Conversations on Cloud Computing

November/December 2011 | Issue 3

SITA

conversations on cloud computing MOVING GOVERNMENT INTO THE CLOUD SMALL BUSINESS REACHES FOR THE CLOUDS

2011 GOVTECH RESOLUTIONS “It’s about creating strategic partnerships in the pursuit of innovation”

OPENING UP THE CLOUD

DOC BANKS ON THE CLOUD

AGENCY OF CHOICE

- BLAKE MOSLEYLEFATOLA

HEADING INTO NEW MARKETS

COACHING THE NEXT GENERATION

Leap ahead of the competition

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Editor’s note Audra Mahlong

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When a government minister openly talks of plans to introduce cloud technologies into the service delivery agenda – it’s a clear sign that it has entered the epicentre of the IT world.

With Gartner saying that many IT solution providers are taking advantage of the solutions the cloud offers – the public sector is now also realising the benefits of cloud computing.

The challenge for departments will be to set standards for cloud security and management and collaborate with industry leaders to deliver open, interoperable cloud solutions, which enhance service delivery efforts.

Cyber security will also creep into conversations on the cloud. With sensitive information, departments have to think about cyber issues and come up with secure architecture and solutions to protect vulnerable information.

Welcome For many years, cloud computing, has been the alternative child of the IT industry.

Only a few years ago it was known as the technology favoured by companies considered progressive and unorthodox.

Fast-forward to 2011 and it has become part of everyday conversation in IT circles.

With demand for cloud solutions growing across the globe, many companies have completed strategic planning for cloud implementation or are actively developing plans for cloud adoption

Editorial Details

Publisher Sebase Media and Telecomms (Pty) Ltd Editorial director John Kudzingana Editor Audra Mahlong

In this issue we take a look at what the industry has to say about cloud computing. The conversations are interesting – with both the industry and the public sector showing an interest in this “new” technology.

Let’s Engage!

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Contents .....................................................................................................................................................

5

7

AGENCY OF CHOICE SITA is on track to becoming the lead agency in public sector IT

GOING THE OPEN SOURCE ROUTE Government needs wider and deeper open source adoption, says Obsidian

9 12

SMALL BUSINESS REACHES FOR THE CLOUD

DOC BANKS ON THE CLOUD Cloud computing will change the way government does business

17

SITA CHALLENGES DEVELOPERS - [GovTech Reportback] The agency looks to boost the development of local apps aimed at improving service delivery

20

2011 GOVTECH RESOLUTIONS -

22

CONNECTING TO ACHEIVE MORE - [GovTech Reportback]

OPENING UP THE CLOUD Only an open source environment will accelerate the adoption of cloud computing in government

ASG is readying itself for the provision of cloud solutions to government

14

19

[GovTech Reportback]

Connected government is at the core of the improved service delivery

24

AFRICA ROUND UP

26

HEADING INTO NEW MARKETS

28

COACHING THE NEXT GENERATION

IT News from all over Africa

Developing talent is key for Comztek, as it taps into African markets

Things have changed for women in IT, says IBM

MOVING GOVERNMENT INTO THE CLOUD Finding the right partner will ensure the public sector’s shift to cloud computing is a success

18

SITA TRANSFORMATION ON TRACK - [GovTech Reportback] The agency is on its way to becoming government’s IT agency of choice

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AGENCY OF CHOICE SITA is on track to becoming the lead agency in public sector IT words by Audra Mahlong

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Steps have already been taken, he notes, adding that these would lay solid foundations for the transformation of SITA. In the past year, the agency has introduced initiatives to help transform and reengineer its business processes and systems to become a highperforming, customer-driven ICT service provider, Mosley-Lefatola notes.

“Essentially, the change is aimed at ensuring the goods and services that we offer is responsive and relevant to the diverse ICT needs of our customers and partners. It is about transforming our core business to be about being an enabler and Integrator of ICT goods, systems, infrastructure and related services for the public sector,” he says.

BLAKE MOSLEY-LEFATOLA SITA CEO

Rolling in change

As SITA continues on its transformation path, solid leadership with a clear vision has become increasingly important for the agency.

For CEO, Blake Mosley-Lefatola, becoming the proficient lead agency in public sector ICT is not a journey to be taken lightly.

Mosley-Lefatola noted that the agency had now adopted business and operating models that would support its role as PSI. The agency was also reforming internally, he revealed. With an unqualified audit report for the 2010/11 financial year and the filling of all executive seats – change was well underway.

Supply Chain Management (SCM) model; offers clients competitive pricing and financial sustainability while taking on the role of ICT Regulator and providing the public sector with effective governance and monitoring – he has a tough job ahead of him.

While Mosley-Lefatola acknowledges the weighty issues facing him – he remains Tasked with ensuring the agency has an optimistic that the goals set out in the effective and integrated public sector ICT transformation strategy are achievable.

Modernisation initiatives were being fast-tracked and several modules of the eagerly anticipated Integrated Finance Management System (IFMS) had been completed and implemented at lead sites.

With the introduction of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) module at National Treasury; the asset management module at four departments within the Limpopo province and the Human Resources module at the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) – the agency was making

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“It’s about creating strategic partnerships in the pursuit of innovation in the face of the increased pace of embedding emerging, disruptive and continuous technologies in SA...” progress with one of its key projects, Mosley-Lefatola noted.

Implementation of the IFMS was also in progress at the Free State Department of Education – which will take up the Human Resource Module, while the SCM module is set to benefit the Department’s of Defence, Health and Social Development.

“SITA together with the National Treasury and DPSA are preparing for the rollout of the SCM-core in line with the pre-determined criteria. SITA is also in the process of completing the development of remainder models of the IFMS through a partnership with industry,” he revealed.

Working together The agency had realised the benefits of creating successful partnerships and would harness these as it works towards stability, Mosley-Lefatola noted.

The SITA industry engagement model will also forge strategic partnerships with the industry, Mosley-Lefatola revealed.

“It’s about creating strategic partnerships in the pursuit of innovation in the face of the increased pace of embedding emerging, disruptive and continuous technologies in SA. It is also about pursuing opportunities on a risk and revenue share basis and is focused on building an indigenous IT industry inclusive of SMMEs.” Looking ahead Faced with new technologies which were rapidly changing the ICT landscape, SITA says it will not be left behind.

