Uzbekistan maps out principal areas of development of information and communication technologies for 2012-2014.

President of Uzbekistan adopted a resolution on measures for further implementation and development of modern information and communication technologies. The document has approved by a program for further implementation and development of ICT in the country for 2012-2014 and a list of information systems of public and business administration, state authorities in the field that can be integrated into the National Information System during this period.

The new ICT development program aims to build a National Information System on the basis of a phased integration of information systems, government agencies, businesses and individuals, as well as to create information systems of automation of the activities of agencies that improve the performance efficiency and quality.

In addition, the program will be responsible for expanding the list and improving the quality of interactive public services provided by public authorities and business entities, providing access to relevant information resources, including in rural areas.

Another direction the program touches on is improving the system of regulation in the ICT field, taking into account the state of development of information resources, technologies and systems, information security of the National Information System, protection of its information systems and resources.

The Uzbek Agency for Communications and Information was tasked to define and implement a unified technical policy of formation of the National Information System aimed at ensuring the integration of information systems used in government agencies. It also will provide technical support in the implementation of a single technological solution on the provision of public online services, coordination of work on the further integration of information systems of state agencies.

The center for development of computerization and information technologies Uzinfocom is responsible for the creation, development and information security of integrated information systems for provision of workflow in the Office of the President of Uzbekistan and the Cabinet of Ministers, as well as their interaction with information systems of state agencies.

The document also states that since August 1, 2012 the specialized software newly developed or purchased by the National Information System for public authorities are subject to mandatory pre-examination and can be installed only with permission of UzACI.

Senior officials will bear personal liability for the use of specialized software products without UzACI permission.(Source: Uzbekistan Today Newspaper)