E-Government Interoperability Framework: A Case Study in a Developing Country

Abstract

Harmonizing decentralized development of ICT solutions with centralized strategies, e.g., meant to favor reuse and optimization of resources, is a complex technical and organizational challenge. The problem, shared by virtually all the governments, is becoming a priority also for developing countries, such as Mozambique, that have started their ICT policy relatively recently and for which it is now evident that-if no particular attention is devoted to the interoperability of the ICT solutions being developed-the result will rapidly become a patchwork of solutions incompatible with each other. The focus of the chapter is on formulation of e-GIF4M, E-government Interoperability Framework for Mozambique. The framework is based on a holistic approach, which we believe is needed for making interoperability sustainable within those countries. It builds on top of the existing experiences in e-GIFs all over the world, but it addresses some specific needs and peculiarities of the developing countries. The result is a comprehensive framework based on (i) a reference service delivery architecture along with technical standards, (ii) a standardization life cycle, (iii) a maturity model, and (iv) some key actions meant to make the initiative sustainable in the longer term.