improved communication and collaboration between partners an d, the AISSEDR also offers a videoconferencing functionality.

Analytical Reports Based on the raw data inputs, Microsoft business intelligence (BI) technology can be used to produce reports on specific territories. These can be generated as diagrams, tables, charts, and maps.

Decision Making From raw data and statistical analyses to key indicators and top-line reports, all information within the database will be readily accessible to decision makers and their key staff, thus, facilitating the planning and implementation of strategies.

Document Workflow Solutions The increasing interconnectedness of nations can be both a boon and a bane. On one hand, greater cooperation within and between regions can be a big boost to local financial sectors. On the other, instability in one major economy can have serious repercussions across the world, as clearly demonstrated during the 2007 global financial crisis and the more recent meltdown in the Eurozone.

In emerging territories like the newly independent Azerbaijan, such scenarios can pose certain risks to the banking system. Although the industry has managed to remain stable, thanks to its positive external position and uptrend in the non-oil sector, exports, and remittances, continued volatility in the international environment only serves to highlight the importance of good governance, particularly for its primary financial institution.

For this reason, in 2010, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) contracted SINAM to develop and implement the Bank Supervision Information Management System (BSMIS), in order to increase the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the banking supervision department (BSD) and its processes. Developed using the EMC Documentum platform—the global market leader in enterprise content management (ECM) systems—the BSMIS would be used to:  Create a database of reports, correspondences, and other information produced by BSD units  Run complex analyses of BSD-related data  Generate relevant reports for management consumption  Institute tracking and monitoring mechanisms to ensure timely completion of tasks related to banking supervision, including on-site and off-site inspection, licensing, and development of new supervision methodologies  Manage workflow and business processes within departments, which would help reduce the turnaround in approvals In order to meet the unique requirements of the Central Bank, SINAM worked to:  Customize and localize the EMC Documentum modules  Migrate the EMC Documentum configuration and repository  Develop and integrate new modules into the existing framework  Prepare components for an Electronic Workflow System that would utilize unstructured information  Implement a reporting services feature for the banking sector  Create project management modules for the BSD  Conduct training courses for BSD staff on the use of the system

SINAM Document Circulation System SINAM’s Document Circulation System (DCS) is a full-featured platform for managing information across the organization. Built using the EMC Documentum solution and based on a uniform architecture, it works with various types of documents and files, including:  Text documents  Scanned documents and images  XML documents  Engineering drawings  Audio and video Our DCS solution is suitable for managing information during the most complex business process automation projects, wherein multiple, disparate systems may need to be integrated. It allows the handling of enterprise documents, whether at division level or company-wide, at every stage of the lifecycle:  Internal correspondences  Internal organizational-administrative documents  Communications from external contacts  Meeting reports  Management instructions and orders  Contracts and related documents  Project documents  Powers of attorney  Demands, certificates, and other documents [SIDEBAR] With content management technologies, gone are the days of laborintensive, manual processes for managing unstructured information. Users will be

able to define the processes, objects, and mechanisms they need for proper coordination.

[TEXTBOX] Even outside the financial sector, proper documents handling is still an essential function, such as to store important historical records. The National Archive Fund in Azerbaijan, tasked to maintain the country’s official archives, was established in the 1920s to collect and safeguard State literature and other resources.

To ensure that the country’s cultural heritage continues to be preserved well into the future, in December 2010, SINAM created for the Fund an electronic archive system covering all paper-based documents, books, and other analog files. Using EMC Documentum, it also included an advanced search functionality that would access both metadata and content.

As of the end of 2012, SINAM has already installed the required equipment, cabling, and software for this three-phase project. In the next phases, the company is set to develop the network infrastructure (Phase II) and provide training for the Fund’s target archive users (Phase III).

FEATURES 

Automated Management of Documents - Creating new documents (including use of templates or imported documents) - Collective processing and reviewing - Registration control - Coordination, statement, and signing - Document registration - Dispatch of documents - Forming resolutions and instructions, based on documents - Control and reporting on execution of resolutions and instructions - Archiving

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Service Functions - Document search (based on text, phrase, and relevance) - Identification of related documents - Versioning - Support for assistant methods - Personal folders for individual users - Adjusting windows based on user preferences - Task and notices - Statistical reports - Work audit using documents - Journalizing of actions within the system

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Applications - Information protection (i.e., rights of access) - Flexible adjustment of business process that handle documents - Integration and exchange of documents with other applications (e.g., Enterprise Resource Planning, project control systems) and other system users - Multi-branch work - Document management in federally distributed architecture (e.g., replication among system nodes) - Mobile office for remote work

BENEFITS Automating the circulation of administrative documents addresses several issues that impact workflow in many organizations. Our solution offers the following advantages:  uniform base for all administrative documents and electronic archives, supported by common regulations for storage, to enable fast document search and even simultaneous access of multiple users to specific documents  standard sequence order and regulations in document circulation, not only within the company but also across branches and even with affiliated entities  built-in monitoring system that automatically executes pre-defined instructions and reports on all related activities  real-time sending and delivery of documents and instructions  reduced need for coordination and statement of documents  security features for remote access by mobile users  monitoring and analytical reporting on the status of documents [SIDEBAR] SINAM’s system can automatically index document content, allowing users to conduct a search, even in text files of different formats and emails with attachments.

KEY DIFFERENTIATORS Our software will suit organizations of any structural type, level of complexity, geographic makeup, and affiliate network setup. The architecture can be centralized or mixed (i.e., both centralized and distributed), as dictated by the specific needs of the enterprise, especially its communication requirements. For example, we can provide clients with Webbased applications for easy access to documents using any workstation.