“Government is moving into the cloud and we have defined the architecture of the Government Cloud,” Mosley-Lefatola revealed.

Several resolutions from the 2010 GovTech conference would also be implemented. These include the immediate implementation 10 key e-Government initiatives to improve citizen convenience to DPSA and expanding the WASP base platform for mobile access to services by citizens.

The IT Academy would also become a key priority and SITA would collaborate with relevant government departments, academia and industry.

Following the introduction of the turnaround strategy, SITA has started several initiatives to improve the quality and efficiency of its services:

Utilising the SITA Service Strategy and service framework Expanding the definition of the service levels and performance metrics across the SITA service catalogue Implementing the SITA Distribution Model to improve service lead times: - The Distribution Model drives local economic development & job creation within Provinces - Empowers the SITA provincial offices in terms of decision making powers and operational responsibilities

“The establishment of the IT Academy will help with the development of critical IT skills for the knowledge economy,” Mosley-Lefatola said.

One such partnership was with the DPSA and Government Information Technology Officers Council (GITOC).

The partnership would focus on the development of the Government Systems Convergence strategy; government cloud computing strategy; government ICT strategy – while also helping the agency with its costing and pricing model with the aim to achieve continuous price improvement of services.

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GOING THE OPEN SOURCE ROUTE Government needs wider and deeper open source adoption, says Obsidian words by Eugene Morokolo

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“Government can save money by deploying open source technologies, as well as make their technologies more open systems and open standards compliant - which in turn will make future integration easier. Over and above using local companies to procure technologies, solutions and services - savings could be used to fund development initiatives into areas not already covered,” van Staden argues.

An Open future

MUGGIE VAN STADEN

OBSIDIAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE & MD

Open source technology and services has been met with some uncertainty in the industry and according to Obsidian, a company that specialises in open source solutions, this is because of a lack of knowledge.

“In many of the cases it is because people are unsure and uninformed with regards to how open source technologies are developed and how they can be implemented and used within an organisation. Once people become more informed on the matter they tend to start embracing the model and realise the full value”, says Obsidian chief executive and MD, Muggie van Staden.

The company says though government has not yet fully implemented strategies on open source, it will benefit greatly if it adopts open technologies across all departments.

The company says it has enjoyed working with some government departments in the past and is hoping for future partnerships with others in deploying open source solutions.

“Obsidian has successfully deployed open source operating systems, backup solutions, fax solutions and mail and collaboration solutions within government circles, and we hope to assist the rest of government with their transition to wider open source adoption.”

Like most companies Obsidian says working with government is very important but then it depends how far the government is prepared to go into open source deployment.

“Government is potentially a very large customer; the big question is will they make the move to wider and deeper open source adoption,” he asks.

The company says it also provides solutions around operating systems, virtualisation, cloud, back-up solutions, unified threat management, fax, mail and collaboration, databases, networking and monitoring.Van Staden adds that Obsidian has sets its eyes one expanding its business offerings and in the future.

“Obsidian has been providing open source related technologies, solutions and services since 1995, and we have no plans of stopping and plan to expand the range of technologies and offerings.”

“Government can save money by deploying open source technologies, as well as make their technologies more open systems and open standards compliant - which in turn will make future integration easier.”

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Changing users The IT industry is one of the most competitive industries in the economy and companies always look to use their advantage to get business.

“We have 16 years of experience in the arena, and have partnerships with many international and local organisations and have a proven track record with our open source solutions in both private and public sector organisations.”

“Open Source technologies tend to be more cost effective, this is typically due to the open source development model. If you take Linux as an example, many Linux companies and communities share the development on the individual building blocks of the Linux operating system, thus lowering the individual development cost for each organisation.”

“The companies then differentiate themselves with the services they

provide around these communal building blocks,” van Staden argues.

Just like any technology and solution there are areas of priority from the clients and Obsidian argues that government should first focus on backend technologies.

“We believe the focus should be on the back-end technologies first. With the correct back-end the front-end becomes easier to potentially migrate. Over and above this the front-end requirements are changing rapidly with the uptake of smart phones and tables, the typical end user interface has already changed dramatically,” explains Van Staden Obsidian says the value of open source is the development model, it provides better quality software, typically based on open standards and is typically cross-platform technologies - adding enormous value to an organisations IT infrastructure.

“In many of the cases it is because people are unsure and uninformed with regards to how open source technologies are developed and how they can be implemented and used within an organisation...”

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opening up the cloud Only an open source environment will accelerate the adoption of cloud computing in government words by Audra Mahlong

...................................................................................................... to navigate is how it makes progress, without tying itself to a single proprietor.

“Proprietor solutions are often based on business process not related to you. And in most cases, you still pay maintenance and licensing fees for products which we don’t really don’t see the benefit of.”

At the Department of Public Works, Mosupye leads the information mangement/services unit strategically and operationally. The information services unit is segmented into three components: applications management, project management and the IT support sub-unit.

She notes that maintenance costs are still crippling, and that locally developed open source solutions would relieve cost concerns.

As government continues to search for ways to optimise service delivery and improve efficiencies while lowering costs, cloud computing solutions are increasingly being mulled over by departments in their quest to introduce cost saving technologies.

For Nthabiseng Mosupye, chief director of information services at the Department of Public Works, cloud computing adoption goes hand-in-hand with a growth in open source solutions.

“Open source will be a leader in cloud computing. The quickest way for us to look at cloud computing is within an open source environment.”

Mosupye explains that cloud computing provides security, interoperability and

cost savings – and that these benefits could be expanded on to improve service delivery and implement open standards within government to citizens.

Government, and the industry, are yet to realise the value of inexpensive, easy to use and free open source solutions.

“Why don’t we come up with our own solutions, not necessarily government solutions, but encouraging the market to develop their own solutions. Bring it back to industry, implement it and support them,” she says.

Moving forward Mosupye says there is no question that open source is a leader in cloud computing. What government needs

“If we develop our own internal or country solutions that we implement – we won’t need to spend a large percentage of our budgets on maintenance. That way, we are also skilling ourselves, while ensuring there’s sustainability and growth of the market,” she explains.

“Open source will be a leader in cloud computing. The quickest way for us to look at cloud computing is within an open source environment

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Standards, standards, standards While most conversations on open source technology and cloud computing solutions question the level of security – Mosupye notes that this should not be a major concern.

