The Economy 1998


The Client Information System Helping Business Compete

 

p18-1.jpg (44585 bytes)NEW IDEAS FOR A CHANGING MARKETPLACE

The Department of Industry, Trade and Technology (DITT) is presently developing a new Client Information System (CIS) in direct response to the constantly changing needs of business in today's online society of instant communications. Those needs can range from a simple request for a fact sheet on our available labour force to a request for assistance in the search for a strategic business partner.

One of government's primary goals is to provide the information that can assist in making business ideas a market reality. Encouraging investment, fostering strategic partnerships and promoting the export of our goods and services is a competitive exercise. Changes in the global marketplace, particularly the increased use of the INTERNET, are placing pressure on the Province to deliver decision-making information that is both timely and accurate.

A NEW BUSINESS TRADITION

The Department's current web site has proven to be a great marketing tool, providing online visitors with a wealth of information on why they should consider the Province as a potential business location. The site even compares the cost of doing business in this province with the cost of other locations!

The new system will merge business databases, electronic information, and Department-wide communications to the online site: URL:http://www.success.nfld.net

A SUPERDATA SYSTEM

The Department is partnering with Newtel Information Solutions (NIS) to manage this project. Almost all of the CIS components are being contracted out to private sector companies other than NIS. This is consistent with government's policy (Industrial Benefits Agreement) to increase private sector access to and participation in major projects.

As the components of the system are developed, they will be shared with the public, via the Department's Web Page and internally via a department-wide Intranet. A Lotus Notes application will track divisional calls, correspondence and activities within the department.

To date (March 1998), the System Design Specifications and the Oracle engines are complete, 12 module contracts have been awarded and 3 of 8 business directories have been mounted on the Web page, which is now online and being continuously developed.

The Department recently canvassed local business to submit their company capabilities for inclusion in a master database which will also access information on public sector policy, programs, standards, trade initiatives, etc.

SHARING RESOURCES

Once operational, the database will amalgamate business information about the province into a central source which can be shared among the departmental divisions and with outside clients. The general public will have access through the Department's Web Site.

A MILLENNIUM PROJECT

Upon completion, the CIS is intended to be a "one-stop-connector" for local and international business people and investors. It will be a key response mechanism to inquiries on export development, trade and investment, business development or industrial support.

Already, the CIS gives local companies, who have submitted information on their company capabilities, a marketing edge–the CIS can match ongoing industrial benefit opportunities with local capabilities. It can also identify strategic partners and help identify goods and services for government's export promotion initiatives.


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