Minister for Trade and Commerce Harold Powell said Fiji had benefited considerably from the introduction of information technology.
According to an article published by The Fiji Times on March 23, 1993, at the opening of FIJICOM ’93 computer exhibition in Suva, Mr Powell said the computer industry had advanced with increased efficiency, accuracy and sophistication.
“Within government, the Information Technology Centre provides computer back-up and training for government departments,” he said.
“The emergence of private sector businesses accelerated the absorption of information technology into the work place, enhancing efficiency and overseas competitiveness.
“Government clearly had a crucial role to play in encouraging the use of information technology through setting an example.”
The theme for the exhibition was Open Systems and the Future.
“Open systems are those based on international standards – there is currently a worldwide move towards a universal adoption of these standards in computing and telecommunications,” the minister noted.
“This trend has resulted from peer pressure.
“In the past, computers have always faced difficulties in intergrading different systems.
“Within the field of computing and telecommunications, this problem is highly complex and difficult to solve.
“Our government while not yet formally committed, always specifies open standards whenever we buy new computing or telecommunications equipment.”
He said Fiji had recently seen some major advances in telecommunications when Fiji Post and Telecommunications Ltd followed international standards with the provision of a Packet Switching Network and Digital Data Network.
Mr Powell said Telecom’s adherence to these international standards was essential and allowed computer uses to benefit from open systems.
He pointed out that with open systems, Fiji would not be tied down to one supplier.
Competitiveness could be maintained in the industry.
He urged representatives from the private sector to join government in adopting an open system to ensure Fiji’s participation in the development of systems and improved international communications.
FIJICOM ’93 exhibition included 15 exhibitors from across the computer industry.
The exhibition which included a wide range of computer products and services was opened to the public until the following day.
A FIJICOM ’93 convention was to be held at the Nadi Travelodge later that week.
