ict4d brochure 15022010 en

MTDS
Information Technologies for Development
MTDS is an information technology and
development consulting firm based in Rabat,
Morocco. Our company is an Internet Service
Provider (ISP) and well-known for his cutting edge
expertise in security networks.
Our team is also specialized in Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) applications for
development initiatives. This document is a
presentation of our approach, expertise and key
achievements in this field.
www.mtds.com
January 2010
Table of contents
INFORMATION? WEALTH TO BE SHARED!
by Karl U. Stanzick, Managing Director .......................................................................................................3
1. OUR STORY..................................................................................................................................................4
At the beginning .......................................................................................................................................4
A web 2.0 world ........................................................................................................................................4
First class services ......................................................................................................................................4
A multi-skilled team...................................................................................................................................5
A network of expertise..............................................................................................................................5
A tracking experience..............................................................................................................................5
2. OUR EXPERTISE ............................................................................................................................................6
IT networks..................................................................................................................................................6
Web communication ...............................................................................................................................6
Open applications....................................................................................................................................6
New media ................................................................................................................................................7
E-learning ...................................................................................................................................................7
3. OUR REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................8
Assisting economic development...........................................................................................................8
Promoting quality in education...............................................................................................................9
Supporting democratic change ...........................................................................................................10
Strengthening civil society .....................................................................................................................11
Bridging the digital divide ......................................................................................................................12
Protecting the environment...................................................................................................................13
4. OUR TEAM .................................................................................................................................................14
5. PARTNERS’ TESTIMONY .............................................................................................................................16
6. CONTACT US.............................................................................................................................................18
Information? Wealth to be shared!
By Karl U. Stanzick, Managing Director of MTDS
Dear friends, dear customers,
Our job is exciting but it is hardly known. MTDS team is specialized in
Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications for
development initiatives. Practitioners of innovative social development
refer to it as ‘ICT for Development’ or ICT4D.
MTDS works to put information technology in the hands of those that
need it most. The Internet and related communication technologies offer
outstanding opportunities to empower people by enabling the free flow
of ideas and access to information and knowledge.
ICTs are at the foundation of unprecedented social and economic
Learn to live in a digital world: a
challenge for the future
transformations. Our goal is to foster these changes by implementing
sustainable IT projects for the benefit of countries and communities where
it can make a positive impact.
Over the last 15 years, MTDS has contributed to innovative development
activities in more than 20 countries across Africa and the Arab World. We
work with a wide range of experts, customers and partners that choose to
collaborate again and again.
We believe that the world is changing. We want to be part of those who
are reshaping it. With one single idea in mind: information is a wealth that
has to be shared with everyone.
MTDS is also an Internet Service provider (ISP) and a security network specialist. More
about these services ? Please refer to our website : www.mtds.com
3
1. OUR STORY
At the beginning
In the 90’s when Internet began transforming communications and economies
worldwide, MTDS was at the forefront of establishing Internet access in Africa and
promoting free market competition within the Internet services sector. MTDS
engineers were essential to the inauguration of eight Internet Gateways in SubSaharan Africa from 1997-2002 financed by the US Government sponsored Leland
The 1990's - First Internet
connections in Africa
Initiative, a five-year and $15 million effort to extend full Internet connectivity to
twenty-one African countries.
A web 2.0 world
In more recent years, the company has focused its expertise on applying
technology based solutions to social challenges including improving the quality
and relevance of education, promoting knowledge sharing among civil society
organizations, raising awareness on human rights via innovative multimedia
content and using online training solutions to update institutional partners’ skills.
MTDS has demonstrated a unique expertise in applying the latest Web 2.0
applications (participative content management systems, online diffusion lists, web
forums, blogs and podcasts) for civic education, youth empowerment and civil
society strengthening.
