Main eGovernment infrastructure components

Last updated: December 2011

Portals

'www.gov.mt' portal

The Government of Malta's portal is at the same time an institutional site and the official gateway to electronic public services. It provides access to information, as well as to a number of interactive and transactional services. Over 80 public eServices can be accessed through the portal. The eGovernment services online are divided into different clusters. The underlying idea of service clusters is a technique used to bundle government services according to the needs of specific citizen groups. Within these links, citizens will find government services structured around their needs, regardless of the Government Department they are located within.

'www.mygov.mt' portal

‘mygov.mt’ was unveiled by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications in September 2007. It is a web portal where citizens and businesses are able to access all of the Government's services available on the Internet in a secure and integrated manner. The portal uses a process that allows citizens to log in only once, through a single-sign on facility, in order to access all these services. The eID offers a simple method of identification and authentication to access the ‘mygov.mt’ services via a computer, from one’s home, office or Local Council. Furthermore, it is free of charge and available to all ID Card holders, while it does not expire. 'myGov.mt' also provides functionality to citizens who appoint a person of their trust to manage by proxy their eGovernment services. This function is called 'delegation' and the only requirements are that both persons (both in possession of an eID) agree on this arrangement and that the person acting by proxy is acceptable to the Service Provider.

'myBills' portal

Singular Payment Solution
The 'myBills' portal, a part of www.mygov.mt portal, is one of the key enablers for the attainment of Government’s vision to design, develop and operate a next-generation eGovernment platform based on open technologies, serving as a unique user experience, a pan-European and single point of contact for all online public services. It is intended to provide consumers of eGovernment Services with a singular payment method that meets the highest industry security levels and provides a homogeneous payment experience across all services.

'myBills' supports one-off transactions that are part of an online process and the posting of journal entries for electronic bill presentment and payment (EBPP). One-off payment transactions originating from various eGovernment services are processed through a singular, centrally hosted payment page (HPP). This method of payment ensures that Government departments have no access to credit/debit card details submitted by consumers. Furthermore, the citizen is allowed to settle any outstanding bill in part or in full, or schedule a recurring payment.

Data Protection portal

This portal, which came to operation in February 2006, enables citizens to access data protection services online.

Judiciary of Malta portal

The portal of the Judiciary of Malta was launched in October 2009, with the view to provide the public with extensive information resources on the Maltese Judicial System, the Judiciary, the Judges and Magistrates, as well as the courts they sit in. In addition, it offers a latest news section and an insight on the history of the Maltese Judiciary and the important judgements that have taken place. The vision of eGovernment is to continuously enhance its services through the application of various technologies.

Local Councils portal

The web portal, launched in 2009, aims at empowering the role of local councils and assisting citizens in easily accessing the councils' services. The main objectives for the creation of this web portal are to encourage local councils to effectively interact with the community in general and to provide international users with a valuable tool allowing them to better understand the geo-cultural composition of the Maltese Islands, with their different specificities that prevail in each locality. The portal also promotes the advantages of standardisation, opening the channels of locality-based prioritisation and differentiation.

Servizz.gov website

Through this website, citizens can submit queries, suggestions and complaints to public entities regarding the services they offer. Public entities include all Government Departments, Local Councils, as well as Authorities and Public Corporations (e.g. Planning Authority, Enemalta Corporation, Water Services Corporation). An electronic system that links all these entities was created, so that every case can be processed and investigated in the most efficient manner.

Networks

New Generation Networks (NGNs)

The government’s plan is to facilitate the implementation of new generation networks (NGNs) and make sure that Malta will not lag back in rendering accessible this technology to all Maltese citizens, possibly taking advantage of the small size of the country and introducing this technology throughout Malta before other countries. Government is working to improve the administrative process which the operators have to pass through in order to introduce new networks. Furthermore, the Government is looking for methods that could help fibre technology arrive to homes and businesses fast. The strategy of technological information aimed to have connected 20 % of Maltese homes with new generation networks by the end of 2010.

In July 2008, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Communication launched a Green Paper on Next Generation Networks in the National Consultation Council. The Green Paper, which focused on fibre technology, exposed all the factors to be addressed by Government and the private sector. This is because the experience gained in other countries showed that the contribution of Government is greater when it encourages fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) projects.