We are able to guarantee:  Scalability. Using our platform, multiple local and remote users will be able to work simultaneously and effectively manage large volumes of material. It can store hundreds of terabytes of data and billions of objects—more than enough to meet the requirements and standards of the most exacting clients.  Security. We have built in powerful security tools—including content encryption, access control, and destruction of digital data—to guarantee the utmost protection of enterprise information.

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Reliability. The architecture of our platform is designed to ensure business continuity, mitigating any risk of disruption in the system.

Ease of use. The system is dynamic, such that through the different applications within the solution, users will be able to employ a variety of document circulation schemes or in combination. They can even change the scheme and create unique document lifecycles. Moreover, system owners will be able to administer, customize, and integrate our solution with other corporate systems.

[TEXTBOX] As a follow-up to the CBA project, SINAM proceeded concurrently to develop a data warehouse and analytical reporting system (2010-2012), providing both hardware and software to further improve internal decisionmaking processes. In this phase, it was able to demonstrate the scalability of its workflow solution, by:  Reorganizing the existing information database according to international standards, effectively increasing the scope of information and introducing new quality parameters  Creating a means for presenting information in required formats and periodicity  Expanding ways to access the information database while maintaining stringent security measures  Developing a fully functional Electronic Statistical Database and Analytical Reporting System

Geo-Information Systems In the pursuit of economic development, countries have derived great financial benefits from boosting tourism. In less mature economies, however, this industry is usually fragmented, wherein tour operators, travel agencies, and other players mount their own marketing and promotion activities to outperform their competitors. In some cases, lack of regulation has led to poor business practices or even price wars, to the detriment of the natural environment and local communities.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism wanted to present Azerbaijan as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travelers. Although it sought to maximize the potential of local tourism, the department also needed to strike a balance between profitability and ecological sustainability. As a first step towards this goal, it contracted SINAM to develop and implement a geographic information and navigation system that could be used not only to showcase the nation’s landmarks and tourist attractions but also monitor the state of its natural resources.

As the main output of this project (2008-2010), the service provider created a Geographic Information System (GIS) that covered:  Settlements, buildings, addresses, and postal indexes  Hotels, restaurants, organizations, shops, and other establishments  Administrative divisions  Road networks (for possible use in auto-navigation solutions)  Woods, water, and railroads As a strategic marketing tactic, the Ministry branded the application as GoMap.az, a Web-based portal that provided access to:  An interactive online map of the country  A multimedia “Info” module, which presented text, graphic, audio, and video information on geographic features  Text search  Optimal route planning system  Authentication and user input  Relevant news and advertising [INSERT SCREENGRAB OF GOMAP.AZ KEY FEATURES] Integrating data from Azerbaijan’s legacy facilities, SINAM deployed client-server technology, which allowed the use of input-output data in different formats and structures. Since it is a customer-facing service, it developed the GIS to be accessible on the Internet and also through mobile gadgets. As a result, users of smartphones and other Internet-ready, handheld gadgets will be able to draw their own maps, which will then be input into a central server. The GIS interface is available in

Azerbaijani, English, and Russian, in order to cater to local, regional, and other international visitors.

SINAM Geographic Information System SINAM’s Geographic Information System (GIS) offerings can be used to register and map resources like:  Ground assets and real estate  Personal estate  Water supply and irrigation  Electricity and gas supply  Urban and rural planning, especially for environmental management  Emergency situations and disaster areas  Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) control systems With our solution, organizations can manage and model all this information, in order to derive maximum value from data already available and can be easily collected and aggregated. Moreover, we can assist in:  Analyzing business requirements to identify suitable GIS system architecture  Defining software and hardware requirements and configuration  Delivering, assembling, installing, and implementing GIS components  Providing training [TEXTBOX]Other GIS Projects:  Guide-map.az, an Internet-based geo-resource for use in tourism and navigation  Yollar.az, another geo-resource, which grants services for Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking and auto-parking  GIS systems based on third-party solutions like Arc Map and Arc Server (third-party solutions from Esri)  Specialized software for quality control of GIS data, with reformatting functionality to improve compatibility with other applications For both Guide-map.az and Yollar.az, SINAM also delivered GIS data for Web services and handheld devices, for purposes of personal navigation and driver mapping.

FEATURES Within our systems, GIS data, database applications, and Web services are able to interact with each other and around built-in automated quality control mechanisms. We have also programmed our own geo-data compiler, which will allow data to be transformed and served in the form required by specific users. As well, we have devised our own

implementation of algorithms for path finding and transforming addressing systems, thus, extending the flexibility of our solutions.

We allow our users optimum flexibility for localization of data. For instance, we have put in place internal procedures for transcribing names but also maintain a catalogue of old and new names. In the current version, we allow names to be translated into Russian and English but plan to integrate other languages in the future.

As a value-added service, we take care of obtaining the required licenses, allowing us to offer GIS services across different countries and even for global implementation. For example, in the 2010 CeBIT industry trade fair (Hanover, Germany), SINAM was part of the official delegation led by representatives of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies. At the event, we presented our very own project—a Web-based GIS server that allows online access to maps—and were able to gain the interest of a number of foreign investors, potential partners, software vendors, and device manufacturers.

