1. INTRODUCTION
2. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) PERSPECTIVES
3. FACTORS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF OICIS-NET
4. PROBLEMS & ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED
5. POSSIBILITIES OF MAKING OICIS-NET SELF-SUFFICIENT
6. IMPACT ON MEMBER COUNTRIES
7. PROJECTED ACTIVITIES FOR THE NEXT 3 YEARS
1. Objectives of OICIS-NET
2. Strategy for the Present
8. STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE : AREAS OF EXPANSION
1. Promotion of Awareness:
2. Full Implementation of Existing Programmes
3. Support to IDB Operations and Programmes
4. Hosting of Databases on OICIS-NET
5. Promotion of Specialised Networks
6. Provision of Gateways
7. Use of INTERNET Technology & INTRANET Environment
8. Promote Value-Added Services to be Hosted on OICIS-NET
9. ACHIEVEMENTS
10. OICIS-NET SERVICES
11. PROMOTION & MARKETING
12. CONCLUSION

The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the development of the OICIS-NET project and its future activities. The report provides a perspective of Information Technology (IT) and its status among the OIC member countries, factors for the development of OICIS-NET, the problems and issues to be addressed and the progress achieved, so far. The possibility of achieving self-sufficiency in OICIS-NET project are discussed indicating the specific areas from which income can be generated to partly finance the project. The benefits and impact of OICIS-NET on the member countries are also provided.

In developing OICIS-NET there are many complex issues that have to be answered. Most of the technical problems have been resolved. However, before OICIS-NET will gain widespread acceptance in the Islamic World, there are social, economic and cultural issues that need to be addressed at the higher levels.

The revolutionary developments in Information Technology (IT) covering information, computing and telecommunications have put at the disposal of mankind unprecedented opportunities for growth and development. The accelerating convergence of telecommunication, information and multi-media has tremendous effect on every facet of human development. The resulting value-added services have presented unlimited growth prospects. These developments are global in nature and therefore, affect both the developed and developing countries though in varying degrees.

These developments are in the process of making our vast world a global village. In fact, we are in an era when all the resources for growth - people, commodities, services, finance and information move rapidly and flow beyond the confines of boundaries of states or systems. Information Technology (IT) is stimulating development and growth of all resources of the nations so much, so that it cannot be viewed only as an isolated service. In fact, properly applied, IT becomes a facilitator of economic development, provider of social welfare, reducer of regional imbalances and provider of information for the planning and decision-making process.

Currently, Information Technology use in many Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) member countries is at a lower level than other developing parts of the world. According to a recent survey, global IT and communications market is worth more than US $ 96 billion per annum and rising rapidly. A split up of the geographical areas of the use of this market shows that Europe and U.S.A. together share 77% of the market, Japan and Far East account for 16% and the rest of the world including the OIC member countries together account for the remaining 7%.

The penetration of even basic telephone lines in the OIC region is less than one percent of the world's main telephone lines. According to a study by Statistical, Economic, Scientific Research & Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRTCIC), the main lines per 100 population in the OIC member countries, compared to the world average of 11.6, is less than 1 in 18 countries (most of them in Africa), less than 5 in 14 countries and less than 10 in 9 countries. Only four countries - UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Brunei have more than 20 lines per 100 population. In contrast, the figures for some of the advanced countries are as follows: USA 60.2, France 54.7 and UK - 48.3. Telecommunication network connectivity has been hampered by poor telecommunication infrastructure outside major cities among the developing countries, including the OIC Member Countries.

INTERNET connectivity is particularly low with only very few countries having direct access to full INTERNET. Research and educational institutions use majority of the existing INTERNET connections with little use by the business community. Proper IT use is concentrated within small, well-educated elites, who are aware of the benefits and potentials of using the technology and have the language and skills needed to participate in world-wide INTERNET. These elites often use it in communication with people outside the region than within. One of the objectives of OICIS-NET is to correct this situation.