First class services
MTDS has a solid reputation for delivering first class technical services that respect
international norms and standards (Internet access, computer hardware, network
solutions, web development, hosting, and multimedia content development)
combined with results-oriented human development and change management
strategies. MTDS uses participatory project planning techniques to design and
deliver relevant services in partnership with local organizations. It develops
technology solutions that are grounded in a careful consideration of its partner’s
needs and capacity.
4
A multi-skilled team
Our ICT4D managers are experienced in responding to the requirements of large
international donor organizations while maintaining active networks of local
development partners. MTDS employees form a multicultural team that includes
talented trainers and local development experts who are aware of the
importance of developing local capacity and supporting grassroots initiatives. It
believes that the key to sustainable solutions and long term returns on
development investments lies in empowering local partners.
A network of expertise
Over the years, MTDS has built a strong network of local and international
consultants who, as required, lend their support to projects that we care for. In
Morocco and throughout the world, MTDS is able to mobilize talented
professionals, recognized for their expertise and experience in development
projects. In all areas where the use of information technology can be decisive,
Podcast 2008: collaboration
between MTDS, Tanmia.ma and the
Fondation Orient-Occident
MTDS has a network of qualified and experienced personnel, ready to get to work
to the best of their ability.
A tracking experience
MTDS clients include many prominent companies, numerous public and academic
institutions as well as many local and international organizations in the
development sector. MTDS has partnered with leading American consulting firms
and non profits on donor funded development projects. Its clients include the
Academy for Educational Development (AED), Development Alternatives
International (DAI), Chemonics, MSI, and the Research Triangle Institute and others.
In addition it has contracted directly with US and international donor organizations
including MEPI, USAID, the World Bank, ILO, UNDP and UNESCO.
5
2. OUR EXPERTISE
IT networks
MTDS designs, builds and maintains enterprise-class networks for leading
companies and institutions, including financial and educational institutions,
government offices, businesses, and non-profits. Certified partnerships with leading
technology suppliers assure up-to-date technology, low prices, and the best
support. A few of our areas of expertise include: network security, network
monitoring and maintenance, routing and switching, wireless solutions, messaging
systems, and VPN management.
Web communication
MTDS intervenes all along the chain of web communication (design, production,
training, referencing). Our team supplies integrated solutions that include web
hosting and maintenance. MTDS specializes in web communication strategies for
the development sector. Many of our clients are NGOs as well as national and
international development assistance organizations whom we support to reinforce
their communication strategies including offering assistance on how to use ICT
tools -websites, online discussion forums, newsletters, email diffusion lists, and
databases - to reinforce the visibility of the organization and reinforce its impact in
the areas of advocacy, knowledge sharing and coalition building. MTDS web
Association démocratique des
Femmes du Maroc (ADFM)
developers use sustainable and cost effective technologies, favoring Open Source
technology in our web applications.
Open applications
The rise of Free and Open Source Software (low cost or free of charge, open for
adaptation and further development) represents a unique opportunity for
developing countries. MTDS supports l’utilisation et la diffusion de ces solutions,
sustainable and cost effective, through advocacy initiatives, training workshops, in
user-friendly applications for non-profit organizations. We build and deploy tools
and Web services that help them to communicate and collaborate with their
communities (board, staff, partners), to constituent data and reports, or to share
strategic information with the public, funders, and other organizations.
6
New media
Web 2.0 technologies are using the Internet to leap over traditional barriers of cost,
censorship, licensing and technical know how to put the transformational power of
the media in the hands of everyday citizens. Based on the seamless integration of
audio and audio visual formats, online tools for collaboration and decentralized
content management, Web 2.0 offers Internet users the opportunity to become
Multimedia Communication: Serving
freedom of expression
content producers and is giving birth to a new generation of community media.
Community media is a means of sharing information generated at the grassroots in
languages and formats that communicate to local communities. Used
strategically, it can challenge traditional power structures, support social
mobilization for important causes and ultimately contribute to more open and
democratic societies. MTDS is supporting this change by piloting our own web
media projects and by offering its services for the development of online platforms,
training and support for strategic planning to our clients.