[TEXTBOX] To support SINAM’s GIS offerings, the company has put together a great team composed of engineers expert in the storage and processing of data (even for nonstandard or complex problems); GIS operators with several years of experience in processing geographical data; field researchers with extensive background in data collection, especially in difficult terrains and environments; software developers and process modeling specialists; and a technical support group for maintaining our facilities and hardware.

State-Of-The-Art Solutions for Network Infrastructure As a leading provider of systems integration services in Azerbaijan, SINAM is able to offer a wider range of telecommunications solutions that can readily impact State operations, from VoIP telephony, data center facilities, and network security to the more high-tech next-generation and 4G networks.

Its experience in this sector goes back several years, when it was contracted to deliver, install, and configure all the necessary equipment for the landmark National E-Governance Network Initiative (2005-2008). A joint project between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the proponents sought to build the AzDATACOM National Data Transmission Network, which now serves as the backbone of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.

VOIP TELEPHONY Voice over Internet Protocol, better known as Voice over IP or simply VoIP, refers to facilities that support Web-based delivery of voice data. Adoption of Internet telephony solutions like VoIP at a minimum eliminates toll costs related to regular services.

With more consumers switching to VoIP, telephone companies have begun utilizing the technology, in order to reduce hardware investment and administrative expenses while also creating innovative products and services. As a result, these vendors are able to offer cheaper long distance rates and other call charges.

For government agencies, our VoIP technologies can help facilitate employee mobility. For example, staff can be assigned at another branch office or be otherwise remotely located but still be able to communicate with their managers, co-workers, and even clients, by taking advantage of our voice mail, fax-to-email, and other services.

Services  Install and configure call centers (e.g., call processing systems)  Integrate IP telephony with existing corporate networks  Develop Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, for use in customer support services or integration into contact center setup  Audit, modernize, support, and maintain existing telecommunication infrastructure  

Past VoIP Projects AzEnerji Joint Stock Company  AzQtel Ltd. (Azerbaijan) (Azerbaijan)  KSM Group (Azerbaijan) Bank Avrasiya (Azerbaijan)  Cisco Call Centre (Kyrgyzstan)

DATA CENTERS A data center is designed to contain computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and related storage systems. It may be used to house redundant or backup power supply, connections for data communications, environmental controls, as well as security devices.

Government agencies tend to deploy several data centers, to be able to accommodate large customer demand for electronic services. We employ high-availability or failover clusters to ensure high availability and redundancy, allowing our clients to offer continuous service and uninterrupted access to data, in case of application failure or loss of connectivity.

Services  Plan and deploy high-availability server equipment and storage systems  Install Storage Area Network (SAN) solutions, application software, and system management and monitoring software  Provide physical security NETWORK SECURITY Network security solutions are designed mainly to protect an organization’s assets and ensure their long-term usability, in order to keep the integrity and stability of operations.

Our approach involves (1) the identification of potential threats that may affect the various nodes, user terminals, and servers connected to the system and (2) the application of tools that can help manage and provide the necessary levels of protection against such risks.

This two-step strategy considers the need to maintain the best security precautions around government computer networks, to enable the safe conduct of electronic transactions and communications and implement the most secure ways of collecting and managing private, personal data supplied by registered users.

Services  Install information systems to safeguard against unauthorized access  Deploy security solutions for data transmission channels  Maintain data integrity and protection of network infrastructure  Audit and review existing networks and provide technical support  Set up standalone network security solutions, including anti-virus and anti-spam, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and intrusion detection systems (IDS) NEXT GENERATION NETWORKS As the volume of government transactions and communications increases exponentially, communications carriers must be able to keep up with the required level of demand and service quality. Considering this, SINAM has expanded its offerings to include Next Generation Networks (NGN), which take advantage of the convergence of public switched telephone (PSTN), data, and wireless networks.

Our NGN services will allow clients to serve and handle on real time—all on a single network—anything from data and voice to video and multimedia communications. Thus, in serving e-government users, the State can employ video and voice conferencing, fixedmobile convergence (which eliminate the traditional distinctions between fixed and mobile networks), Triple Play (which uses a single broadband connection to deliver Internet access, television, and telephone service), and even Quadruple Play (referring to Triple Play combined with wireless services).

Services  Build Internet Protocol/Multi-Protocol Label Switching (IP/MPLS) networks  Audit, tune, and modernize existing IP/MPLS networks  Implement Quadruple Play services over IP/MPLS networks, which can cover broadband Internet, cable television, fixed and mobile telephone  Provide consulting services 4G NETWORKS Fourth generation or simply 4G mobile devices are currently the most advanced in cellular technologies. Using WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access)—one of the first 4G standards already made available to the public—users may be able to enjoy data transmission speeds of up to 100 Mbps and with little compromise in networking Quality of Service (QoS).

Known to work up to ten times faster than current speeds (that is, 3G), 4G networks offer remote regions unprecedented opportunities for communication access. With SINAM 4G offerings in place, for example, a rural-based farm worker may be able to videoconference with a government extension worker located hundreds of miles away or even watch highquality streaming video to learn the latest irrigation techniques developed by the State agricultural engineering department.

Services  Develop 4G WiMAX networks  Deliver over WiMax networks various 4G solutions like: o High-definition Internet protocol television (HD IPTV) o IP video surveillance o VoIP o Mobile television

Government-to-Business Solutions  E-Signature Solutions  E-Learning Solutions

E-Signature Solutions Financial institutions serve as primary target users for electronic signature solutions. This is due to the sensitive nature of their activities coupled with the need of typically risk-averse consumers to be reassured about the safety and security of Internet-based exchange.

