The MOU is the basis for a “vertical strategic alliance” between the Maltese Government and HP which aims at creating a collaboration for an initial period of three years with the intent of extending the contract for a further four years after that.
The announcement comes after some six months of discussions, and follows the lines of the previous agreement with Microsoft. “This a further step toward a first class information society and economy”, said Dr Gatt.
It is expected that the MOU will be signed early next month, while the actual details of the memorandum’s implementation will be drawn up between the IT and Investments Ministry and HP in the following six months. Minister Gatt described HP as a multinational company with a proven track-record and said that the future of the government’s Information Communication Technology (ICT) programme lies with partnerships of this calibre, hinting that there were talks in the pipeline for yet another partnership of this kind.
Dr Gatt said: “Malta’s aim in the field of IT was always to create a centre of excellence in the Mediterranean serving both Southern Europe and countries in the North African rim.
“We believe that this is viable not only because of our strategic location but also because of the skills of our people and because we can give added value to companies like HP who can use Malta as a test base where they can introduce new systems and together with the government explore new avenues and areas where we can help each other develop ICT not only in Malta but also in other countries.”
Mr Francois Bornibus, HP’s managing director and vice-
president, Customer Solutions Group and HP International Sales Europe praised Malta’s achievements in the area of IT, saying that we are very well prepared in this aspect.
He said HP wanted to help the government develop its ICT and E-government programmes and help extend information and communication technologies to the neighbouring regions, using Malta as a showcase.
Mr Bornibus said that HP could also support and participate in information society programmes and help fight the digital divide, through increasing awareness, accessibility and affordability. HP will also be contributing towards the local ICT industry and workforce by assisting in the development of a training academy.
When mentioning the intended work in the area of SMEs, Mr Bornibus was very enthusiastic. saying that “HP is very active with this category... SMEs are critical for the development of a dynamic economy.”
He explained that as it had done in other countries, HP could help SMEs access EU funding and comply with its regulations. The organisation not only provided technology but real solutions, he added.