E-learning
The web and related ICT technologies have made access to knowledge more
fluid and easy at less cost. New modes of learning are emerging. Among them,
online learning platforms are enabling knowledge transmission across vast
distances in interactive and dynamic ways. Online libraries of training manuals and
Development of a model for E
learning for Judges in Bahrain
guides facilitate resource sharing and the capitalization of good practices. Where
Internet connectivity is still scarce, multimedia learning modules on CD rom support
local organizations to offer quality learning resources to their constituency in
attractive, user-friendly formats. Successful e-learning requires expertise and know
how in order to be relevant and overcome the loss of human contact of traditional
training and motivate learners. MTDS has initiated multiple e learning systems and
maintains a roster of experts in instructional design for e learning.
7
3. OUR REFERENCES
3.1 ASSISTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN MOROCCO (2009)
Development of website
AMCHAM is a nongovernmental organization that works to strengthen economic
interests between Morocco and the United States. MTDS is an institutional partner
and a sponsor of AMCHAM. Some of the support provided has been in designing
and developing the website of the association. See: www.amcham-morocco.com
UNCTAD (2007-2009)
Technical coordination of eRegulation sysems – Africa
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development developed an online
information system demonstrating at a national level the main administrative
procedures relating to investment. MTDS supported the deployment of this tool in
several African countries. See: www.businessfacilitation.org
MOUSTAQBALI.MA (2006-2009)
Community portal – youth employment
Moustaqbali.ma is a participatory web community providing news and information
about careers whilst addressing the issue of youth employment in Morocco. The
portal also offers online services to support young people in their search for a job.
MTDS is now responsible for the lasting success of this portal, developed under
Project ALEF USAID. See: www.moustaqbali.ma
AGENCE MAROCAINE DE DEVELOPPEMENT DES INVESTISSEMENTS (2008)
Hosting of website
MTDS hosts the website of the AMDI and provides all necessary guarantees in terms
of support, maintenance and safety. MTDS offers hosting solutions tailored to
specific needs of its customers on the latest generation of servers directly available
to the company. See: www.invest.gov.ma
8
3.2 PROMOTING QUALITY IN EDUCATION
USAID/ALEF (2004-2009)
Integration of ICT of quality education systems
MTDS delivered professional development program for the integration of ICT to
strengthen teaching and learning in the classroom and to promote vibrant
professional interaction. The teacher training curricula was officially approved by
the Ministry of Education (GENIE) for generalization. See: www.alef.ma
TARBIYA.MA (2005-2009)
Web portal for the education community in Morocco
Initiated by MTDS within the USAID/ALEF project, with support from Microsoft and
UNESCO, Tarbiya.ma is a community portal that stimulates discussion and
information and resource sharing between teachers, parents, experts and other
education professionals. See: www.tarbiya.ma
MINISTÈRE DE L’ÉDUCATION NATIONALE - MAROC (2005-2009)
Implementation of the e-learning device Collab.tarbiya.ma
Under USAID/ALEF, MTDS supported the efforts of the National Center for
Educational Innovation and Experimentation (CNIPE) of the Ministry of Education
to implement a platform for E-Learning for teachers. Several teaching modules are
available in French or Arabic. See: http://collab.tarbiya.ma
INTEL (2009-2010)
Support for GENIE program (ICT for education in Morocco)
MTDS coordinates the adaptation and integration of training modules developed
by Intel as part of the activities of the GENIE program. MTDS working in close
consultation with the GENIE team defined a strategy for capacity building tailored
to local circumstances. See: www.intel.com/education and genie.gov.ma
9
3.3 SUPPORTING DEMOCRATIC CHANGE
ANCLM (2007)
Development of the website and a database of local elected officials
The National Association of Local Authorities in Morocco was created in 2002 to
represent cities and municipalities on the national and international scene. The
ANCLM defends the principles of transparency and good governance. MTDS has
supported its efforts to communicate on the web. See: www.anclm.ma
MEPI/DEMOS (2006-2007)
Online resource centre of legal reformes focussing on womens rights
and family law in arab countries
MTDS has worked with the Demos Consulting to create, with support from MEPI
(Middle East Partnership Initiative), an online resource center which aims to foster
exchange and debate around a comparison of different legal methods of the
statutory rights of women in Arab countries. See: www.arabfamilylawsreform.org
TANMIA.MA (2005-2006)
CDROM of the awarness of the new family law.