MAGNET

'MAGNET' was implemented in 1995 as the Maltese Government Network connects all Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as Local Councils, Schools, Police Stations, Libraries, Hospitals, Health Centres, Social Services offices and Embassies. This network has enabled the Government to proliferate IT and information society applications such as email, the Internet, and corporate applications like the Common Database (CdB) and the Departmental Accounting System (DAS), to help facilitate and improve the efficiency of the Public Service. The availability of this network also enabled the Government to launch its eGovernment services.

MAGNET II

A new network, 'MAGNET II', was launched in July 2005 and partly replaced 'MAGNET'. This new state-of-the-art network presents a number of benefits for users compared with its predecessor. In particular, 'MAGNET II' has provided enhanced bandwidth per site, offered better reliability through strict service level agreements (SLAs), guaranteed 99.8 % minimum site availability, fully secure through extensive encryption.

Another major benefit of 'MAGNET II' is the network’s ability to transport Voice over IP (VoIP) calls efficiently and effectively between all connected organisations. A Government-wide intranet is available to all entities connected to the network. Named ‘Malta Public Service Intranet’, it allows document exchange and sharing across Ministries and Departments.

eIdentification/eAuthentication

National Identity Management System (NIDMS)

The existing National Identity Management System aims to support the core identity management processes including the issuance of electronic identity cards (eID Card), ePassports, biometric visas and residence permits. The Government operates a number of identity management systems, the most important of which being: core database systems, electronic identity (e-ID) infrastructure, an electoral system, a national identity card system and the passport system. However, it should be noted that these and other disparate information systems are not entirely interoperable.

Electronic Identity (e-ID)

In March 2004, the Maltese Government launched its ‘Electronic Identity’; a secure key network that enables citizens to access a number of interactive and transactional eServices requiring strong identification such as VAT, tax and company-related services, as well as social services, online passport requests, or online ePayment Gateway. The Electronic Identity is based on the internationally recognised four-tier security model. As of March 2007, the eID had already been implemented and launched up to the second level. The third level, which consists of a soft PKI digital certificate, has been implemented as well.

The eID offers a simple method of identification and authentication to access the eGovernment services provided on the ‘mygov.mt’ portal. The eID number and password are used to log in, whereas the PIN activation code is used to sign for the first time into ‘mygov.mt’, to activate one’s eID account. The PIN number will be again needed when applying for a digital certificate to be able to access the highly sensitive eGovernment services (e.g. submission of VAT or income tax return). Downloading such digital certificate is optional and depends on whether the user intends to make use of the sensitive services in question. It is to be noted that the eID is free of charge, available to all ID Card holders and it does not expire.

ePassports

Malta's new upgraded ePassport system with Extended Access Control (EAC) capability went live in June 2010. This new solution delivers a higher level of security and access control, in accordance with EU regulation for all Schengen Member States with the addition of a second biometric - two fingerprints - to the data already stored on the chip. Its delivery is a key milestone in the Government's ongoing strategic identity management plan. Fully integrated with Malta's existing National Identity Management System (NIDMS), EAC capability has initially been launched in Malta and Gozo and then rolled out across all embassy sites.

The issuance of biometric passports initially began, in October 2008 by the Maltese Passports Office. On the occasion of their launch, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications, Austin Gatt, explained that the new passports contain the same information as the old ones, but the information is held in a more secure manner, in a chip embedded in the document. In the future, the chip is also planned to carry an image of the holder's fingerprint.

eProcurement

Electronic Public Procurement System (ePPS) platform

The eProcurement Solution procured by the Government of Malta is the ePPS (electronic Public Procurement System) platform which is supplied by European Dynamics S.A. The platform was launched in July 2011 to facilitate the Maltese Government’s transition to online procurement, covering the full lifecycle of public procurement, from the publishing stage to award and execution of contracts. The Solution constitutes an eProcurement platform, comprising a core and a number of eProcurement-specific services, offering several parameterisation capabilities for meeting the exact needs of a Purchasing Authority.