Given this, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), in view of its lead role in the country’s financial sector, sought in 2008-2009 to establish its own Certificate Authority. SINAM was contracted to establish the Root Certificate Authority, as well as several second-level Certificate Authorities and a Registration Center, to provide optimum protection for all types of transactions. The company also developed an online registration system and electronic signature software application, incorporating digital certificates in every information system operating in the CBA. To meet these critical requirements, SINAM deployed its full suite of SPKIS electronic signature solutions:  SPKIS-CA Manager (Certificate Authority management system)  SPKIS-RA Manager (Registration Center management system)  SPKIS-Enrollment Service (ES) (online registration system for certificate inquiries)  SPKIS-CAS (service module for Certificate Authority)  SPKIS-Audit (audit system for resolving e-signature concerns)  SPKIS-eSigner (software for signing and encrypting electronic documents)  SPKIS-CL (cryptography libraries for signing and encryption algorithms) [SIDEBAR] An electronic signature serves to authenticate the identity of an online user, thus, providing a legally valid means to sign virtual documents. It therefore permits secure exchanges over the Internet, such as in the delivery of and access to government services and commercial offerings (e.g., e-commerce).

SINAM E-SIGNATURE SOLUTIONS SINAM has worked in electronic signature (or e-signature) technologies since 2005, in anticipation of the growing demand for security in information systems, especially in relation to Web-based transactions. Based on principles of public key infrastructure (PKI), our e-signature products utilize robust cryptographic algorithms and rules and are fully compliant with international standards. In fact, we have even integrated our solutions into each of our software products, in order to guarantee that every data transfer made by our clients will be safe and secure.

Using our e-signature package, user organizations will be able to gain access to our library of multifunctional authentication and encryption solutions. Government agencies and

private businesses can then construct their own Certification Service and apply the necessary online security mechanisms to online services, such as secure mail, integrated payment facilities, remote voting, and other requirements.

If desired, they can easily implement their e-signature system in stages, using our software components as basic building blocks, and scale up as and when needed in their operations, as in the case of the CBA project, which was deployed over a two-year period.

[SIDEBAR] A public key infrastructure (PKI) refers to industry-standard technologies used to verify the identity of online users. It then enables them to enter with full confidence into private transactions with other valid users over the Internet and other types of public (i.e., non-secure) connection.

A PKI has several components, including:  Electronic certificate (e-certificate) issued to authenticate an online user or device  Certificate Authority, which serves as a trusted third-party provider of digital certificates  Public and private keys, which form the foundation of secure Internet communications SINAM CERTIFICATION SERVICE Our Certification Service is the cornerstone of our e-signature suite. It is ready to deploy because it conforms to internationally accepted practices devised by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and RSA network security standards, among others.

This SINAM product can act as the user organization’s clearinghouse for electronic certificates (e-certificates), to be used to monitor their creation, distribution, and management. This can be performed at the business unit, corporate, or State level.

NOTE: MODIFY FIGURE

FEATURES User Registration Our SPKIS-Enrollment Service (ES) will let user organizations—which in this case act as Certification Service Provider (CSP) or Certificate Authority (CA)—employ a common algorithm to create private/public keys to associate with e-certificates, particularly root key certificates. They will be able to register requests made by entities wanting to employ encryption in communications, and ultimately issue the requested e-certificates or even revoke them, if needed.

The CSP may also utilize SPKIS-ES to qualify organizations to serve as sub-Certificate Authorities, which in turn will be allowed to create user certificates. This will help protect the CSP from online threats and maintain its integrity while still guaranteeing the veracity of the e-certificates.

Via the Web (or off-line, as well), subscribers may apply for e-certificates covered by public-key cryptography standards (e.g., PKCS#11, CMC, or PKCS#7). Such users may also assess potential certificate centers prior to submitting a request or, if necessary, apply to have a certificate revoked.

[SIDEBAR] PKCS covers public key cryptography standards developed by the RSA. PKCS#11 is usually used to implement single sign-on or disk encryption systems while PKCS#7 applies when issuing e-certificates or when encrypting messages under a PKI. On the other hand, CMC (or Certificate Management over CMS) is an Internet standard created by the IETF, also related to the issuance of e-certificates in a PKI. Registration Process If a user organization does not expect to have more than a few users, our SPKIS-CA Manager—which can be added at any time, as desired—will allow the Certificate Authority to perform all the necessary functions within the system. However, more often than not, in the course of its operation, the CSP may accumulate large numbers of e-certificate owners and users. Eventually, it may become tedious to manage the registration system and the CSP may resort to limiting the issuance of certificates only to certain parties.

In this scenario, it may be prudent to simply establish a Registration Center (or Registration Authority) within the Certificate Authority. This support module identifies users by registering certificate requests, control the creation of cryptographic keys, and approve and validate the information presented by the certificate owners. Based on this warranty, the Certificate Authority will generate the certificate but present it to the user via the Registration Center. In effect, the Registration Center acts as a filter to contain and avoid excessive, potentially unsafe activity within the Certificate Authority.

Certification Hierarchy The Certificate Authority is the main center that validates e-signatures within the organization. It may be broken down into the principal and sub-certificate center. Every organization may only have one principal Certificate Authority but several internal or external sub-centers that can act independently to serve the organization’s users.

The internal sub-center operates only within the establishment while its external counterpart, practically any other entity, may carry out its activities in the principal Certificate Authority. In the case of the latter, the external Certificate Authority may use the SPKIS-ES module to register online.