MTDS developed a Tanmia.ma CDROM promoting information and awareness on
the new provisions of the Family Act (Moudawana) in relation to Moroccan
associations. MTDS was responsible for the technical development of this CDROM
(available in Arabic, French and Amazigh). See: http://connaistesdroits.tanmia.ma
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION (2006-2008)
E-Learning device – humand rights and family law
MTDS produced an E-Learning platform for training institutions of judges from four
Arab countries: Morocco, Algeria, Jordan and Bahrain. MTDS played a pivotal role
in overseeing the implementation of the online platform and the design and
production
of
multimedia
courses.
See
example-
Kingdom
of
Bahrein:
www.moj.gov.bh/jlsi/
10
3.4 STRENGTHENING CIVIL SOCIETY
TANMIA.MA (2003-2009)
Design and technical monitoring of the community development portal
MTDS initiated the first portal for civil society organizations in Morocco. The portal is
designed as a communication platform enabling government agencies, the
private sector, civil society actors and the general public to share information,
resources and opinions about development initiatives. See: www.tanmia.ma
UNESCO (2005-2007)
Development of the portal jeunessearabe.info
Jeunessearabe.info is a French-Arabic portal offering youth and youth associations
in the Arab region online resources. Areas of debate were created to foster
dialogue and the sharing of experiences. MTDS developed the portal and
conducted training sessions. See: www.jeunessearabe.info
ESPACE ASSOCIATIF (2007-2009)
Development of webstie and online tracking of projects
Espace Associatif plans to contribute to promoting and strengthening
the fabric of Moroccan associations through training, mobilization and the
creation of spaces for reflection . MTDS has developed their website and a tool for
the online monitoring of projects and activities. See: www.espace-associatif.ma
USAID/SANAD (2009-2012)
Advocacy and social mobilization of Moroccan civil society
The SANAD Project contributes to the expansion and strengthening of public
dialogue and advocacy in Morocco by direct support to civil society
organizations. MTDS is a member of the SANAD project and coordinates all
activities ICT & new media. See: www.projetsanad.ma
11
3.5 BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
LELAND INITIATIVE (1997-2002)
Reinforcement and security of African internet structures
The Leland Initiative has provided $15 million (US) to strengthen access to the
Internet on the African continent), MTDS played a decisive role in the creation and
securing of the Internet infrastructure of several countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
See: www.usaid.gov/leland/
FONDATION ORIENT-OCCIDENT (2008)
Podcast Training workshops with Tanmia.ma
MTDS has co-hosted podcast training session for youth with Tanmia.ma. The
objective was to give recipients the ability to engage in “citizen media” via
podcasting and demonstrate the daily concerns of youth in Morocco. See:
www.fondation.orient-occident.org and http://podcast.tanmia.ma
ISESCO (2007-2010)
Strengthening the IT capacities of national museums in W. Africa
MTDS supports the Islamic Organization for Education, Sciences and Cultural
Organization (ISESCO) in supporting the National Museums of West Africa. MTDS
has developed a particular open source solution for computerized management
of museum collections and trained local staff on its use..
CITI/AUI (2008)
Training workshop on Flash animations
MTDS delivered a training workshop for teams of CITI (Center of IT Innovation) of Al
Akhawayn (Ifrane, Morocco). The objective of this training was to enable staff of
CITI working on multimedia applications for schools to have all the necessary skills
to create and operate quality Flash animations. See: http://citi.aui.ma
12
3.6 PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
ENDA MAGHREB (2006)
Development of website
Enda Maghreb’s mission is to fight against poverty and to promote human
development
which
is
environmentally
friendly.