“Currently, the most secure environment is a proprietor environment. As open source matures, so will its security. It’s always on the back of our minds. We will also consider and be conscious of security, regardless of the environment and the technology we’re using.You cannot share everything, you cannot have everything in the open.”

She notes that, like a proprietor environment, the open source arena also offers licensing, governance and ways to secure the environment correctly.

“What we really want is open standards and these are the standards we, as government, need to come up with.

That way, it doesn’t matter what you buy, as long as it adheres to established standards. This will also help us set out foundations, so that tomorrow when we want to exchange information, the standards are in place.”

As a member of the Government Information Technology Officers Council (GITOC) she adds that frameworks have become increasingly important.

and procurement management and understands that change management is key in accelerating adoption.

“Exposure [to new technologies] is important. Maybe people can’t change cause they’re not exposed to that.

Training is also very important. When “We realise we need to have frameworks. one works within a specific environment, But in matured environments it’s not that they become very comfortable and when easy – but in new environments it works. they’re exposed to something new, they We are taking baby steps and making tend to resist.” progress on developing and implementing frameworks.”

As the workforce is exposed to a range of solutions and products, open source Changing attitudes solutions are yet to make a mark for many, she notes. Despite many popular Mosupye has experience with MVS/ cellphone brands being based on open OS390 operating systems, middleware standards, there are still many challenges products, project management, business/ facing open source solutions. system analysis and IT management at a senior level.

“The biggest challenge is with your productivity tools and user interfacing.

She has been involved in organisational Though people still use open source restructuring, the formulation of IT productivity tools – the problem is that strategy, policies and procedures, the known brands have already made

their mark, making telling users to move to new environments very tricky. It’s not a fight with a specific brand, its more about getting users out of a specific way of thinking,” she explains.

“We will also consider and be conscious of security, regardless of the environment and the technology we’re using. You cannot share everything, you cannot have everything in the open.”

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Success is a journey, not a destination

SITA Today, Tomorrow,to the Future SITA has embarked on a turnaround journey that seeks to re-engineer the company into a leading organisation that provides optimal and efficient ICT services to the public sector. This transformational trajectory will reposition the organisation to reclaim its strategic position as an enabler and integrator of ICT goods, systems, infrastructure and related services for the public sector.

We are well on our way to becoming a prime systems intergrator for government that is capable of optimal performance and an invaluable partner for the South African government. This is our mission and through this journey, we’ll ensure that SITA has the capacity to be a provider and facilitator of ICT goods and services; but more importantly to be a regulator that sets the benchmark for security and interoperability. We’re also committed to acting as a developer of government information systems convergence strategy and the maintenance of the IT inventory - whilst establishing ourselves as government’s procurement arm for ICT goods and services.

This is a tough journey but one that will reaffirm SITA’s vision of becoming a high-performing and customercentric organisation; improving public service delivery through ICT.

Delivering ICT Value

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SMALL BUSINESS REACHES FOR THE CLOUD ASG is readying itself for the provision of cloud solutions to government words by Eugene Morokolo

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As government embraces cloud computing solutions, a lot of companies - both big and small - are set to benefit from deploying such services to government.

ASG, a company that offers cloud solutions services, says even though they don’t have the game plan from government yet, they are preparing themselves for a time when departments begin the widespread roll-out of cloud infrastructure.

With government embracing the technology, ASG believes the shift to implementing infrastructure to allow cloud computing to take growth in the country will be the first stage of the migration to the cloud.

“At this stage of the game we are uninformed of the details of the government-wide cloud solution adoptions. Once we have been made aware of these adoptions, we will seek ways of integrating and aligning these with our solution adoption capabilities,” said Andrew Giliomee from ASG.

Institute of Municipal Finance Officers, who form an integral part of local government across all nine provinces.

Giliomee adds that despite the uncertainty, the company is committed to helping government departments find the best solutions for their service delivery mandates.

ASG is passionate about helping businesses through their proactive flatrate IT support services, Giliomee adds.

Helping all clients He says ASG has done business with government before, but notes it also important to not abandon private companies.

“We have partnered with a local government institutions, namely, the

However, the majority of our business dealings at this stage are with the private sector business community with between 10 and 150 users,” he explained.

“This is designed to reduce their costs, increase their profits and mitigate their business risks, through the effective use of technology. We partner with them as their Virtual CIO and IT department, allowing them to focus on running their business, not their technology.”

He says their customers pay a set monthly fee, which is both predictable and scalable to their business.

Google Apps offers simple, powerful communication and collaboration tools for enterprises of any size in business, education, or government – all hosted by Google to streamline setup, minimise maintenance and reduce IT costs.”

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“They’ll never again be staggered by unexpected IT cost issues and will rest easy knowing that a vital, potentially volatile, budget line item is under complete control,” he explains.

The current focus of the company is on offering cloud solutions like Google Apps for business and Hosted Exchange Services as well as Offsite Storage.

Giliomee says the company’s medium term plans are focused around servicing small and medium company in a hosted environment.

“We are envisaging being able to offer services to small- and mediumsized businesses. Google Apps offers simple, powerful communication and collaboration tools for enterprises of any size in business, education, or government – all hosted by Google to streamline setup, minimise maintenance and reduce IT costs.”

“We are continually seeking ways to add value to our clients via our service levels and innovative technology offerings. Our pricing is cost competitive. However, when coupled with our technology offerings - our premium service culture provides a one-stop shop for the client and we are not easily beaten. Our ability to roll out solutions in the shortest possible time is most definitely one of our strongest traits while being backed by a highly competent support staff.”

secure – and there are risks to consider in securing the cloud.

“When choosing a cloud solution it does impart more risk into a process and that is why partnering with a cloud solutions service provider will require additional due diligences to be done

“They’ll never again be staggered by unexpected IT cost issues and will rest easy knowing that a vital, potentially volatile, budget line item is under complete control,”

to ensure business continuity can be maintained in the event of a disaster.

It is also important to know that the company with whom you are storing your important information is financially stable and will not suddenly disappear taking all of your valuable information with it,” he explains.

Departments need to ask about the phases of implementing cloud solutions – as a successful solution will focus on deploying different levels of the cloud to ensure successful adoption.