The eProcurement solution will enable actual tender bids to be submitted securely online as well as new possibilities such as ‘reverse auctions’ where bidders compete to offer the lowest price. Initially the platform will be used by the Department of Contracts and the Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA). In the futture, it is to become accessible to the private sector as well, which will enable businesses to start submitting bids online.

Department of Contracts portal

This portal is aimed at reducing the effort and time involved in the procurement process of tenders issued by the Department of Contracts. It is aimed at providing a user-friendly, efficient and effective platform for bidders by using the capabilities of the Internet to provide interactive information with document downloading capabilities, payment online, search functions, as well as an email and SMS alert service for bidders.

Numerous functionalities are available for bidders. The most important ones allow bidders to: be alert with new calls for tender that may be of interest to them; preview the entire tender document before purchasing/downloading the actual tender document; register one’s attendance to site visits/clarification meetings; view schedules and summary of tenders received online and be alerted with developments in the adjudication process. Maltese individuals and organisations have to register at the portal through the national eID framework. Foreign bidders need to register themselves and their respective organisations directly from the portal.

Knowledge Management

First Initiatives–The Malta Public Service Intranet

Launched in April 2003, the ’Malta Public Service Intranet’ allows document exchange and sharing across Ministries and Departments. Since September 2004, it entered a second development phase, which includes the creation of secure, reserved areas allowing user groups to share restricted documents such as presentations, minutes and news items. These communities of practice in certain cases span horizontally across the Government.

Further Steps for Creating a Government-wide Knowledge Management Framework

The Malta Information Technology Agency’s Strategic Plan 2009-2012 envisages the establishment of a knowledge-management function for IT-and IS-related matters in government, encouraging the sharing of information, best practices, research and related materials to enhance the knowledge and appreciation of decision-makers on the respective subjects. According to the goals set out in Strategic Priority 1, which plans to drive the deployment of an effective ICT Governance Framework within the public sector, Malta is about to adopt and disseminate international best practice in matters related to effective ICT Governance through knowledge management and other educational techniques.

Other Infrastructure

ePayment

ePayment gateway

The eGovernment electronic payment gateway is part of the horizontal infrastructure supporting the Maltese eGovernment. It complements the eID framework in providing a layer for the development of eServices to both Citizens and Businesses. When the first payment gateway was launched in 2003, the number of transactions reached approximately 7 600 during the course of the year. In 2007, this amount had already reached about a quarter of a million and the system was completely redeveloped with the new Government Payment Gateway going live in October 2008. According to 2010 figures, the payment gateway handles around € 40m per year. The setup offers stability and security. Its contracted availability is 99.9 % per month and the average processing time for a transaction is 2.5 seconds. As of May 2009, merchants are being offered complete reporting , while MITA plans to deploy functionality which would allow real-time reporting to be fully integrated with the merchants’ back-end systems.

eServices development & deployment framework

'eForms' platform

The 'eForms' platform intends to enable Government to rapidly develop and deploy eServices and to tie these into one framework to manage the entire portfolio of public services. An electronic form process may start directly from the 'eForms' platform or through any Government web application using friendly URLs. To keep the integrity of filed documents, all the information within the form, attachments, workflows and transaction are managed and stored within eForms. At the end of the transaction, the content of the form can be supplied electronically to a Service Provider. The platform provides tools for converting the form information to a long term storage format such as PDF/A for records management purposes and to integrate with external systems. This enables a more intelligent input validation, form pre-filling and triggering of external processes. The 'eForms' platform is designed to uniquely combine content, process and connectivity to automate and streamline most records-based activities, eliminate unnecessary end user participation and enforce compliance.

'myAlerts' service

As part of the eGovernment strategy to enhance citizen communication with the Government, the service provides timely notifications and alerts to citizens on their services of interest through multiple delivery channels. The 'myAlerts' service provides citizens with a one-stop shop to all notifications by email and SMS provided by eGovernment services, allowing citizens to be notified on various Governmental services instantly. The 'myAlerts' service will also provide citizens with news regarding ongoing and new eGovernment initiatives. With the substantial increase in eGovernment services in the past years (now approximately reaching 80 eServices), the government also includes User Satisfaction Surveys to analyse citizens' perception on general and specific eGovernment Services.