Country: Latvia

Client: Cabinet of Ministers

Project Title: State Data Communications Network

Project Description: Since independence, the Republic of Latvia had adhered to an ambitious program to convert its former Communist economy into a viable, market-oriented system. By 1995, private enterprise was accounting for over 55% of the Latvian GDP, and the capital city of Riga was identified as one of the strongest business attractions...emerging alongside St. Petersburg and Moscow as a commercial, financial and transportation hub for the northwest Russia/Baltic region. However, inefficient border control systems, insufficient administrative systems and a lack of modern telecommunications and information technology systems had created a significant market for smuggled goods. The Latvian government needed an effective electronic data system to control its communication, trade, and borders, in order to realize its broader economic development and trade growth objectives.

Global Resources met with representatives of Latvia’s Cabinet of Ministers to review their ideas for a State Data Communications Network. It was evident that many of the problems that the inefficient and insufficient border control and administrative systems engendered could be improved by allowing remote offices to share information on a timely basis. Our team evaluated Latvia’s economic plans, geographic challenges and current communications infrastructure and designed a network to facilitate secure data communication between Riga and remote government offices and border-control locations.

The recommended State Data Communications Network established a wide area network (WAN) that enhanced local area networks that were being established in Riga and other government locations. Operating country-wide, it enabled legislative and government authorities to share information using computer packet networks, while enabling information and document retrieval from important State registries and government data bases. The network also provided electronic mail services and enabled data exchanges between computer systems. Of particular concern, the network ensured protection of sensitive Government information.

Network implementation was conducted in phases, starting with establishing Riga’s network infrastructure, with expansion to outlying networks in subsequent phases. In addition to providing technical and managerial inputs to ensure faster and more secure communications and streamlined network implementation, Global Resources ensured that that the Latvian State Data Communications Network received over $1.2M in funding from foreign government sources. This way the initial network could be installed and developed (involving 35 node LANS, 15 microwave transmitters and the 31 network nodes) along with the required upgrades and repair work at 15 microwave sites. Global Resources’ work concluded when we obtained funding commitments from appropriate Latvian government authorities for the data network’s continued expansion.

Mēs esam pateicīgi Latvijas Ministru kabinetam par iespēju sadarboties, risinot šo vairākdimensiju informāciju un valsts drošības jautājumu.