“The cloud is essentially a tool. Moving applications and services to the cloud may cut your costs, or may impart more risk into a process, but in either case, the cloud is nothing more than a tool that should be accomplishing some business objective,” Giliomee explains.

“The equipment still exists and all the issues of privacy, security and availability are not avoided - only hidden - and therefore more difficult to monitor and control. It used to be part of any hosting agreement to care how well the host would manage their data centres for high availability. Calling something a cloud does not eliminate the need for such due-diligence,” he concludes.

Cloud for All Giliomee says cloud solutions will benefit the government, but many departments are still grappling with how they would.

“It will certainly improve service response times to the public, avoiding time wasting queues and the like, as well as allowing the redeployment of government staff into more productive environments for the improvement of customer services. More efficient government should mean more efficiency throughout the country,” he argues.

ASG says it says it one thing to deploy a solution and another to maintain and

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DOC BANKS ON THE CLOUD Cloud computing will change the way government does business words by Eugene Morokolo

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Over the past few years the ICT industry has been gradually moving to the “cloud”. With the evolution of ICT over the past decade, both the public and private sector had to move with the times.

As generally known, cloud computing has taken over the industry as almost all key government departments have shown an interest in adopting the technology.

There has also been a lot of talk as to whether the price of this unproven technology is justifiable. However, the Department of Communications (DOC) says the investment on cloud computing is justifiable as it will change the way the government does business and offers services.

“Cloud computing has the potential to revolutionarise the way government utilises ICT’s and how it delivers services to its people. The value proposition for adopting cloud technologies far supersedes the risk of investment in such technologies and many governments around the world have seen this value,” says Mbombo Maleka, deputy director: e-Skills Institute at the DOC. Medium term goals Maleka notes that the departments medium and future goals, with regards to cloud solution adoption, lies with its network architecture.

“The e-Skills institute is tasked with providing a collaborative networks architecture for all international and

national stakeholders covering all sectors of society which will form a basis for a national e-skills agenda.”

“This networks architecture cannot be realised without consideration of cutting-edge technologies such as cloud computing. Currently there is an initiative to connect the five already established provincial e-Skills Knowledge Production and Coordination Hubs which are tasked to provide regional impetus to the e-skills agenda and for the attainment of information society and knowledge economy goals.”

The DOC believes the benefit of having cloud solutions outweighs the cost involved, as over time, government will see a lot of return on its investments.

This, the department says, will be as a result of government’s ability to centrally store and access its services.

“Cost savings and enhanced efficiencies will enable government departments to provide services with greater ease.

More importantly, government can now centralise its ICT services while leveraging from the collaborative opportunity afforded by cloud computing,” explains Maleka.

Security issues A lot has also been said about securing the cloud solutions, and it is vital that government departments secure their cloud infrastructure. The DOC says cloud computing security should be prioritised as a lot can go wrong without proper security.

MBOMBO MALEKA DOC, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, e-SKILLS INSTITUTE

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“Security is a priority for any organisation and even more so for government, the then Minister of Public Service and Administration, Mr Richard Baloyi on the occasion of the 6th Govtech Conference, Durban mentioned that”the threat of cyber crime on government information security may hinder the deployment of the government cloud” so it is of uttermost importance that this issue be addressed even before the widespread deployment of cloud technologies in government”, said Maleka.

Bandwidth and strategy The DOC, however, cautions against trying to absorb the entire solutions immediately as there is still a shortage of bandwidth in the country.

“Adopting the entire solution is almost impossible at this stage especially considering the bandwidth challenges in the country. However with about 10 major undersea cables landing in SAbandwidth challenges will be a thing of the past.”

Maleka notes that for cloud computing to be effective - a comprehensive government strategy and consultation among stakeholders is needed.

“Citizens in rural settings in particular will not need to physically go to a government building in order to access services and information...”

“What is even more important is that there needs to be a national discourse for government to discuss and develop a strategy for government adoption of this technology. It is only through such a consultative process that government can know exactly what the critical successes factors needed to deploy a nation-wide cloud that can cater for all government departments.”

Maleka adds that only thereafter can departments independently develop centric solutions relevant to their immediate environments, without compromising the broader vision for a cloud-based government.

Service delivery revolution Though underpinned by broadband network availability and security issues, cloud computing has the potential to revolutionarise the way government uses ICT’s and how it delivers services to its people.

The value proposition for adopting cloud technologies far supersedes the risk for investment in such technologies and many governments around the world have seen this value.

“Cloud computing can enable government to drastically reduce costs associated with deploying ICT infrastructure and for deployment and use of applications thereof - especially for municipalities that struggle to even allocate the smallest of their budget for IT needs,” says Maleka, The trick for many governments, Maleka says, is to achieve more with limited resources. More important, he says, is to leverage from ICT for socio-economic development.

“Free and open source technologies along with cloud computing technologies have many benefits for organisations and

individuals granted they are deployed in controlled environments,” he said.

Citizen centric Maleka says cloud solutions can change the way citizens interact and access government services. He says citizens can be able to access the cloud services even if they are in the rural areas through a technological device.

“Citizens in rural settings in particular will not need to physically go to a government building in order to access services and information - all they will need is to use either a cellphone or a Multi Purpose centre or any other infrastructure provided by government to access these services, without necessarily spending hours on the road or large amounts of money purchasing computer hardware just so that they can access information and services.”

Further, collaboration has become a buzzword to a technology-driven world and this is positive for any government if it can leverage from collaboration platforms afforded by cloud technologies across all its organs without being compromised by the geographical and physical constraints.

For Maleka, government needs to realise that SA, like many developmental states, needs to adopt technological trends that promise more value to organisations and individuals.

“Cloud computing is a phenomenon that is speedily gaining respect in government around the world such as the US and UK as well as in the ICT industry globally and it provides an opportune platform for SA government. The onus is on national government to provide thought leadership and ensure there is a cohesive approach to deploying any technology solution,” concludes Maleka.

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moving government into the cloud Finding the right partner will ensure the public sector’s shift to cloud computing is a success words by Audra Mahlong

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For Mosidi, the next step will see companies move away from infrastructure-as-a-service and software-as-a-service into secure, “We need to move on and evolve to a point where cloud is in the environment. Where it just works and allows government and companies to focus on their core business,” Mosidi explains.