In developing a plan to facilitate the growth of OICIS-NET, the following factors/objectives have to be taken into account:

• OICIS-NET has been mandated at Head of State level to foster the economic development and co-operation amongst Islamic States. Therefore, it is the duty of each State to support and facilitate its implementation and to foster its objections and issues .
• To achieve the economic benefits, and also to improve co-ordination amongst member states, OICIS-NET needs to gain widespread acceptance and usage throughout the entire region (it needs to attain a "critical mass")
• OICIS-NET needs to be positioned in such a manner as to positively encourage communication between individuals, organizations and government bodies within the member states.
• A large marketing campaign needs to be conducted, in order that people and organisations are well informed and educated as to the benefits that should accrue with better use and flow of information services.
• There are three distinct types of OICIS-NET subscribers:
1. Organizations/Institutions who own databases that would benefit others, if they had access to them.
2. Users who require access to the information /databases.
3. Individuals/Organizations who would benefit from the use of E-mail and document transfer service.

These different target markets will need to be addressed individually. In many instances, especially in the embryonic stages, subsidies will need to be given to make the use of OICIS-NET feasible.

The greater the number of database hosts, the greater the number of users that will be attracted to the service. However, it must be realised that it will take concerted efforts and time to gain widespread acceptance and usage of the Network throughout the region. To gain a "critical mass" and achieve economic benefits and improve co-ordination among the member countries requires considerable investments in education, training and marketing efforts both by IDB and by the member country institutions.

Therefore, to build on the good work already completed, and as a catalyst for future acceptance and growth, there are many areas that will require attention and financing. These Problems and Issues are dealt with in the following Section.

1. Lack of Awareness and Initiative to Use OICIS-NET: Despite a lot of efforts to bring various institutions among the member countries, to join OICIS-NET and benefit from its services, response has been rather poor. This has been the case with most other networks too. It will take time for the users to catch on to the network services.
   To speed up the process, an aggressive marketing strategy, as well as user training programmes will have to be implemented.
2. Lack of Adequate Hardware and Software: Some of the member country institutions do not have the necessary infrastructure and budget for accessing OICIS-NET services. Providing the required hardware and software for some of the member countries institutions is becoming a necessity and should be given the highest priority.
3. Database Hosts: The importance of any network is related to the information and databases it can provide. OICIS NET has identified very essential and useful databases that can be accessed through OICIS-NET. However, there are two major problems to be overcome to get these services on OICIS-NET.

   - The institutions providing useful information and databases should subscribe to on-line access service of OICIS-NET and are required to bear the cost for that:

   	For 9.6 KBPS	For 19.2 KBPS
   One time charge :	US $ 3750	US $ 4000
   Monthly charges :	US $ 2100	US $ 3700

   Since they are being asked to provide information to other institutions, they are reluctant to assume the expenses of connectivity. To attract such institutions, it is suggested to seek help from international institutions to bear the expenses of connectivity for such institutions, through their Technical Assistance Programme so that these valuable databases could be made available to the users...

   In this context, a brief study by OICIS-NET has revealed that even well-known international networks like INTERNET, have taken considerable time to reach their present success. In the USA and Europe, INTERNET has now gained widespread popular acceptance.

   INTERNET in its original form has been around for over 20 years, but it is only in the last five years that its usage has mushroomed. Originally INTERNET was sponsored by the U.S Government, which, even to-day, supports the costs of the international bandwidth required to allow connection by numerous parties. For example, INTERNET working between USA and U.K is over communication links that were, until very recently, subsidised or totally sponsored by the U.S. Government. In the U.K. is a similar situation, where the U.K. Government has provided funding to enable INTERNET access to be obtained at all major public libraries. Even in Africa, USA has provided US $15 million, as well as a number of experts to establish the necessary infrastructure and facilities to link 20 African countries to INTERNET (Al-Hayat, 8 Sep. '96).

   To achieve its objectives and vision in the Islamic World, OICIS-NET must provide a practical and useful service which can benefit a large number of users. Users and organizations have to see and gain from the economics brought about by IT revolution and the network service and must be willing to pay for its services. This is the stage, at which self-financing of OICIS-NET becomes feasible.

4. PTT Support: Telecommunication is, in most of the member countries, a State monopoly. Solution, based on the latest technology trends could not be considered because of the regulatory problems. Even though the solution adopted is based on the existing PTTs infrastructure, by leasing PTT circuits within each member country, there is a lack of adequate co-operation and support from the PTTs. In some cases, it may be due to misunderstanding that OICIS-NET is encroaching on their line of activity or that OICIS-NET will compete with the services provided by them. In fact, OICIS-NET will be an additional source of income to the national PTTs since institutions in the member countries will be utilizing PTT circuits.