Audit and Conflict Resolution To manage any issues regarding e-signatures, our SPKIS-Audit can be used to resolve identification problems, assign responsibility in case of a dispute, and address any other concerns between certificate owners and users. A Certificate Authority or other trusted third party may perform the role of audit center.

Security Mechanism Being a highly trusted implementation, the Certification Service may be deployed across various fields for providing e-signature information, thus, guaranteeing security within a non-secure network environment like the Internet. It may also be integrated in common applications and technologies. (For example, the Microsoft Office Suite incorporates esignature and encryption, whereby client computers may be able access the domain via Smart Card Logon. This feature is also used to sign Microsoft Outlook emails, as well as to synchronize certificates over an Internet protocol or IP network, for example, using Lightweight Directory Access Protocol-enabled servers.)

S-KRIPTO S-Kripto is another e-signature software product designed by SINAM for:  creating user keys  encrypting electronic documents  checking (decoding) e-signatures attached to a file  sending/receiving signed (encrypted) documents over a corporate network or the Internet

To perform these tasks, the system applies any compatible algorithm (e.g., RSA, DES, or SHA-1) and asymmetric key technologies. (For example, the software may utilize RSA key pairs with 512, 1024, or 2048 bit length, depending on the system administrator’s guidelines.)

S-Kripto uses electronic keys to create and save user keys, tokens, and smart cards with a USB interface, as long as PKCS#11 standards are met properly. These keys are used with a special processor, making it safe and easy to use. In fact, the user need not keep his electronic key pair in an external or internal memory device; instead, it can be stored in a key protected by its own code. To access, the user can simply plug the key in any personal computer’s USB port.

E-Learning Solutions Governments, universities, nonprofit agencies, and other publicly funded entities are obliged to distribute information, provide training, and transfer technology to their stakeholders and audiences. Unfortunately, in many cases, organizational knowledge is disorganized and spread across different silos, such that the matter of collecting, processing, and finally publishing their resources can in itself be an arduous, time-consuming, labor-intensive challenge.

Increasing availability of ICT tools has opened up great opportunities for elearning—a digital alternative to the traditional, face-to-face classroom experience.

Using various technology-based resources, knowledge producers and brokers can take teaching and learning online, in order to reach new sets of users, such as those that are located remotely, but most especially to benefit communities that most need the resources.

Case in point: Baku State University. Aiming to expand its audiences, this leading public higher education institution in the Azerbaijan capital ported online its training expertise, by providing online courses for aspiring learners barred by physical distance, financial standing, or language from taking classes in person. Built

by SINAM on the CLIX e-learning platform, this Internet-based solution also opened Web-based study opportunities to busy, full-time professionals. For this project, the service provider was contracted to deliver and install all required hardware, software (which included real-time translation functionality), and after-sale helpdesk support.

SINAM LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The SINAM Learning Management System (LMS) allows organizations to take advantage of the latest in convergent solutions to bring their information resources to the public. Today,

individual learners may be able to access educational material using various devices, from desktop and laptop computers to mobile phones, tablets, and electronic readers.

[SIDEBAR] SINAM built the LMS on the CLIX solution developed by IMC AG, a leading provider of e-learning technologies, using its robust tools to make it easy to integrate the system into the existing business processes and service offerings of any knowledge-based organization.

To benefit their own employees, LMS clients may employ the Skill and Competency Management utility as an aid in career and succession planning. This module can be used to document staff skills in an enterprise-wide database. As well, the application can run a Skills Gap analysis to help workers determine the competencies, training, and qualifications they need to acquire to be able to apply for a higher position.

The SINAM LMS has several advantages over competing software. Our e-learning solution offers:  Ease of use. The LMS can serve as a hub where publishers can locate their educational resources. With drag-and-drop functionality and use of panels and tabs, it requires no special technical or editorial expertise to implement, thus, saving time and effort between the kick-off and deployment stages.  Scalability and flexibility. The LMS can accommodate large volumes of users to meet the e-learning needs of any organization, regardless of size or geographic scope. In fact, our solution’s core technology has been deployed in numerous enterprises and to date has served some 2.5 million learners.  Customizable interface. Our software has an interactive, intuitive interface, with a clear and modern text structure, icons, and colors. It can be easily customized and can even incorporate the organization’s brand elements. We have bundled related functionalities and user processes, allowing the e-learner to better focus on the task at hand.

FEATURES Learning and Development  Organization Management. We offer multi-client, group, and role management functions that give organizations utmost flexibility in managing their e-learning users. We have built in an authorization feature, with which the system administrator can assign rights to specific user groups, individual learners, or even learning objects or scenarios.  Content Management. The LMS is a self-contained solution that will allow organizations to manage their e-learning offerings from end to end—from creation and processing to release and delivery. Moreover, they will be able to devise a number of implementation modalities to meet the needs of e-learners, because the LMS is compliant with international standards, including: the Aviation Industry CBT Committee, the Shareable Courseware Object Reference Model, QTI, and the Instructional Management System Global Learning Consortium (such as Question and Test Interoperability).  Process Management. Training departments will be able to control the various functions in the learning process, get an overview of the status of e-learning activities, and generate related reports. Based on the publishing organization’s specific goals, it can choose from several options for developing an e-learning program, course, syllabus, or curriculum. They can even incorporate Web 2.0 functionalities to allow formation of communities and informal learning styles.  Testing and Assessment. To assess knowledge levels of e-learning participants, the LMS allows testing administrators to produce tests easily quickly and analyze the results. It can also be used in line with employee certification programs.  Evaluation. E-learning offerings must be continuously improved, to make sure that they are effective, up-to-date, and attractive to audiences. The LMS can be used to run Web-based employee and customer surveys, in order to get feedback on programs. It also allows versioning and can set release rules to support editorial work.  Report Designer. The LMS gives direct and immediate access to system data, for use in identifying relevant metrics. For example, it can help measure the efficiency of training material, the time required to complete an e-learning module, and so on.