Engaging with government

MAKANO MOSIDI As governments across the world are put under pressure to reduce costs and increase their operational efficiency many departments can turn to the cloud to enable them to effectively connect with citizens and to compete in the global village.

For Makano Mosidi, public sector executive, Dimension Data Middle East and Africa, companies need to do more to help government embrace cloud computing as an enabler for public service innovation and productivity growth.

“We are at a point where we are already doing hosted exchange, which is our most successful cloud offering with 25 000 clients already. They just log in and it works. It is at an infrastructure level and an office automation level – so we do need to take it a step further.”

“Perhaps they don’t have to start from scratch – perhaps they need to leapfrog ahead. Maybe their non-core applications can actually be in the cloud.

Especially with the growth of mobile applications and social media applications – government will need some purposefit infrastructure and networks, which will be agile,” Mosidi explains.

Securing the cloud

Given the cloud offering and where it’s headed, Mosidi believes compliance requirements from government will become critical.

Mosidi acknowledges that security will always be a concern for companies and departments - but notes that the solution lies in finding a credible, experienced partner to help secure your environment.

“I don’t think there is clear articulation of what they would like to see. They see it as a new concept and are still formulating their views.”

“Maybe there is an issue about security.

But there will always be an issue about security. That is why you need a partner who has gone through the process.”

Following announcements by the DPSA and SITA highlighting the shift to cloud solutions, Mosidi says the creation of a cloud computing strategy is an exciting step for IT in the public sector.

A partner that is certified, has robust processes that they follow, and can introduce standardised processes will create a secure environment for any client, Mosidi notes.

“We are excited about the formulation of a strategy. We have gone through the cycle so we can actually share lessons with them. Practically, we are already managing cloud environments and we are in the best position to share our experiences with them.”

She adds that the acquisition of OpSource will bolster Dimension Data’s experience with complex turnkey systems integration projects – positioning the company in the leading role of enabling connected government through cloud computing.

However, with a range of hurdles which include legacy systems and archaic infrastructure –government needs to rethink their careful approach to change.

“We are fully embracing the cloud.

Along with our experience in making sure client infrastructure operates optimally, makes us the right partners for government,” Mosidi concludes.

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Issue 3 | page 17

[GovTech Reportback]

SITA TRANSFORMATION ON TRACK The agency is on its way to becoming government’s IT agency of choice words by Audra Mahlong

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The State IT Agency (SITA) is on track to become the agency of choice for government’s ICT needs, says CEO, Blake Mosley-Lefatola.

Revealing plans for the agency at the 2011 GovTech conference in Durban, Mosley-Lefatola, announced plans to turn SITA into a Prime System Integrator for government.

Mosley-Lefatola revealed that SITA had adopted business and operating models to support its PSI role. For the 2010/2011 financial year, the agency received an unqualified audit report and filled all vacant executive seats.

He added that selected modules of the highly-anticipated Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) had been completed and implemented at lead sites.

The agency was also preparing for the roll-out of the supply chain management module core and was finalising the development of the remainder models

of the IFMS through a partnership with industry.

sales and service delivery and enable the availability and access of shared resources.

The plan follows the implementation of the agency’s turnaround strategy. Themed SITA today, SITA tomorrow, SITA to the future, the strategy was introduced in 2010 and marked an attempt by the agency to fulfil its original mandate.

The agency was also in the process of completing several policies, including the government systems convergence strategy; the cloud computing strategy; the government ICT strategy and a cost and pricing model in an attempt to deliver continuous cost improvements.

The turnaround strategy is aimed at re-engineering SITA into a Prime System Integrator (PSI) for government and creating an agency that is responsive to government priorities; is customercentric and an employer of choice.

As a PSI, the agency aims to improve service delivery and operational excellence; optimise overlaps in service product coverage to reduced duplication and cost; generate a holistic view of product development to improve integration of systems; provide effective management of customer demands and service delivery capabilities; integrate across all points of contact in both

Service lead times would also be improved with the introduction of a distribution model aimed at driving local economic development and job creation as well as empowering provincial offices to take decisions and improve operations.

The immediate focus would now be on delivering the 10 key e-Government initiatives decided on at GovTech 2010.

Expanding the WASP base platform to expand mobile access for service delivery and the boosting of the local skills sector, would also be a key focus.

The turnaround strategy is aimed at re-engineering SITA into a Prime System Integrator (PSI) for government and creating an agency that is responsive to government priorities; is customer-centric and an employer of choice.

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SITA CHALLENGES DEVELOPERS

[GovTech Reportback]

The agency looks to boost the development of local apps aimed at improving service delivery words by Audra Mahlong

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“We hope this code competition will challenge individuals and test their innovative and creative skills for the benefit of all,”

and reward participants who develop innovative, creative, functional and original applications relevant to the public service.

The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has initiated an innovation competition to boost the local ICT skills base.

Called, Lethla La Diakanyo (Season of Ideas), the initiative is aimed at boosting the development of new applications that will help both the government departments and citizens.

applications that will advance service delivery initiatives.

“We hope this code competition will challenge individuals and test their innovative and creative skills for the benefit of all,” he explained.

With prize money totalling R250 000, the challenge is open to everyone who meets certain criteria and requirements set by the agency.

Introducing the African code software challenge at the 2011Govtech conference According to SITA, the code challenge held in Durban, SITA’s executive for government solutions, Nagalin Tuganadar, winner will either be given an internship or employment offer for their efforts. said the code challenge aims to source The challenge is designed to motivate

However, SITA says the applications must be open source and publicly available for datasets.

“It must use open source technologies and may make use of the publicly available data sources,” Tuganadar said.

The winning solution must also be released under an open source licence to allow local and international usage. SITA says it sees the code challenge as a way of extending the need for better service delivery to all spheres of government and submissions will be judged on the value they add to social upliftment, public service improvements and the protection of women, children and persons with disabilities.

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Issue 3 | page 19

[GovTech Reportback]

2011 GovTech RESOLUTIONS The theme for GovTech 2011 was Connected Government: working together to do more. According to SITA, the concept of connected government is derived from the whole-of-government approach, which is increasingly looking towards technology as a strategic tool and as an enabler for public service innovation and productivity growth.

