Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/806571
43 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 2 APRIL 2017 Information Technology der twelve super sectors, representing the various Government functions. These super sectors are the same categories identified in the newly revamped servizz.gov.mt por- tal – thus ensuring a homogenous façade towards government provisioned services. The 'maltapps' also allows users to access the presented mservices via a simple click. In fact, 'maltapps' allows users to access websites directly as well as download or launch mobile apps directly from within the app itself, without having to go through the bother of locating the required app in the respective stores. The concept behind the app is essentially twofold, since it not only facilitates identifi- cation of desired government apps but also gives the required peace of mind to users that all apps listed in the 'maltapps' are le- gitimate and officially owned and published by the Government of Malta. The second wave of mobile apps, planned to be launched in March 2018 shall provide citizens with additional functionality. Be- sides providing citizens the ability to view and exchange information, phase two will introduce the concept of mTransactions. Such functionality would provide citizens the ability to affect payments via their mo- bile devices, directly from government's mservice. Such services could relate to, for example, paying fines online or requesting public registry certificates. Such function- ality would further promote the availabil- ity of government 24x7 access to services anywhere, anytime as well as introduce yet another mechanism of how to transact with Government. By this time, the provisioned mservices would have matured and would be in a state whereby certain mservices would also in- clude elements of personalisation. Through personalisation users would be able to 'identify' themselves with the respective mservices, hence having a more personal experience when consuming the service. This would allow them access to personal- ized content and information. The latter would be possible through the use of secure mechanisms of authentication and identifi- cation, which could vary from the use of so- cial media authentication (such as the use of Facebook or Google) to the use of gov- ernment's eID. Different types of mservices would require different levels of security, hence different authentication mechanisms – security plays a key role here. During December 2018, a number of mser- vices targeted towards public officers will also be made available to facilitate the way public officers provide services to the gen- eral public. mAdministartion shall enable public officials to provide services beyond their office location. This will introduce new ways of providing services whilst also pro- moting mobility of the administrative func- tions within Government. This transition en- tails a number of challenging changes both to Government's processes as well as service delivery. Throughout the final phase of the mobile strategy, government shall also seek to in- troduce apps to enable and facilitate mDe- mocracy – a mechanism whereby citizens and businesses would have the opportunity to provide feedback and be participative in certain government decision making, such as the adoption or introduction of new gov- ernment policies or regulations. By the end of December 2018, Government would be re- vising the strategy to ensure continuity in the successful work already conducted as well as to re-align to new technology and emerging business needs in serving citizens. It is important to point out that Mobile Gov- ernment services are intended to comple- ment, not replace, existing service delivery channels, such as over-the-counter, call centres and eGovernment. mServices are in- tended to offer the convenience of instant ac- cess, wherever one happens to be, through a mobile device. In this context, the published set of apps complement this vision and as such facilitate access of information related to the existing service/s being offered by the respective Government functions. Last week's press launch of mobile apps ad- dressed by the Principal Permanent Secre- tary, Mr Mario Cutajar and MITA Chairman, Mr Tony Sultana marked an important milestone in the evolution of public services. The Prin- cipal Permanent Secretary explained that the overall aim is to facilitate the means through which citizens engage with government ser- vices. Government is committed in keeping the mo- mentum in attaining its vision, continuously capitalising on technology advancements. The first phase of the strategy is only the be- ginning, leading towards further evolution of the transformation of the Government's inter- action with citizens and the public in general. the evolution of public services Mario Cutajar, Principal Permanent Secretary, addressing attendees at the 'maltapps' launching ceremony