This will allow the publisher to design programs to meet specific training goals.

Moreover, administrators may either select from more than 100 reporting templates or define particular query criteria. They will then be able to export the results in CSV format, process the data, and generate tables or charts using popular spreadsheet applications.

Virtual Classroom Based on Acrobat Connect Pro technology, we offer a utility that can be used to simulate a real classroom environment, wherein e-learners can communicate, form teams, and confer with their instructor and colleagues. Users will even be able to hold and record meetings, so that absent team members can later access and play the file.

With these and other useful features, our Virtual Classroom can be utilized for blended learning programs or even as a replacement for face-to-face conferences, presenting travel cost savings and environmental benefits, as well.

Mobile Learning When executives and staff have to go on travel or work in the field, it can be difficult to get fill up a classroom or even promote self-learning. For example, it can be expensive to access the LMS while on the road, if the user’s current location does not have sufficient network coverage.

The LMS has a Windows-based, client application that permits users to download elearning content, which they can access locally at a more convenient time, without having to connect to the Internet or intranet. Once the e-learner is able to go online, the client automatically synchronizes with CLIX to update his learning progress.

Government-to-Consumer Solutions  Automated System for Mass Payments  Postal Banking Solutions  Management Information System for National Pension Schemes

Automated System for Mass Payments Every household subscribes to a number of utility services—gas, electricity, water, telephone, and so on—which are delivered by separate entities. Each service provider, either public or private, issues its own statement of account, sets its own billing period, and maintains discrete systems for managing subscriptions, information, collection, and payment. For the subscriber, this means settling individual bills with different due dates—an inconvenience that can potentially lead to delays in settling the various accounts.

Meanwhile, for service providers, maintaining multiple payment points presents a management challenge. Especially if they cover regional to national markets, it can be problematic or at least tedious managing each vendor relationship to ensure proper compliance with the unique terms and conditions of their contracts. For the long term, this may create a vicious cycle that can severely impact the bottom line of utility companies; for example, it may require added resources to deal with poor collection rates or, worse, high levels of bad debt. Ultimately, it may translate to customers being lost to a competitor.

In some cases, utility companies have even had to avail of State subsidy or other fiscal remedies to offset resulting losses. Not only is this an unsustainable business practice for the service provider; it forms an unnecessary economic burden to often cash-strapped governments.

Non-traditional players in a number of countries have taken advantage of this new and significant revenue opportunity. With their wide networks of agents already established, post offices and banks (i.e., branches, kiosks, and standalone automated teller machines or ATMs), for instance, now double as payment and collection centers. All stakeholders stand to benefit from this new business model, offering greater convenience to current and potential customers and, in turn, transforming bad debt into positive profit.

In 2008, for instance, the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan started development of its Centralized Information System on Mass Payments (CISMP).

Leveraging its existing national payments facility, its main aim was to integrate the country’s utility services into the financial system. Playing a key role in this landmark project, SINAM utilized the CheckFree i-Series platform, a leading software solution in electronic billing and payments.

To date, more than 58 organizations (including 46 financial service providers) have participated in the initiative. With 1,700 branches now accepting payments for taxes, pensions, traffic-related charges, and municipal government fees, CISMP serves a potential subscriber base of seven million. In the near future, Azerbaijan’s customs and internal affairs ministries and various other agencies are expected to form part of the system, as well.

Today, the system processes more than 150,000 payment transactions per day (about two million per month) or a daily total of US$750,000. This has allowed the Central Bank to recover its US$6.7 million investment in only less than two years from launch. As a result, the CISMP has helped attract into the banking sector more funds, particularly non-cash transactions. Equally important, the CISMP has succeeded in making more transparent the payment collection procedures for utility bills and, in the process, improve the service levels of the country’s various providers.

SINAM AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR MASS PAYMENTS The SINAM Automated System for Mass Payments (ASMP) is a unified payment service that caters to banks, postal networks, and other institutions that want to generate a new source of revenue through the collection/remittance of utility bills payments.

Highly flexible, the ASMP offers utmost convenience by accommodating the needs of different types of subscribers. For example, customers can choose to make payment with cash, card, bank transfer, or other options. They may do so through any affiliate payment station, which may be bricks-and-mortar (like banks, post offices, etc.) or electronic (such as websites, automated teller machines, point-of-sale terminals, online banking, direct debit, etc.).

Upon signup with the ASMP, each user is assigned a unique registration code, which effectively links and provides access—through a single portal—to all his individual subscriptions. Using this code, he can easily manage all his payment transactions, view his invoices and account history, print out confirmation receipts, and even request automatic notifications via email or mobile messaging.

FEATURES  Electronic signature. For maximum security, we have integrated our own Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) electronic signature mechanisms at every level where there is exchange of information. Also, we have configured all hardware to prevent data loss

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or theft, facilitate improvement and upgrades, and ensure the seamless entry of new participants into the system.

Full disaster recovery. Using cluster technology, we are fully equipped to deal with disaster recovery scenarios—a critical consideration when coordinating multiple service providers and serving millions of subscribers.