By bringing issues of connected government to the table, GovTech 2011 intends to stimulate thinking and debate around an important issue: that ICT has great potential for public sector transformation and, in doing so, contribute to a better understanding of the multifaceted challenges of e-government and connected governance by both public and private sector decision makers.

viii. Provision of opportunity for partnership, accommodation of new entrants and support for SMME development through SITA’s Supply Chain Management policy; ix. Creation of a SMME & BEE monitoring desk/ hotline through SITA; x. Collaboration between SITA and State Security Agency (SSA) on information security framework for the Government cloud computing;

The 2011 GovTech Conference resolutions are:

xi. Consolidation of integrated Government Data Centres and

i. Finalisation of the government-wide ICT strategy for Cabinet approval;

xii. Increased broadband to drive down ICT costs.

ii. Development and implementation of the ICT Academy with relevant partners; iii. Adoption of electronic document management end-to-end iv. Development of a Smart City ICT development plan/framework for local government; v. Adoption of social media platforms to facilitate collaboration in the public sector; vi. Establishment of a single view of government and of the citizen for improved connectivity and access to services; vii. Development of a hybrid FOSS migration strategy for the entire public service based on current experiences;

...the concept of connected government is derived from the whole-ofgovernment approach, which is increasingly looking towards technology as a strategic tool and as an enabler for public service innovation...

Progress government’s ICT agenda through collaboration and information-sharing between government and industry

Contribute to the development of the ICT profession and growth of the ICT industry in South Africa

Promotes the potential of ICT as a transformation agent and enabler of service delivery

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Balanced Scorecard : Less Process, More Progress A TOOL TO MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER Now, more than ever, the pressure to deliver is on. We are all working hard towards the same end. The trick of course is making sure that we’re all on the same page, with objectives aligned and everyone doing what they committed to doing on an ongoing basis. The balanced scorecard approach adopted by the public sector links what government is trying to achieve to departmental and individual performance; ultimately driving this alignment. The challenge is how to make this work at a practical level.

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This system enables the Department to effectively manage their processes online through: • An Organisational Balanced Score Card System; and • An Individual Performance Management System.

The system assists in the management of capturing performance inputs both at an individual and branch level to allow for effective Performance Management. Alignment to the Balance Score Card is achieved through So what is the solution? You need to uploading the Department’s Strategic automate the process with simple, easy Plan Framework into the system and to understand online forms that can be aligning the performance objectives of Let’s look at a current scenario: sent electronically to and completed by the organisation with that of the Reports, based on each Department’s each stakeholder and then individual employees. strategic plan, are required at a automatically rolled up at Ministry level on a quarterly basis. Each Departmental (and ultimately A critical output is the generation of branch within a Department is government) level. And this is where reports and dashboards based on the responsible for the delivery of certain ASG comes in. data captured which allows for quick aspects of the plan. To enable turnaround times and accurate reporting, performance progress ASG Performance Solutions has been consolidated online reporting; and this related data must be collated from all operating in the business intelligence at the click of one button! of the branches in a specific format and and software development arenas for then be consolidated and a generic over 11 years and has amongst other For more on ASG Performance status assigned to each item. The things, developed a number of Solutions, please visit our website on reports are then consolidated and Balanced Scorecard and Performance www.asgworld.co.za or contact us on carina@asgworld.co.za or on 012 751 submitted to the Ministry. These now Management tools, most recently for 4130. form the performance contracts of the the Department of Environmental Deputy General for each branch.

Affairs.

Extract from a Balanced Scorecard Capture Screen

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Issue 3 | page 21

CONNECTING TO ACHIEVE MORE

[GovTech Reportback]

Connected government is at the core of the improved service delivery

RICHARD BALOYI

PUBLIC SERVICE & ADMINISTRATION MINISTER

As the Department of Public Services and Administration (DPSA) searches for ways to contribute towards achieving government’s priorities – the concept of a “connected government” will become increasingly important.

with our efforts to work differently, faster and smarter as we respond to the challenges of service delivery that we face as a nation.”

“The theme for this conference, ‘Connected Government - working together to do more’, resonates well

“ICT-based connected governance efforts are aimed at improved cooperation between governmental agencies,

Baloyi noted that connected government implied improving the internal workings Speaking at the opening of the 2011 of the various public sector institutions GovTech conference in Durban, Public and the ICT systems that they use Service and Administration minister, to better manage work-flow and Richard Baloyi, emphasised the need for process – while eliminating duplication departments to work together and find and bureaucracies to ensure faster smarter ways to improve service delivery. turnaround times.

allowing for enhanced, active and effective consultation and engagement with citizens, and greater involvement with multi-stakeholders regionally and internationally,” he explained.

“In essence, it elevates the citizen from being an inactive and silent consumer of government services, to an active participant in determining the kinds of services they require and how those should be delivered. This is at the centre of our policy, the Batho Pele policy.”

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“The theme for this conference, ‘Connected Government - working together to do more’, resonates well with our efforts to work differently, faster and smarter as we respond to the challenges of service delivery that we face as a nation.”

In the end, the agency would provide the industry with competitive pricing, while maintaining financial sustainability and become an effective ICT regulator with working governance and monitoring models.

GovTech turnaround Changes would also introduced to the GovTech conference, Baloyi announced.

“With effect from this year, SITA has adopted a new model for GovTech.

This model, which will take place in a phased approach, will focus mostly on areas that encourage and facilitate stakeholder participation and the building of partnerships amongst stakeholders to ensure responsive and relevant services and an increased value proposition,” he explained.

This partnership entails working through projects, which would include: • 2012 Collaborate: ICT Collaboration Across and Beyond Government • 2013 Innovate: Technology for 21st Century Government • 2014 Empower: Government [em] powered by Technology

At the centre of it all – is SITA, Baloyi emphasised.

For Baloyi, the GovTech conference has a strategic role to play in supporting government’s initiative to modernise its systems for accelerated performance in delivering services to the citizens.

“This conference takes place when SITA is well apace in the implementation of the Turn-Around Strategy that we introduced at the last Govtech Conference. We can proudly say that, having strengthened the governance mechanism and deployed men and women of substance at the top management of the Agency, we have now begun to see remarkable progress in SITA’s performance.”

“GovTech should be a strategic IT resource that provides solutions to the many challenges our communities confront and answers to the many questions that we still face as government in making ICTs work for us. GovTech should also be a learning platform and a transformation agent in the manner in which we harness the potential in technology to improve service delivery to citizens,” he explained.

