National Information Grid - Implementation : 6.2

6.2 Initial Implementation Phase

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6.2.1 Public Payment system
6.2.2 Connecting Current Information Providers
6.2.3 User Networking, E-mail and Internet

The applications that are most suitable for immediate implementation are those that use common existing technology and data transportation channels -- narrowband telecommunications. At the time of writing, the wideband and broadband channels are still being implemented and applications using these bandwidths should be developed when the telecommunications infrastructure can begin to deliver the associated information to the target users in considerable volumes and range.

The objective of the initial implementation phase is to quickly activate the NIG with these main purposes:-

Consolidating the services of existing local IPs on-line through a single subscription method,
Providing the general public with point-to-point or point-to-multipoint connectivity and networking (E-mail, Bulletin Board Services and Internet Services) and
To create a high-usage of it by supporting a frequent transaction need (third-party GIRO / Public Payment System)

6.2.1 Public Payment System

The Third-party GIRO as mentioned in previous chapters is our proposed platform for this application. It would begin as an approved third-party exchange for payment instructions from individuals or companies to their banks. Transactions can be initiated from the basic telephone, all the way up to personal computers or dataphones and interactive TV in the future. To implement this service, a sub-project within the NIG master plan will be needed.

This application is targeted to be a frequently used grid service with high transactions volumes. Thus in addition to being an economic lubricant, its purpose is also to create a high usage of the NIG in order to achieve critical mass and revenues.

6.2.2 Connecting Current Information Providers

There are already several existing IPs in Malaysia. Each of these information providers are offering their services to users through separate subscriptions and connections. For example, these are:-

Civil Service Link
NSTP Online
SIRIM Link
Bernama
KLSE information providers
SITTDEC

As these IPs are already delivering information using current technology and data formats (i.e. text), it would be feasible for the NIG to offer their information to users through a single access point (see The NIG Concept). This will provide an early measure of the one-stop information-on-demand capability to users in the NIG implementation.

6.2.3 User Networking, E-mail and Internet

In the Business Environment chapter, it was stated that the general public is poised to join the networking trend. As a basic service, the NIG must provide E-mail, file transfer and bulletin board services (BBS) for users in its initial implementation. The Internet poses as a gateway to a wealth of global information and must be included in the scope of implementation. Thus, its standards and norms should be seriously considered for these applications.