entity
How many entities will be linked to
FedNET?
FedNET will provide high-speed connec-
tivity and integration for 42 federal enti-
ties. Integration is necessary to facilitate
data exchange needed for service provi
-
sion through a shared infrastructure.
The FedNET project is an integrated
infrastructure that accommodates and
supports eGovernment and mGovern-
ment solutions at the federal level. It also
supports cloud services and smart cities
in the UAE. Two FedNET centres will be
built, one in Abu Dhabi and the other in
Dubai.
Were federal entities connected to-
gether before launching FedNET?
Currently, there’s no linkage among the
entities. However, they can link on one-
to-one basis through the telecom service
providers. This model results in higher
costs as a result of the operational and
maintenance costs. Moreover, federal
services provided through single integra-
tion are usually hosted in different data
centres. These often lack a disaster re-
covery mechanism. FedNET will elimi-
nate the need for single integration. Any
entity can connect with any of the other
41 entities within the network.
What are the disadvantages of in-
dividual linkage?
Individual linkage results in a security
burden. Providing security and protection
for eServices is a big challenge for fed-
eral entities because of the financial and
operational costs involved and the need
for specialized expertise in information
security.
There’s variation in the level of protec-
tion and information security among fed-
eral entities. While some entities take
the necessary security measures, oth-
ers don’t have resources to provide such
protection. This makes them vulnerable
to hacking. FedNET will have a unified
protection and security level.
Does this mean that TRA will be re-
sponsible for FedNET security?
The security issue is divided into two
parts. One part will depend on the Fed-
NET which means that it will be the re-
sponsibility of TRA. From our side, we
will adopt best practices and systems
in the area of information security. The
other part is related to the entity itself. In
regards to security of eServices, the big-
ger part will be on FedNET. This means
that it will be the responsibility of TRA if
these services are hosted on the federal
network.
Will FedNET maintain privacy of
information of government entities
or will there be interference?
One of the main characteristics of Fed-
NET is that it gives freedom to each en-
tity to share certain information with other
entities that does not conflict with its own
policies or the federal security policies. At
the same time, entities can choose the
information that stays within the internal
network behind firewalls. There’s no fear
that information privacy of any entity will
be violated.
Does FedNET aim only to facilitate
communication and integration
among entities?
FedNET seeks to achieve many objec-
tives including raising levels of efficiency,
security and continuity of government
services provided through electronic
channels. It will also provide secure, ef-
ficient and high-speed internet services
which will provide protection for internal
information environment of all federal en-
tities. FedNET will reduce the cost of eS-
ervices by linking all federal entities.
Will FedNET provide any services
to the public?
The public can indirectly benefit from
the FedNET. For example, a single sign
on will enable users to access govern-
ment services using a single username.
Instead of creating a separate account
for each government entity, citizens and
residents can access all government
services through a single account which
saves their time and effort.
When will FedNET be ready?
TRA has set 18 months to finish the proj
-
ect. During the first 10 months, the net
-
work will be built and the services will be
15
March
2014