24/7 functioning. ASMP is integrated with a central database that operates continuously. All payments will be recorded in real time and immediately reported to our partner service providers.

Replicating and test servers. Through replication and redundancy, we ensure fast, secure transactions but, more importantly, high availability and zero system interruption.

THE ASMP ECOSYSTEM The SINAM ASMP solution operates as a complex system of information exchange and interaction. It involves multiple participants, each performing specific functions and responsibilities:

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Operator. As the owner of the system, the operator ensures optimum stability and security. It is responsible for developing and consolidating the subscriber database,

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assigning a unique code to each customer. The operator also maintains and updates the system’s technical and software components, in order to ensure uninterrupted function.

Service companies. Utility companies and similar players supply their subscriber data to the operator, making sure all information is synchronized. In effect, service companies exchange information with two other ASMP nodes—that is, the banks and the system itself—which then serves as a check-and-balance feature.

Customer service providers (CSPs). Serving as ASMP payment points, banks, post offices, and other CSPs are the system’s frontliners. They interface directly with both customers and the system.

Card processing centers (CPCs). CPCs allow the ASMP system secure access to a Webbased platform, which is used to process payments made using ATM cards, POS terminals, and the like. They handle card payments through the Internet, as well, and help increase subscriber confidence in the facility by displaying information about the transaction.

Customers. To enjoy the full benefits of ASMP, customers (subscribers) must register at participating payment points, where they will be asked to supply their account information. Once they are in the system database, they can settle their bills or make other payments and then, receive instant confirmation of the transaction. Customers may also opt to receive automatic notifications.

Postal Banking Solutions Across the world, postal networks have traditionally provided the valuable service of collecting and distributing mail and parcels. In some advanced countries, post offices may have been overtaken by modern technology; but in many developing regions where snail mail still prevails over its electronic counterpart, they continue to play their time-honored role. Truly, the expanse of the postal branch network is still unparalleled, giving it the unique ability to reach even the remotest communities.

Azerpost State Enterprise (or Azerpost SE), for example, serves all the postal needs of Azerbaijan’s eight million-strong population. It has four affiliated branches— Sorting Centre, Technical Support Centre, Express Mail Service, and Special Communication—composed of 70 branch offices and 1537 post offices. Equivalent to one postal outlet per 5,500 citizens, 75 percent of the network is rural-based, which then caters to 45 percent of all Azerbaijanis.

Aiming to revitalize the postal network by adding financial services as a new product line, in 2008, Azerpost SE awarded SINAM—together with its joint venture partner, Colvir Software Solution Ltd.—an international tender for the automation of its postal branches. The Republic’s official postal enterprise found the tandem’s winning strategy a good match for their needs: that is, devising a homogeneous network, in order to ensure smooth data flow, but managing each point in the network individually.

This US$17.75 million project employed a team of certified experts from SINAM (which served as systems integrator) and Colvir Software to supply and install Postal Financial Services System (PFSS) and a Postal Counter Automation System (PCAS).

The two-part solution was designed to:  Manage and analyze the database of clients and counterparties

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Develop and maintain all major transactions and business processes Mitigate risk Plan and control budgets by analyzing income and expenditure related to Azerpost SE’s customers, products, employees, and departments Keep and monitor records of property, inventory and personnel management Reflect transactions in management and tax accounting using a single General Ledger and in accordance with the required standards of accounting and reporting

Based on these requirements, SINAM and Colvir customized, tested, and deployed modules for:  General Ledger  Cash-based utility payments  Consolidation services  Client accounting services  Bills payments  Tills  Fund transfers  Teller-based transactions  Remittances  Message delivery  Support center The team successfully completed the project within the first half of 2010. Today, through a combination of high-speed connectivity, powerful hardware (sourced from Hewlett Packard—another SINAM partner), and optimized technology infrastructure, Azerpost SE is able to efficiently collect and process volumes of data across its 1,607 offices.

SINAM POSTAL BANKING SOLUTION For this reason, governments, banks, and other financial services providers have started to exploit the postal system as an important means of delivering their offerings, from bills payments to money transfers and even savings deposits. In some areas, post offices have also begun to offer access to retail credit and insurance.

For the State, postal banking offers several benefits:  Postal offices as self-sustaining enterprises. By reinventing the postal network concept to include new services, though not directly related to the core activity, branches located in less populated areas no longer risk closure. This helps ensure job security and also provides re-skilling opportunities for workers.  Widest possible availability of financial services. Post offices already exist even in the smallest, most remote district or municipality, where due to steep costs and low

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economic opportunity, commercial operators may not find it efficient to build new premises.

Closing the rural gap. Postal banks can serve as a universal platform for postal, financial, and other future offerings, promising utmost efficiency.

Enabling access to e-government services. Automating financial services is a step closer to bridging the digital divide and delivering e-government services to marginalized communities.

[SIDEBAR] A 2006 World Bank report1 found that: “In most developed economies 90 percent or more of the total population has easy access to basic financial services, in the developing world it is the opposite…in many countries 90 percent or more of the population is excluded from this access…The postal network can play an active role in the bridging the digital divide policy by interconnecting post offices; by providing intranet and Internet platforms, together with adequate hardware and Internetbased services (e-government, ecommerce) in rural areas—these are the main challenges.”

The success of establishing this method of banking operation hinges heavily on the fitness of the software base. Like all our other solutions, our full-range suite for postal banking is modular and thus highly scalable. In other words, the client—whether a pure postal operator like Azerpost SE, a commercial bank, or a hybrid service provider—can tailor our software package, using as many or as few of the modules, to meet their specific needs.

