Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/770367
41 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 8 JANUArY 2017 Feature successful year for MITA eral public. More apps will then be launched in March 2018 and, by De- cember of the same year, these apps will also be used by public service of- ficers in their work duties. Developed a new online service for presenting judicial letters The Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government implemented a new online service which allows lawyers and legal procurators to electronically present judicial letters to the Courts. This new electronic service, which was developed by MITA, was another step forward to attain a 'digital Court' and forms part of an electronic strategy to bring the Courts online. This initiative was part of the Justice Reform pro- gramme and builds further on the Digi- tal Malta Strategy. Extended partnership with Microsoft for the next five years MITA has, on behalf of the Maltese Government, extended its strategic partnership with Microsoft Corpora- tion for another five years. Through this agreement, Government is invest- ing €12.5 million in software licences that will enable the smooth operation of the Government IT requirements. MITA managed to increase its license base by around 20% and this has re- sulted in an agreement which provides more value for money. Implementation of various systems and reforms A lot of work and upgrades were per- formed on various Government systems. The agency was also involved in various reforms within the Social Policy Depart- ment, the Inland Revenue Department, the Justice Department, the Payroll and HR Department, the INSPIRE programme and the Education Department. Substantial investment on core infrastructure and radical changes in the command centre MITA made a substantial investment on core infrastructure within the Data Centre. It was a very smooth transition to the MAG- NET III – the new Government network for Malta. MITA also made radical changes in the command centre and in the email in- frastructure. At the same time, the agency provided 24x7 support to all Maltese Gov- ernment. Malta reconfirmed as leader in the delivery and performance of eGovernment services Malta was reconfirmed as leader in the delivery and performance of eGovern- ment services amongst 34 countries (28 European Union member states together with Iceland, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey and Montenegro). The results were published in the eGovernment Benchmark Report 2016 issued by the European Com- mission. MITA launched free Wi-Fi service in more than 80 sites in Government Departments In an initiative to increase internet acces- sibility, the Maltese Government and MITA launched a free Wi-Fi service in more than 80 sites in Government Departments. This service is available on all electronic devices using the internet, namely laptops, smart phones and tablets. MITA kept its commitment towards a Green Environment Throughout this year, MITA has taken several steps to reduce its impact on the environment. The agency managed to reduce its water consumption by 5%, its carbon footprint by 4% and recycled 40% of its waste. MITA was also recommended for ISO certification. The agency also refur- bished its Head Office and Data Centre to ensure efficient operations. MITA directly involved in the preparations for the EU Presidency of the Council of Europe A technical team selected by MITA was directly involved in the preparation for the EU Presidency of the Council of Europe. The team provided consultancy services and in the next six months will be provid- ing 27x7 support, together with the service call centre. 2017 is going to be another interesting year 2017 is looking to be very interesting and challenging for MITA. For the first six months, the agency will be supporting the EU Presidency of the Council of Europe. Security will be a top priority and support will be provided on a 24x7 basis. Also, in the first three months, MITA will launch the first wave of mobile apps for the public service and will start raising aware- ness about cyber security. Other important projects for 2017 include a transforma- tion programme across the Ministries with planned EU funding amounting to €30 mil- lion, the upgrading of strategic systems, the investment in core infrastructure, fur- ther collaboration with University of Malta and MCAST and further commitment to- wards the environment. MITA organised its first GAME JAM event For the first time, MITA organised a 45-hour Game Jam event during which 32 students from different educational institutions got together to create 9 educa- tional games. The students worked throughout the weekend, also by night, to create a game based on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at Sec/Ordinary level. MITA organised an Achievements Day to celebrate its employees and their commitment To celebrate the successful stories and its achievements throughout the year, MITA has organised an Achievements Day to show its appreciation towards the commitment shown by its employees. During this event, a number of employ- ees were nominated for their contribution in the agency and the employees had the opportunity to vote whom they deemed to be fit to win. Awareness about game-based learning amongst educators MITA held dissemination events with the aim of raising awareness on game- based learning amongst educators. The Erasmus + Strategic Partnership pro- ject entitled "Game Based Learning to alleviate Early School Leaving" was a two-year project that started in September 2015. The aim of the project was to create a game-based learning scenarios guidebook and an open-source toolkit based on international best practices and game-based learning research that will be available to educators.Force, the Malta Communications Authority and the Malta Critical Infrastructure Protection Directorate. Consultations sessions were then held with the public and with businesses. MITA donated a mobile app to the MCCFF and co-ordinated the pledging lines of L-Istrina The Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation launched a mobile app that will serve as a communication tool to reach the public and volunteers. The app was developed by MITA as part of the agency's Corporate Social Responsibility. MITA also co-ordinated the pledging lines during the fundraising activity of L- Istrina. were then held with the public and with businesses.