With the turnaround strategy well underway, Baloyi believed that SITA was on its way to providing quality ICT service delivery to the public sector and becoming a proficient lead agency in public sector ICT.

Head in the cloud

SITA-centred

With the range of expertise at the conference, Baloyi said he expected government CIOs to learn from other experiences in using ICT to combat cyber crime – something, he says, is a

necessity if the country were to embed cloud computing.

“I am certain that I do not have to emphasise the benefits that cloud computing holds for South Africa in reducing the cost and increase the ability of government to render services to all citizens. However, the threat of cyber crime on government information security may hinder the deployment of the government cloud.”

Baloyi added that he was fully committed to SITA’s programme for the deployment of the government cloud – and called on everyone to do more to combat cyber crime.

“Our commitment is based on the reality that government needs to deliver more with less budgets and therefore IT must provide innovative ways to enable government service delivery.”

Richard Baloyi is now Minister for the Department of Coorperative Governance & Traditional Affairs (COGTA)

“We can proudly say that, having strengthened the governance mechanism and deployed men and women of substance at the top management of the Agency, we have now begun to see remarkable progress in SITA’s performance.”

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Issue 3 | page 23

AFRICA ROUNDUP

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nigeria Nigerians witnessed a renewed campaign for broadband access and penetration at the 3rd West African Information and Communications Technology (WAFICT) Congress, as almost all papers presented were focused on new strategies for broadband.

The theme of the congress was “An Emerging New Frontier: Opportunities and Potentials for Deployment of Broadband Services for Sustainable Growth in West Africa.”

The minister of Communications Technology, Omobola Johnson, revealed that the Federal government was considering the development of a national ICT broadband network and another national network for Education and Research.

KENYA

GHANA The ministry of Communications has started a 120-km fibre cable project from Bolgatanga through Bawku to Senkase in Northern Togo.

The project is in fulfilment of Ghana’s commitment to joining the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) to develop broadband linkages connecting main towns and capitals in Africa by 2012.

The project, which is to be executed by three contractors, would not only give real meaning to Ghana’s quest for regional integration through effective deployment of ICTs, but would also boost its associated trade and commerce as well as strengthen bilateral relations.

RWANDA The African Development Bank (AfDB) has pledged continued support for the establishment of the Regional ICT Centre of Excellence in Kigali.

The centre will provide an academic and research programme based on the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) curriculum which is expected to start early next year.

Early this year, AfDB signed a $13 million loan agreement with the government for the construction and equipping of the Centre of Excellence.

The Kenyan government has announced plans to build a multimillion national software-training institute in Nairobi to cater for the growing demand of quality software developers.

On Tuesday, the Kenya ICT Board said it had finalised a partnership with a leading software institution in America (Carnegie Melon University) and would be rolling out the training facility in the first quarter of next year.

The core mandate of the institution would be to set software standards for local firms so as to improve on quality to gain international acceptability. The ICT Board said local universities would be partners in the new programme.

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Advertorial

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Thando Mjebeza, CEO

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For more information contact Thando Mjebeza: (021) 487 1080 / 082 457 8861 ..................................................................................................................................................... thando@zimeletechnologies.com www.saitnews.co.za

Issue 3 | page 25

HEADING INTO NEW MARKETS Developing talent is key for Comztek, as it taps into African markets words by Audra Mahlong

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“We have to defy perceptions that Africa is one country We have a different strategy for each country and its important to acknowledge the different languages and cultures in each country.

As ICT takes a central role in the development of the Africa, companies are stepping up to provide services to new regions on the continent.

One such company is Comztek, which is stepping out into the rest of Africa after seeing success in the local market.

Bridget Kelly, sales director for Comztek Rest of Africa, notes that her job is to take the company’s presence in other African to a whole new level. With

BRIDGET KELLY COMZTEK, SALES DIRECTOR

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fairly substantial operations in Namibia and Zambia and representatives within Mauritius – Kelly notes that a new thinking on Africa is necessary for future growth.

“We have to defy perceptions that Africa is one country – a view typically reinforced by manufacturers. We have a different strategy for each country and its important to acknowledge the different languages and cultures in each country. The challenge is to service African countries they way they want to be serviced,” Kelly explains.

As a women within the IT industry, Kelly notes that she has found that outside South Africa, women play as big a role in the sector as men. Generally, the industry is biased towards women with more than 65% of the workforce represented by women, she notes.

However, this type of change does require executives with an eye for spotting talent.

“Once women are in business, they are capable of making their own way. Giving them a gap is often the problem and often they are overlooked because they don’t step up.”

Kelly, an ICT stalwart, was appointed tp lead the company’s growth and consolidation into the rest of Africa earlier this year.

She was previously the regional head for Avaya Sub-Saharan Africa where she managed the team supporting SubSaharan Africa, growing the Avaya market share significantly over her 4 year tenure.

Prior to this Kelly was with the Business Connexion and Q Data Groups.

Kelly has also worked with enterprise customers to develop sales strategies, sales teams and effective go-to-market strategies. She has a Master of Business Leadership, a Bachelors in Commerce and Diploma in Electronic Data Processing For Kelly, the opportunity to drive the Comztek brand across key African markets is a really exciting task. While acknowledging the challenges facing the African market, she notes that the opportunities far outweigh the hurdles.

With advancements in mobile technology which will allow countries to leapfrog traditional barriers, such as the lack of infrastructure, opportunities to market these technologies provide exciting growth opportunities for Comztek.

She notes that understanding cultural differences will be key in the company’s success in the continent.

“What works best in one country, will often not work in another. East Africa is one region where companies service market needs by hiring people on the ground. It is a nationalistic region and understanding linguistic and cultural differences is key.”

“What works best in one country, will often not work in another. East Africa is one region where companies service market needs by hiring people on the ground. It is a nationalistic region and understanding linguistic and cultural differences is key.”

With the need to understand the nuances of each region, the key is putting people in the right jobs and to see her operations become more profitable and efficient as her team moves into the rest of Africa.

For Kelly, it is really important to make Africa as a continent is successful and she adds that the Comztek Rest of Africa team can contribute in some small way to this goal.

