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Archives
May 16-31, 2000
R&D
jumps into information technology bandwagon
by Mary Charlotte O. Fresco
As part of the BAR's plan to modernize
the acquisition and dissemination of agricultural information
through inter-linked networks, the Information Technology
Division facilitated the signing memorandum of Understanding
(MOU)on the R&D National Information Network (NIN).
The signing was done on 19 May 2000 at
the BAR-CERDAF Confernece Room in Quezon City. The gathering
of regional directors from various R&D institutions,
presidents/representatives from partner state colleges
and universities (SUCs) and informationa technology
consultants, served as the venue for the launch of the
R&D Information Network framework. The proposal
detailing as well the inherent institutional responsibilities
of stakeholders, was presented to possible partner instituions
in the building of IT infrastructure. The participants
drafted a frameowkr of partnership, which includes scope,
financing scheme and appointment of IT counterpart teams.
Furthermore, the proposal serves as a tool for unifying
instiutional commitments by promoting efficient and
effective inter-institutional collaboration on R&D
knowledge procurement.
The conceptualized state-of-the-art information
infrastructure is an internet-based system that will
serve as a "powerhouse" of information exchange
and access among partner institutions. Bar on the other
hand will serve as the gateway or the national reference
center that will link the user to proper instituions
or data sources.
BAR Director Eliseo Ponce emphasized that
the sharing and "intreconnecting" of knowledge
sources among and within institutions will help facilitate
the procurement of R&D information, thus, hastening
technology transfer down to end-user. "Since the
information network is an aggregate of distributed databases,
it should be maintained and managed by partner institutions
to enable users to access up-to-date information,"
Dr. Ponce added.
To ensure that the access to R&D information
is uniform throughout the country, regional R&D
institutions were grouped into clusters based on geographical
proximity. Four clusters were established: North (MMSU,
CODA, NTA); Central (CLSU, PhilRice, PCC, BPRE); Visayas
(ViSCA, CENVIARC, EVIARC); and, South (USM and CEMIARC).
These clusters are expected to facilitate the sharing
of agriculture and fisheries knowledge with their counterpart
team.
Mr. Sebastian O. Sebastian, a BAR IT consultant,
stressed that reserahc institutions are not the only
ones who can access R&D information. Researchers,
farmers, fisherfolk and even private companies may also
tap into this resource. One of the major concerns raised
is the cost-sharing scheme among partner institutions.
Based on the BAR R&D institutions framework of partnership,
the ratio will be 1:2 where BAR would actively assist
in the initial stage by providing technical hardware
and software assistance. Also, each institution shall
appoint an IT counterpart team comprised of at least
three full-time staff and one ECE graduate - or its
equivalent, responsible for the development of the information
network. Furthermore, partner institutions should ensure
its connectivity to the R&D NIN by supporting its
network maintenance and operating expenses.
A memorandum of agreement will be drafted
to determine the amount of investment needed to make
the system operational by February 2002. 
May 16-31 2000 Articles: ::
RP,
China forge stronger S&T ties
::
Committee
calls for revisions in scientific career system guidelines
::
Senior
scientists advisory committee holds 1st meeting
::
Guimaras: mango country
::
R&D
jumps into information technology bandwagon
::: More May 2000 articles :::
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