The
association
plays
a
fundamental role in mobilizing civil society in Morocco. MTDS accompanied Enda
Maghreb in the design and development of its website. See: www.enda.org.ma
ENDA MAGHREB – ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROJECT (2008)
Development of the project’s website
Enda Maghreb entrusted MTDS to develop the website of the project 'Education and
Awareness for the Environment and Sustainable Development’ which it administrates.
Funded by the European Union, the project aims to provide Morocco with a national
strategy for environmental education. See: http://ese.enda.org.ma
KANANA (2007-2009)
Development of the website for the nature reserve (Botswana)
The Kanana Nature Reserve is a protected area dedicated to the discovery of wildlife
(rhinos, zebras, giraffes) and flora of the Kalahari (Botswana). MTDS has designed and
implemented the online communications strategy for the Reserve (: website, blogs
and interactive map). See: www.kanana.info
MORE ABOUT OUR WORK
The references above are only a short selection of MTDS ICT4D activities over the
past few years. To know more about our work, please refer to our website :
www.mtds.com.
13
4. OUR TEAM
MTDS employees form a multicultural team that combine the best of Moroccan,
American, European and African values and know how to meet a wide variety of
clients’ and development partners’ needs. Please find below a brief selection of
key MTDS profiles involved in ICT for Development projects:
Karl Stanzick, MTDS managing director
Karl has worked to bridge the Digital Divide since he finished his Peace
Corps service in sub-Saharan Africa in 1993. Working in Africa for more
than 15 years has allowed him to understand the needs and appropriateness of
information technology integration with developmental goals. [email protected]
Sandy Wark, ICT4D team leader
Sandy has led MTDS’ ICT for Development department since 1998. With
an extensive experience in local development, project design and
management, her specialty is conceiving and deploying technology based
solutions to enhance networking, training, capacity building and advocacy
initiatives.. [email protected]
Julien Bornon , ICT4D program manager
Julien is the coordinator of the ICT4D team consisting of project
engineers and web and information systems designers. He is responsible for
tailoring MTDS services to the needs of our partners and ensuring the smooth
running of all our projects. [email protected]
Saida Abouid, ICT4D project manager
Saida played a pioneering role in using ICT in the education sector in
Morocco. She is currently a senior team member of a USAID project aimed at
strengthening the capacities of civil society organizations in Morocco to conduct
advocacy campaigns and engage in public dialogue. [email protected]
Oussama Benhmida, Web manager
Oussama carries out the coordination and execution of all our Web
projects. He works with directly with our partners to design sites, supports
technical development and supervises the integration of content. He also provides
assistance in managing the sites. [email protected]
14
Khaddouj Benkhadra, New media manager
Khaddouj coordinates our New Media activity. She also supervises the
production process of multimedia content. She is responsible portals
Tarbiya (education) and Moustaqbali (youth employment). [email protected]
Salma Daki, Multimedia content manager
Salma carries out the production of multimedia content (text, audio,
video) for all of ICT4D projects. She also plays an active role in leading
the portals Tarbiya.ma and Moustaqbabali.ma (moderation, exchanges and
participation of Internet users). [email protected]
Balobo Maïga, Hardware manager
Balobo analyses the needs of our partners in terms of equipment,
infrastructure and hardware solutions. As such, he liaises and links with
other all other departments of MTDS. He finally has specific expertise in web
hosting (connection, capacity, safety). [email protected]
Moize Laanaït, Web applications manager
Moize develops software applications specifically designed for our
partners. He defines the requirements, evaluates technical options and
designs information systems (applications, databases) that can meet specific
expectations. [email protected]
Jamila Oumarou Hadary, ICT4D program assistant
Jamila provides support to the ICT4D team and is particularly responsible
for ensuring the administrative follow-up of our projects and as such has a
