§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the information technology projects currently being undertaken by her Department and by agencies responsible to her Department, including(a) the start date, (b) the planned completion date, (c) the current expected completion date, (d) the planned costs and (e) the current estimated cost; and if she will make a statement. [99671]
§ Mr. FoulkesThe only significant current project in the Department for International Development (DFID) is the roll-out of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to provide on-line access to our major offices overseas. Work commenced in July 1999 and is scheduled for completion on time and within budget (£400,000) in early 2001. DFID systems are small scale and low risk. Our technical architectural values ensure appropriate use is made of packaged software and bespoke solutions. Our total annual IT budget is around £5.5 million. All IT projects have been delivered within 10 per cent. of estimates and implementation schedules.
DFID has a rolling programme for development of IT infrastructure and Corporate Business Systems. This will include two key corporate systems: a phased development of a Performance Reporting Information System for Management (PRISM), and a resource accounting and budgeting system (CODA). Development work will resume in early 2000.
Our plans for major IT projects in the future will include: the upgrade of desktop operating systems and applications suite, the upgrade of desktop hardware, the replacement of the Management Information System, an electronic document management system, and contract administration.