FEATURES Our solution will work well for all firm types and sizes, most especially large organizations, which stand to benefit from:

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Global Information and Communication Technologies Department. (November 2006). The Role of Postal Networks in Expanding Access to Financial Services. (Discussion Paper, Vol.1), The World Bank. (www.wsbi.org/uploadedFiles/Thematic/PostalFinvces.pdf)

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Central information processing database. Compatible for integration with external information systems, this is a key advantage for large organizations still dealing with legacy systems.

Compliance with international accounting standards Strong security and audit facilities

Moreover, our software is unique in that, besides the merged platform of postal and financial services, we also incorporate an Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) system.

Starting with a General Ledger as foundation, we have five basic modules corresponding to the complete set of required activities for postal banking operations:  Postal services  Financial services  Analysis and management  Accounting  Enterprise resources planning Each segment is then broken down into multiple sub-modules, to cover the entire span of postal bank administration:  Mail sorting  Sale of postal goods  Parcel tracking  Retail deposits  Human resources  Customer relations management  Risk management  Budget management  Tax accounting

Management Information System for National Pension Schemes Access to social safety nets is an essential right of every citizen and a basic responsibility of the State. When the distribution of these public benefits is impeded, many sectors will be left highly vulnerable, especially the low-income, elderly, youth, and disabled members of society. Indeed, this was the state of affairs in Azerbaijan for several years after gaining independence. The existing pension system, for one, had become sorely obsolete.

Thus, in 2003, the Azerbaijan Government partnered with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to introduce reforms in the State Social Protection Fund (SSPF)—the official agency that manages the Republic’s social insurance and pension benefits. Through the use of the latest ICT technologies, this initiative aimed at reinforcing the capacity of the SSPF, in order to meet the unique needs of contemporary pensioners and in view of the economic development goals of Azerbaijan.

The main purpose of the revamped pension system was twofold:  to collect and manage social insurance payments from insurers  to segregate and save the fees paid by insurants Based on these requirements, SINAM developed and installed a complex systems architecture system that would integrate the State’s social protection and tax systems while making the relevant processes more efficient and transparent.

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As it implemented its turnkey solution over the seven-year project (2005-2012), SINAM was able to establish various ICT-driven mechanisms for reliable data exchange between the central SSPF office and its 76 local branches. Automating most

of the major business processes within the network, the SSPF succeeded in increasing its overall managerial and technological capacity.

For smoother transition to the new pension facility, SINAM designed a training curriculum, user guides, self-study resources, and other material, to teach personnel on how to operate, manage, and maintain the MIS; complete the new financial statement forms; and perform other key functions. The company complemented these with qualification courses for key staff that would run the actual training in the branch offices.

[SIDEBAR] In 2010, the UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of States (RBEC) recognized UNDP Azerbaijan for its contribution to the pension reform program, which made it as that year’s top Transformational Change Success Story.

SINAM MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR NATIONAL PENSION ORGANIZATIONS

FEATURES Central Individual Accounting System Once registered at a branch office of the national pension agency, an insurer will receive a unique social insurance number (SIN) for use in all subsequent transactions, such as for reporting on annual payments for compulsory social insurance fees workers (i.e., insurants). All information collected by the branch will be reflected in the individual insurant’s account and also sent to the SSPF central office.

This personal registration and accounting system is designed to facilitate the timely distribution of payments through individual social insurance accounts. We continue to enhance this module with additional functionalities, to be able to ensure safety, usability, robustness, and data accuracy.

Insurers Central Registration System In the new SSPF system, we established a Single Window Facility—a one-stop shop that already incorporates information about insurance corporations, as supplied by the Automated Taxes Information System (AVIS) of the Ministry of Taxes. By processing the existing data, the SSPF system can immediately issue these firms with a unique insurer's registration number (IRN) without additional action.

SSPF and AVIS data integrated for onestop registration

Registration and accounting data combined, converted into SSPF format

Data exchanged (between Center and Branch) and synchronized

Registration data moved to SSPF Center

Coding system modified

Migration to Single Window Facility Other types of insurers—landowners and family-peasant farm owners—may not necessarily be in the AVIS list and so, they will be required to register in SSPF district branches. Once their files are sent to the central office, however, they should be able to enjoy the same benefits as insurance corporations.

Insurers list prepared in SSPF Branches

Registered insurers issued IAN (Insurers Accounting Number)

List sent to SSPF Center for quality assurance

Converted entries undergo registration process

Corrected entries processed and added to AVIS database

AVIS database entries converted for registration

IAN information entered into SSPF accounting database

New Registration Process for Insurers Insurers Financial Reports Central Processing System By law, insurers are required to submit to the local SSPF branch quarterly reports of social insurance payments. Thus, we incorporated into this system an automated branch inspection feature, which will process the data contained in the insurer reports and then, submit the findings to the central office for further review and synthesis. At the branch level, the purpose of this financial reporting system is to process registration and allow input of accounting data (from both paper-based and digital source forms), figures from quarterly financial statements, and other information.

To carry out these functions, the system is equipped with special software for:  processing insurer data in relation to payments  collection and processing by the branch inspectors of insurant payouts  handling quarterly financial reports and balance sheets  generating analyses and statistical reports As with all our solutions, these software applications designed for national pension systems have been tested thoroughly and will be updated regularly to ensure optimum performance.