   It is to be noted that OICIS-NET is a managed network; and none of the national PTTs can provide a managed network covering all the member countries. PTTs provide public network but at the national level only.

   Since the OICIS-NET project has been assigned to IDB based on the recommendations of the 5th Islamic Summit held in Kuwait in 1987, all PTTs in the member countries should be advised to provide full support for the implementation of OICIS-NET, in particular, PTT circuits should be easily made available at a nominal cost.

   A Resolution to this effect has been passed in July, 1996 at the 3rd OIC Ministerial Meeting of PTT's held in Tehran, Iran.

The cost structure of OICIS-NET telecommunication service is designed, from the outset, to be financed on a subscription basis. IDB pays for the hardware, software and staff required for the central managing, control and monitoring of the Network. The institutions that subscribe for its services are charged at actual cost.

IDB is supporting some institutions through the Technical Assistance Programme. This is the normal practical approach for any newly established network.

Once OICIS-NET is well-established and its services become popular, then an appropriate system for charging nominal fees to cover the various costs will be adopted to make the Network financially self sufficient.

It is also important to recognise the benefits of OICISNET in terms of its impact on the member countries through improvement in efficiency and productivity by improved communication and exchange of information.

• The benefits of using OICIS-NET will be tremendous on the countries using it. The use of the Network by the Banks and private organizations in the area of imports and exports will put vital information available to them instantly and increase business opportunities. It will thus create job opportunities as it will enhance the economic development of the country. Therefore, it is in the interest of the member country authorities to support OICIS NET.
• The biggest impact of OICIS-NET will be in triggering increased volume of inter-country trade among the member countries.
• According to IMF data for the year 1992, the total trade of the OIC member countries is of the order of US $ 536 billion. Out of this, inter-country trade is only US $ 31 billion, which is just 6% of the total volume. A major reason for this, is lack of information and facilities for faster and efficient communication of information. With the use of OICIS-NET, for communication and exchange of information on trade including using the system for trade transactions, this percentage is bound to increase considerably. Even a 10% increase in inter-country trade will increase the total income of the region to more than US $ 53 billion.
• OICIS-NET will bring the impact of Information Technology (IT) gradually, but surely to all the member countries. The uses and benefits of OICIS-NET are obvious. 1T has changed the way people live, the ways they do business, the ways they interact, the ways they are informed and entertained, the ways they perceive themselves and the ways others perceive them. And IT has also changed the ways in which the whole societies are organized. Though IT is still in its infancy, its impact on global society has been huge and truly massive social, political and economic changes lie ahead for the whole world as intelligent communications systems are developed and deployed. OICISNET will be, InshaAllah, the nucleus for such far-reaching changes and positive impact on the Islamic world in the years to come.

1. OBJECTIVES OF OICIS-NET

The objective of the OICIS-NET project, being implemented by IDB, is to improve the flow, exchange and sharing of information resources among the OIC member countries in order to foster co-operation and co-ordination in all sectors of development. Specifically, the OICIS-NET project aims at providing an information network as a super-highway for communicating information, accessing databases and providing information and other value added services.

2. STRATEGY FOR THE PRESENT

The strategies adopted by IDB for its initial phase with an indication of achievements so far, is summarised below:

1. Identify, analyze and evaluate existing information and communication infrastructure among the member countries and come up with a Master Plan to implement the project.
   This has been achieved by conducting a feasibility study.
2. Identify and encourage nomination of focal centres and focal points among the member countries to collaborate and participate in the development of the OICIS-NET project.
   Already 37 focal points, 9 focal centres and 15 sectorial nodes have been designated and are actively co-operating with OICIS-NET.
3. Identify and establish a directory of institutions which have valuable information resources, and particularly identity databases of priority interest to the member countries.
   Two directories have been published covering nearly 320 institutions and 300 databases.
4. Establish an integrated telecommunication platform covering all the member countries, irrespective of their various levels of development.
   Based on an evaluation of the various communication technology options available, cost-effectiveness, efficiency of the communication capability, and considering the regulatory aspect an OICIS-NET telecommunication topology has been designed and implemented. OICISNET virtual network is a fully managed and secure network with 99.7% path availability. It uses the global mega network of EQUANT/SITA, the provider of network services to the airline industry. It has its presence in every member country and uses a variety of technologies to meet the needs of various participating countries.
5. Take adequate steps to create awareness and establish a mechanism for sustained marketing of the services of OICIS-NET.
   Preliminary steps have been taken to publicise the network through brochures, presentation and participation in various regional and international meetings and conferences. Continuous programmes are being planned to address different types of user groups and explain to them the benefits of using OICIS-NET as a super highway to meet their communication and information requirements.
   To create an impact at the top level in each member country, OICISLINK messaging service has been offered to all the Governors of IDB as well as some of the CIS countries on a priority basis.
6. Actively seek the co-operation of the member countries through the IDB Governors, as well as the Ministers of PTT, to get the support of the national PTTs towards the implementation of OICIS-NET telecommunication platform.
   33 Member countries have given their approval to OICIS-NET.

PRESENT STATUS

As a result of the strategy outlined above, OICIS-NET has, in place, a systematic plan of action, valuable information about institutions, a directory of databases that can contribute to the enrichment of OICIS-NET and a computer platform to host databases. Also operational is a telecommunication platform that has the capability to connect almost all the member countries at short notice. This has also resulted in a growing awareness of the importance and value of the OICIS-NET services among different user groups.

1. Promotion of Awareness:

Objectives : Create awareness and initiative to use OICIS-NET services by users from different sectors of national and regional development.

Strategy : Participate in the key regional and national development meetings, seminars and conferences to present and demonstrate OTCIS-NET services.

• Draw up a list of major events that take place among the OIC member countries where such presentations will have maximum impact and make advance planning for participation in such meetings.
• Carry out field visits to member countries and organise national level seminars and promotion campaigns.
• Prepare attractive brochures and pamphlets explaining OICIS-NET services to the users in different languages such as, Arabic, English, French, Russian, Malay, Persian and Turkish and distribute them widely.
• Use mass media to familiarise OICIS-NET services to potential users.

Constraints : The major constraints that may hinder implementation of the above programme, include the following:

• The wide geographical area to be covered.
• Inadequacy of trained staff in the member countries.
• Lack of response of the users to the importance of Information Network.
• Cost consideration and availability of necessary budget.

2. Full Implementation of Existing Programmes

Objective : Consolidate and fully implement OICIS-NET programmes and activities within the set objectives and mission.

Strategy :

Implement OICIS-LINK services within IDB and its office, Governors and key regional and national institutions within the member countries.

• Promote utilisation of the Bulletin Board System and encourage member countries to report about their trade opportunities, trade incentives, project information, tenders and other fiscal and trade policies and regulations.;
• Promote use of INTRANET;
• Promote on-line access to databases.

3. Support to IDB Operations and Programmes

Objective : Support improvement of IDB/IRTI operations and programmes in member countries through OICIS-NET services.

Strategy :

• Popularise the LAN version of OICIS-LINK services at IDB and develop and maintain a Home Page of IDB both on INTRANET and INTERNET;
• Promote use of the Bulletin Board Service and X.28 service for On-line communication and access to IDB information and databases by the member country institutions and project implementing agencies;
• Provide OICIS-LINK package as a part of IDB project implementation in member countries for efficient two-way communication between IDB and the project implementing agency in the member countries

4. Hosting of Databases on OICIS-NET

Objective : Improve the contents and quality of the databases to be hosted on OICIS NET both by IDB/IRTI and the institutions from the member countries.

Strategy :

• Enhance and fine tune the IDB/IRTI databases of interest to member countries and host them on OICIS-NET;
• Identify and acquire commercial databases of value to the member countries and host them on OICIS-NET;
• Encourage member country institutions, owning databases of value, to host them on OICIS-NET in their respective computer systems;
• Compile and update directory of databases of interest to users both from member countries and regional organizations in order to encourage their use.

5. Promotion of Specialised Networks

Objective : Provide OICIS-NET services to specialised user groups by creating virtual sub-networks to meet their specific needs.

Strategy :

Promote specialised sub-networks by inviting specialised user groups to develop Virtual Network within OICIS-NET.

