Reform Agenda

Information Systems and Technology Strategy II

The information system and technology strategy 2004-2009 (ISTS II) [ PDF ], adopted in June 2004 is also improving the way ADB shares and uses knowledge. ADB continues to streamline operations, respond to technology changes and user demands, and accelerate the implementation of ISTS II. ADB’s new Technology Division under the Office of Information Systems and Technology (OIST) introduced an enterprise architecture road map to guide technology decisions for the organization.

Two information technology (IT) governance committees were created to ensure the alignment of IT with ADB’s business goals. Within the office, the Portfolio Management Unit (IT-PMU) manages the IT portfolio and provides status reporting. The Investment Working Group, chaired by IT-PMU, reviews client business cases and ensures overall fiscal and technology accountability.

The Customer Support Group was formed to provide a direct line of communication and productivity tools to client groups. Its accomplishments include the deployment of new computers, a web-based IT service request system, an upgraded help desk, and an online IT service catalog.

To ensure better alignment between business and IT, ADB embarked on a business improvement program that is expected to eliminate redundancies in processes, data entry, and reporting. The engagement model introduced allows users to be directly involved with the development and execution of their IT needs.

Key projects completed under ISTS II include a collaborative software solution for communities of practice and the initial release from the document repository system. The document repository is envisioned as the sole, common, easily accessible repository for key ADB documents.

OIST progressed in developing the project processing portfolio management (P3M) project, to be completed in mid-2009. P3M offers an integrated IT solution for managing projects, starting from country partnership strategy up to post evaluation. The eSTAR (electronic storage and retrieval system) pilot facilitates access to documents. The management information system executive dashboard, launched by the office, draws information from existing databases to make management reporting easier.

Enhancements for field offices include server upgrades, additional videoconference facilities, link rationalization, and provisions for local Internet access. A high-level information and data security risk assessment was completed to identify and mitigate IT-related risks. The office’s offsite backup facilities were also enhanced to include ADB’s high-priority systems.

Financial control mechanisms were strengthened in line with the internally recognized control objectives for information and related technology (COBIT) framework.  IT rules and regulations are being implemented to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of ADB information, records, and transactions.

View more initiatives under Reinforced Knowledge Management.