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Issue 3 | page 27

COACHING THE NEXT GENERATION Things have changed for women in IT, says IBM words by Audra Mahlong

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Currently heading up the Business Continuity and Resiliency Services for Middle East and Africa at IBM, Kruger notes that while women bring a unique dynamic into the business world – mentoring and assisting them to fit their niche in the IT industry is critical to their success.

MARIANA KRUGER

IBM, HEAD OF BUSINESS CONTINUITY & RESILENCY SERVICES FOR M.E.A.

“Ladies bring a unique skills set to any team. My passion is in mentoring and assisting younger ladies, making sure that they receive the necessary coaching to allow them to succeed,” says Kruger.

While noting that more women need to be ushered into the IT environment – she adds that she has been fortunate enough to work for IBM, which has been at the forefront of dealing with concerns around the number of women in the workforce.

As the IT industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, bringing in the next generation of professionals into the workplace becomes increasingly important for companies looking to keep up with swift changes in the industry.

For Mariana Kruger, an experienced IBM Services professional with twenty three years in the IT industry, the key to staying on top of change is by mentoring and coaching young women.

“Ladies bring a unique skills set to any team.

My passion is in mentoring and assisting younger ladies, making sure that they receive the necessary coaching to allow them to succeed,”

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LEADING THE PACK At IBM women have been making contributions to the advancement of IT for almost as long as the company has been in existence.

Where many companies proudly date their affirmative action programs to the 1970s, IBM has been creating meaningful roles for female employees since the 1930s.

Founder Thomas J. Watson recruited women for top positions and promised equal pay for the same kind of work—three decades before the Equal Pay Act mandated other companies to do the same.

That was back in 1934, when IBM manufactured tabulating machines and time-signaling devices.

“The process at IBM started earlier and has evolved rapidly over the years.

The same can be said for the customer environment. So, yes, the IT industry has become more accessible to ladies and I think this shift is in line with changes in the customer environment.”

Mariana has represented IBM in customer facing roles in multiple countries e.g. South Africa, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom.

She notes that she is responsible for a large and diverse region with different cultures and the challenge of her job is to remain adaptable and responsive.

Kruger started her career in IBM as a technical systems engineer in the mainframe environment after obtaining a BSc degree majoring in Chemistry and Computer Science. This was followed by a natural evolution from systems engineer to systems management consulting and project management.

During her career in IBM Mariana had various roles ranging from business unit leader for Information Systems Management Services and e-business Hosting to business development executive, Client Solutions Executive and Project Executive in Strategic Outsourcing.

Mariana has a passion for the IT industry with the ability to leverage IBM’s strengths to the customer’s best advantage.

It appointed its first woman vice president in 1943 and began a three month leave-of-absence program in 1956—30 years before the Family and Medical Leave Act came into place in the US. Today it continues to take the initiative in women’s advancement.

That impact has no doubt been farther reaching and more enduring than even a visionary like Watson could have imagined seven decades ago.

“The process at IBM started earlier and has evolved rapidly over the years. The same can be said for the customer environment. So, yes, the IT industry has become more accessible to ladies and I think this shift is in line with changes in the customer environment.”

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Issue 3 | page 29

Dimension Data Partner Programme

Dimension Data provides more information about how small businesses can become involved in it’s Partner Programme “The Partner programme uniquely positions ICT small businesses to provide real-time support and the best service delivery and experience to clients in South Africa and the region. The collaborative approach has seen small businesses and Dimension Data implementing ICT projects successfully in large client environments.” McDonald Nheke, General Manager: Partner Programme, Dimension Data Middle East and Africa.

As the ICT marketplace continues to evolve and mechanisms for service delivery differ from each country, companies cannot operate successfully in Africa without ensuring that the communities in which they do business benefit.

To ensure the success of the communities in which it operates and in line with enterprise development, Dimension Data, the leading ICT services company in the region, continues to roll out the Dimension Data Partner Programme in South Africa.

multi-vendor capabilities in geographies where Dimension Data does not have a direct presence.

industry leading benefits within days.

Dimension Data maintains a collaborative relationship with partners to ensure a better understanding of its business and an aligned delivery strategy. The company has developed a process where partners work with Dimension Data to provide a seamless delivery of multi-vendor solutions across the MEA region.

Dimension Data has a consistent process for identifying, accessing and engaging suitable partners, which gives it the capability to deliver solutions to agreed service levels.

Partners also have access to training, which allows skills transfer to small businesses by involving these organisations through all phases of the project, including pre-sales, implementation and maintenance.

What can we expect to see from the Partner Programme in future?

Partner Categories

All Dimension Data Partners are categorised based on a number of factors including, among other things, competency, contribution, size, experience, and accreditation.

Each partner is given a proper process and plan on how to move Benefits of the Programme from one category to the next. The higher the partner is on a category As the region’s largest ICT company, level, the more rewards the partner Dimension Data draws on a wealth of will benefit from. The categories as local knowledge and global based on international standards experience. The company ensures and are in line with industry best that partners are enabled to offer practice. in-depth technology, industry and business expertise, a firm Who qualifies? understanding of what is required for success, coupled with proven The Dimension Data Partner ability and industry skills to help Programme is open to all small ICT clients meet their business objectives businesses in the Middle East and − a solid foundation on which they Africa (MEA) region. Each potential can build success. partner will be subjected to due diligence to ensure legitimacy and to The Dimension Data Partner conform to legislation of the country.

Programme has established a If you meet the minimum criteria, consolidated network of approved you could become a Dimension Data partners that can deliver Partner and share in some of our page 30 | Issue 3 www.saitnews.co.za

How to become a partner

This process includes three phases: • On-boarding • Accreditation and Activation • Operation

Dimension Data will be hosting the first Dimension Data Partner Summit event in 2012. This will provide a platform to recognise partners as well as establishing a partner network that promotes Dimension Data solution offerings to the broader market. Partners who attend will get invaluable advice on how to expand sales and marketing skills, as well as deepen their business and technical expertise and networks.

Contact Us Prospective partners must contact: McDonald Nheke, on +27 (83) 6771773; mcdonald.nheke@dimensiondata.com

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Secure Computing

IT Security (End-Point Protection, Content Filtering, Disaster Recovery, Networking Security, etc) Managed Services (IT Infrastructure, Hosting, Licensing, Hardware, Desktop & Server support)

..................................................................................................................................................... www.sebase.co.za | (012) 665 - 0454 www.saitnews.co.za

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