• Identify and promote development of specialised application softwares such as EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce and Transport) for trade, electronic system for Bank etc;
• Decentralise management and applications development of such specialised systems by designating regional focal centres for each of the above specialised areas.

6. Provision of Gateways

Objective : Provide Gateway to INTERNET, GULFNET and other international networks of value to OICIS-NET users.

Strategy :

• Extend the services of the Gateway to INTERNET presently available through OICIS-NET to the subscribers in member countries where there are no regulatory constraints:
• Provide a firewall to prevent unwanted and harmful information from INTERNET and other networks to protect OICIS-NET operations and integrity;
• Identify, evaluate, prepare and regularly up-date directory of databases of value to OICIS-NET users, available from INTERNET sources; make access to them easy for the users by provision of readymade access procedures;
• Promote hosting of Home Pages by member country institutions;

7. Use of INTERNET Technology and Development of INTRANET Environment

Objective : Develop and promote INTRANET environment within OICIS-NET services

Strategy :

• Promote INTRANET applications within IDB and other similar institutions among the member countries to fully benefit from INTERNET technology;
• Promote INTERNET technology applications for OICIS-NET in collaboration with member country institutions which have adequate experience and expertise.

8. Promote Value-Added Services to be Hosted on OICIS-NET

Objective : Promote development of value-added services by specialised organs and agencies including private entrepreneurs and facilitate their hosting and marketing their services through OICISNET.

Strategy :

• Databases relating to importers and exporters, industrial projects, agricultural projects, centres of excellence in the fields of S&T, experts and major events relevant to the OIC member countries.
• Information relating to education opportunities, scholarships, technology transfer opportunities, investment opportunities etc.

The Makkah Declaration of the 3rd Islamic Summit Conference, 1981 and the mandate to IDB from the 5th Islamic Summit Conference in Kuwait, 1987 provided inspiration for IDB to embark upon a major project to establish an OIC Information Systems Network (OICIS-NET). The objective of OICIS-NET is to bring the benefits of IT to the member countries to promote flow and exchange of information and in the long run to foster co-operation and co-ordination in their development programmes and projects. OICIS-NET uses the latest trends in Information Technology (IT) to bring the benefits of IT to the people at the operating level - managers, administrators, businessmen, technologists, scientists, teachers etc. . .

• The OICIS-NET project has carried out a feasibility study and established close communication with the member country institutions likely to participate in this network effort.
• Based on a survey, a telecommunication network topology has been worked out in co-operation with EQUANT/SITA, the network service provider to the airline industry. The Network topology makes use of the existing PTT infrastructure of the member countries, as well as the global mega network of EQUANT/SITA which has its presence in almost all the member countries.
• A contract to implement the network was signed in September, 1995. Systematic efforts have been made to implement the OICIS-NET virtual network in almost all the member countries. Its messaging service OICIS--LINK (SITATEX) was introduced in October, 1995 and initially the Governors of IDB are being connected to the Network for this service.
• Co-operation of the national PTT's to implement the telecommunication network has also been solicited. Most member countries have extended their support.
• A system of financing OICIS-NET telecommunications network costs through subscription by actual users has been established. Necessary subscription contract and procedure for users have been finalized and disseminated widely.
• A series of steps have been taken to make further progress in the implementation of the various network services. Invitations to join the Network have also been sent to most of the potential institutions among the member countries which can serve either as providers of information or users of information, or both.
• A File Menu Server software to support the users to navigate and access databases on different computer platforms at different geographical locations has been finalised and installed.
• A Directory of information centres, networks and databases in member countries has been prepared covering data related to about 230 institutions and distributed to member countries.
• Information on more than 305 databases developed by member country institutions and regional and international organizations has also been compiled, published and widely disseminated. Some of these institutions and organizations have been requested to host their databases on OICIS-NET.
• Active promotion and marketing of OICIS-NET services has been undertaken:
• Presentations on OICIS-NET Services have been made at national and regional meetings to promote its utilization.
• Two illustrative brochures have been prepared to disseminate information on the Network services. They will be published in Arabic, English and French.
• Field visits to member countries have been scheduled in order to present and demonstrate OICIS-NET services and motivate them to subscribe to OICIS-NET and benefit from its services.
• Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) have been established in order to promote practical co-operation and co-ordination between IDB and the various institutions participating in the OICIS-NET.
• Necessary steps have been taken to ensure accessibility to global information services through a Gateway to INTERNET. This will open global avenues for co-operation and co-ordination in all fields of development.
• PTT circuits necessary for connecting the OICIS-NET services to the SITA node in Jeddah have been provided. Necessary connectivity has been established. A Customer Services Equipment (CPE) to link IDB services with the SITA Global Mega Network which serves as a backbone of OICIS-NET has been installed. It will provide connectivity between IDB and the SITA node in Jeddah through the leased lines already installed. OICIS-NET can now provide full services on-line access to databases, Global Bulletin Board System (BBS) Gateway to INTERNET, etc. besides the OICIS-LINK (SITATEX) messaging service. All the necessary softwares have been installed and tested.
• SITAVISION to monitor network operations and a File Menu Server (FMS) which will enable on-line access to databases are installed and are operational. They are undergoing necessary tests.
• A high-level technical delegation from the Malaysian Institute of Micro-Electronic Systems (MIMOS) comprising of Dr. Tengku Azzman Shariffadeen, its President and CEO and Br. Rafee Yusoff, Vice-President, Marketing, paid a visit to IDB from 17-22 February, 1997.

