Happy New Year to everyone!
It's that time of year again when we pause for a moment to look back on the activities of the past 12 months. Performance appraisals are being carried out, achievements are applauded, and shortfalls are viewed as important opportunities to learn.
Besides implementing our various projects in 2006, we have strived to improve by continuously reviewing our Program activities and results. In line with this, a three-pronged analysis of the Program was carried out by external experts at the beginning of 2006. The findings showed that the Program was on track to achieving its goals, with its objectives and outputs clearly defined and well understood. Since then, we have continued to learn, adjust and move forward.
Many of the projects that form a large part of the ICT-KM Program continue to be implemented, while others came to a successful conclusion in 2006. The year's high spots include the launch of CGXchange at nine Centers, the official launch of the CGVlibrary, and the growing use of Knowledge Sharing techniques at CGIAR events. Our projects continue to support the work of our scientists in a multitude of ways – from providing excellent GIS tools to enabling multi-way videoconferencing between Centers.
Collaborative efforts involving all CGIAR Centers have resulted in huge savings from joint software purchases; trial access to three prominent online information collections; lower prices, faster delivery periods, and the standardization of hardware for some Centers opting to buy HP products; and improved email services.
The Program also facilitated several events: a GFAR 2006 Conference session that discussed ways of blending international science with local knowledge in order to improve the livelihoods of the poor; the CGIAR-CSO Forum at AGM06; and a knowledge sharing, interactive workshop during the ‘First IAALD Africa Chapter Conference' in Nairobi, Kenya, to name just a few.
With all of these activities tucked behind us, we ended 2006 on a huge high when the team behind the CGVlibrary, one of the ICT-KM projects, received the CGIAR's Science Award for Outstanding Scientific Support at AGM06.
Of course, there are many people who have contributed immeasurably to the Program's success; people who work diligently and quietly behind the scenes to make sure that all our projects are implemented smoothly and kept on schedule; people who are committed to taking the Program forward. Without such dedication, the Program would cease to be.
To everyone who has contributed to the Program in the past year, we thank you for your support and look forward to your continued involvement as the Program enters its next phase.
Enrica Porcari
Chief Information Officer
CGIAR
Main News
CGVlibrary Team Recognized
Two years ago, a number of people came together with a shared vision of a more unified, effective and borderless CGIAR. As a result of their cooperative efforts, they forged a new precedent for information sharing and effective communication across the CGIAR System. Then in December 2006, at the CGIAR's Annual General Meeting in Washington, their collective contribution was recognized when they received a CGIAR Science Award.
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VASAT Makes Innovation Marketplace Short-List
Sometimes, it is only the large, grandiose projects that are brought to our attention. As a result, we are often oblivious to the collaborative efforts of people who go about their business away from the public eye.
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CGIAR Enjoying Expanded Spam and Virus Protection
As highlighted in the November 2006 issue of ICT-KM News, the cost of spam and viruses in terms of lost productivity would be staggering if a large organization like the CGIAR was inadequately protected. As it is, CGNET successfully recognizes and removes 95-98% of the spam intended for CGIAR users. Every month, this equates to approximately one million spam messages and around 18 thousand viruses, with annual figures amounting to a whopping one million viruses and 51 million spam messages.
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OBIS Seeks Executive Director
On behalf of our partners at the Census of Marine Life, we are pleased to announce that the web-based, international Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) is seeking an Executive Director. OBIS is a worldwide network of organizations that publishes online data on marine species locations and associated information.
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We welcome feedback on the ICT-KM News, so please feel free to contact us at ictkm@cgiar.org