special relationship with our customers. She responds to their requests and provides
all necessary explanations on our service communications. [email protected]
Aïcha Amjad, Hosting & domain names
Aïcha carries out the installation of the web hosting solutions offered by
MTDS. She is also in charge of operations relating to the distribution of domain
names and provides technical support to all ICT4D activities. [email protected]
15
5. PARTNERS’ TESTIMONY
USAID/ALEF
Joshua Muskin, Chief of project
« MTDS unerringly undertook impressive, diverse and successful efforts to improve
the management and pedagogical use of ICT in schools and as a central element
of instructional reform across the education system. The professional, strategic,
effective and moral nature of MTDS was obvious not just in their work with ALEF, but
also in the other work I had the pleasure of seeing them conduct »
Mourad Gourouhi, Director
TANMIA.MA
« MTDS is first and foremost a technical service provider supplying expertise that
responds to the evolving needs of our association. Secondly, MTDS is an advisor,
assisting us mainly to conceive, design and deploy Information Technologies and
Communication solutions for Development (ICT4D). MTDS has been our strategic
partner since the association’s inception, and continues to play a strategic role in
the life of our association. »
ISESCO
Pape Toumané Ndiaye, Culture program specialist
« The MTDS specialists we work with have given us and ISESCO member states, full
and complete satisfaction. The integration of requests from our member’s at the
time of seminars on a management software for museums were beyond our
expectations. This encouraged us to entrust MTDS with an inventory of cultural
heritage project now required by Member States, I congratulate them. »
FONDATION ORIENT-OCCIDENT
Rachid Badouli, Director
« Our collaboration with MTDS has been very beneficial to us. The youth served by
the Rabat Branch of the Foundation Orient-Occident have been the principle
beneficiaries. In our dealings with MTDS staff, we have always found them to be
highly skilled collaborators who demonstrate their availability and an infallible
consideration for our cause. I doubt that we could do better in terms of services. »
16
ASSOCIATION DEMOCRATIQUE DES FEMMES DU MAROC
Soufiane Ladham, Information systems manager
« We contacted MTDS to develo the website of our association. The
communication was very fluid with the people in charge of the project. This is
precisely why we chose to work with MTDS: there is no bureaucracy, the contact is
personalized. So if we have a question or problem, we contact the team directly
and the issue is resolved immediately. This is the main asset of the company. »
INSTITUT DE FORMATION DES AGENTS DE DEVELOPPEMENT (IFAD)
Christiane Dardé, Training officer
« The IFAD has chosen to work with MTDS, not only because of their professional
competency but also because of their specific knowledge of the particularities of
the environment in which Moroccan associations operate. This essential element
has allowed us to develop, in conjunction our partners, an interactive, evolving,
personalized, and relevant site for IFAD. »
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION (Rabat, Morocco)
Youssef El Falah, Deputy director
« Thanks to its technical and pedagogical expertise, MTDS has developed a
distance learning tool tailored for Judges. MTDS has been able to overcome
numerous difficulties through its extensive technical know-how as well as its rigorous
and efficient approach to human resource management and Information
technology use. »
MEARN/IEARN
Mourad Benali, Chairman
« Since 2005, the ongoing and strategic technical assistance provided by MTDS
has considerably improved our image and promoted our actions. MTDS
developed the web site for the international conference that we organized in
2009. MTDS is a partner in every sense of the word. They are part of Moroccan civil
society. »
17
6. CONTACT US
Please feel free to contact us to get further information on MTDS and ICT4D
activities. We ‘ll be delighted to answer to any of your requests.
MTDS USA
9932, Maine Avenue
Lakeside, CA
United Sates of America
T: +1 619 443 0810
MTDS MOROCCO
14, rue du 16 novembre
Rabat - Agdal
Kingdom of Morocco
T : +212 5 37 27 48 61
F : +212 5 37 27 48 63
HTTP://WWW.MTDS.COM
Please check our website and/or
send us an email to [email protected]
18