ENG-2000 — Page 426

COMMUNICATIONS, THE MEDIA AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

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principles, standard models, common facilities and proper measures to safeguard information integrity and security in government systems. In particular, the ITSD has established a physical backbone network infrastructure to facilitate network connections among bureaux and departments, and a central electronic messaging hub facilitating the efficient transmission of electronic messages among bureaux and departments. The department has also established a central Internet gateway system to enable bureaux and departments to disseminate information, communicate and transact business with the public over the Internet efficiently and under a secure environment. By the end of the year, the gateway system was hosting some 129 government web sites.

A Government Office Automation (GOA) programme aimed at improving electronic communication within the Government was completed by the end of the year, covering all bureaux and departments with a total of some 12 000 users. An extension of the programme is being implemented to provide office automation as well as Internet and Government Intranet access facilities to over 15 000 additional officers, so as to support the development of an 'electronic government'.

In August, the ITSD set up the Central Cyber Government Office (CCGO) which is a government Intranet service providing a wealth of information and electronic services. New services will be gradually introduced with the aim of developing a web-casting station, information centre and e-business platform within the Government.

As a whole, spending on IT within the Government has increased from $1.342 billion in 1995-96 to $2.160 billion in 1999-2000. Moreover, bureaux and departments are encouraged to examine their longer-term computerisation requirements and formulate information systems strategy or IT plans to support their long-term needs. By the end of the year, 37 bureaux and departments had such strategies or plans in place.

Electronic Service Delivery

To bring IT into the daily life of the community, the Government has launched the Electronic Service Delivery (ESD) scheme. The scheme aims to provide efficient and high quality public services to the community on-line. Services will be provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week in a public-oriented approach instead of the conventional department-based format. The public can access ESD services through a wide range of delivery channels including personal computers with Internet connection, public information kiosks and other electronic means. Different electronic payment methods will be supported. To ensure authenticity, integrity, confidentiality and non-repudiation of electronic transactions, digital certificates are required for carrying out some ESD transactions. The scheme will act as a catalyst to pump-prime the development of electronic commerce in Hong Kong.

The Internet service of the scheme was launched in December. Public services covered include filing of tax returns, payment of government bills, renewal of driving and vehicle licences, application for a business registration certificate, job searching and voter registration. Additional services will be introduced from time to time. The long-term goal is to include in the ESD scheme all government services that are amenable to the electronic mode of delivery.