The purpose of their visit was to exchange views and suggestions with regard to OICIS-NET project implementation, strengthen cooperation and discuss a co-ordinated strategy and approach for the OICIS-NET project for the benefit of the Member Countries. The delegation found the strategy and approach followed by OICIS-NET, a realistic one and in accordance with available technologies and capabilities of the member countries. The delegation felt that OICISNET project can move forward, as a future strategy, towards adopting the newer technologies, particularly, the INTERNET technology, to develop the OICIS-NET as the INTERNET for the Muslim Ummah to meet their needs and requirements, with greater efficiency, versatility and economy of cost.

The following services are being offered by OICIS-NET:

1. OICIS-LINK (SITATEX Messaging Service) : This service will allow faster, economical and efficient transfer of E-mail, faxes and, as attachment, text in any language, including graphics. Apart from being far more efficient, this service will considerably reduce the cost of the traditional messaging services. To get connectivity, only a local number of SITA node has to be dialled in most cases. A user can also load the system on a Notebook and use it from anywhere in the World by dialing a local number to access his files, receive and send messages.

2. On-line access to databases hosted by IDB and other hosts. The connectivity to the network is through a local dial-up.

3. High-volume computer-to-computer communication and file transfers. The connectivity to the Network is through leased lines.

4. Bulletin Board Service : A global Bulletin Board Service (BBS) will allow dissemination of information among all the member countries. Users can also post new information as per OICISNET format on topics of interest to other institutions.

5. Gateway to INTERNET : OICIS-NET will provide a Gateway to INTERNET which will allow a user to access the full services of INTERNET - a repository of international information sources which has more than four million computers connected to it and has more than 30 million users. A firewall will be used to prevent access to objectionable material or unauthorised access.

   

The success of OICIS-NET depends, to a large extent, on the awareness of its value and services for the member countries and their commitment to subscribe to it and benefit from it. This requires a programme of continuous promotion and marketing efforts both by OICIS-NET and more importantly, the member countries. A series of programmes are planned for this purpose.

Some among them, are outlined below :

• Field visits to member countries to organize one day seminar to introduce the network and explain its services.
• Practical demonstrations and presentations at major conferences, meetings and exhibitions among the member countries.
• Coverage of OICIS-NET services and their benefits through media - newspapers, magazines, radio and TV.
• Publication of brochures and pamphlets in several languages and their widespread dissemination.
• Inclusion of OICIS-NET services and demonstrations in the student orientation programmes of universities and other educational institutions.
• Announcement of OICIS-NET services and its progress through E-mail, Bulletin Boards and Home Pages on INTERNET.

In conclusion, it is important to emphasise that OICIS-NET project is a multi-dimensional project in which the role of IDB is essentially, catalytic. Full co-operation and commitment of the member countries throughout all the stages of implementation is essential for its ultimate success and its widespread diffusion among the users and institutions in the member countries. Once it becomes fully operational, it will prove to be a dynamic partner-in-progress of all the developmental and co-operative endeavours of the Muslim Ummah.