APDIP eLibrary
APDIP Series Titles
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Television Programmes / Videos
APDIP e-Notes
http://www.apdip.net/apdipenote
These are brief snapshots that present analyses of specific issues related to information and communication technologies (ICTs) for sustainable human development in the Asia-Pacific region. This online series introduces readers to the who, what, where, why and how of a wide range of current issues related to ICTs such as Internet governance, ICTs and poverty alleviation, e-governance, free/open source software, and many others.
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APDIP e-Note 22 - e-Health Tools for the Asia-Pacific Region, Stine Loft Rasmussen, 2007 [PDF, 215kB] |
This APDIP e-Note provides an overview of the benefits and challenges of some of the most used e-Health tools. Important lessons learned in e-Health in the Asia-Pacific region are highlighted through three case studies from Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand. The APDIP e-Note also examines different approaches to e-Health, such as the use of free and open source software (FOSS) and the relationship between e-Health and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Finally, considerations for policy makers are discussed.
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APDIP e-Note 21 - Identifying 'Killer' e-Governance Applications for Telecentres: Lessons from the Philippines, Gigo Alampay and Joel Umali, 2007 [PDF, 195kB] |
This APDIP e-Note describes a methodology to identify ‘killer’ applications and models of e-governance that may be suitable for deployment and wide-scale replication in telecentres throughout the Philippines. The same methodology can be used to guide other telecentres around the world.
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APDIP e-Note 20 - Government Interoperability Frameworks in an Open Standards Environment: A comparative review, Chanuka Wattegama and Kathryn Pauso, 2007 [PDF, 171kB] |
This APDIP e-Note intends to give a brief introduction to government interoperability frameworks (GIFs), explain how they are classified and provide details of their common features. It also discusses the importance of open standards in GIFs and why governments should consider open standards seriously when designing or evaluating their GIFs.
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APDIP e-Note 19 - Telecentre Technology: The application of free and open source software, Fouad Riaz Bajwa, 2007 [PDF, 145kB] |
The affordability of FOSS and its openness to modification and localization is contributing to the sustainbility of telecentres, and more broadly, to empowered communities and poverty reduction. This APDIP e-Note explores the benefits of using FOSS applications in telecentres with case studies from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Egypt and Sub-Saharan Africa.
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APDIP e-Note 18 - Standards for Electronic Documents, Ditesh Kumar, 2007 [PDF, 249kB] |
This APDIP e-Note provides a brief introduction to the history of document standards, explores the different standards for electronic documents and details the development of OpenDocument Format for Office Applications (ODF). It also looks at how governments worldwide have started to adopt ODF in public administration.
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APDIP e-Note 17 - ICT Skill Development in the Asia-Pacific Region - Part two: Bridging the gap between demand and supply, Ravi Raina, 2007 [PDF, 208kB] |
This APDIP e-Note is the second in the series on information and communications technology (ICT) skill development in the Asia-Pacific region. While the first part examined the gaps between demand and supply of ICT skills, this APDIP e-Note focuses on what could be done to bridge the identified gaps at national and regional levels.
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APDIP e-Note 16 - ICT in Disaster Management, Chanuka Wattegamma, 2007 [PDF, 332kB] |
This APDIP e-Note looks at how information and communications technology (ICT) is being used in disaster management and it provides a broad overview of the role ICT plays in the disaster management process. It examines the interplay between different ICT media and the stakeholders involved in all phases of disaster management. It also outlines why it is essential to give ICT its due place in disaster management.
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APDIP e-Note 15 - Telecentre sustainability: Financing ICTs for the poor, Roger Harris, 2007 [PDF, 120kB] |
In spite of their promising development opportunities, telecentres have also been met with criticism, especially for not being sustainable. In response to this criticism this APDIP e-Note examines different ownership and financing models for telecentres, emphasizing the balance between subsidy and revenue. It examines how these models can assist in ensuring long-term financial sustainability and how both the private sector and civil society can be mutually involved in this process.
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APDIP e-Note 14 - Telecentre 2.0: Beyond piloting telecentres, Roger Harris, 2007 [PDF, 120kB] |
This APDIP e-Note argues that with telecentres now being part of national roll-out programmes in many countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region, a second generation of telecentres is evolving. Telecentre 2.0. is a general model that does away with further piloting of telecentres as a development mechanism. This APDIP e-Note outlines how the Telecentre 2.0 model can help countries that do not have established telecentres on a country-wide basis in doing so by drawing on previous and well-documented experiences from other countries.
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APDIP e-Note 13 - ICT Skill Development in the Asia-Pacific Region - Part one: the gap between demand and supply, Ravi Raina, 2007 [PDF, 258kB] |
The Asia-Pacific region are major producers and users of information and communication technologies (ICTs). There are, however, significant gap between the demand and supply of ICT professionals. As a first in the series of two complementing APDIP e-Notes, this APDIP e-Note discusses the dynamics creating the demand/supply imbalance. At a strategic level, it explores ways to achieve a balance and make recommendations on actions that policy makers can take to increase the existing ICT skill supply.
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APDIP e-Note 12 - The Role of Governments in Promoting ICT Access and Use by SMEs: Considerations for Public Policy, Gigo Alampay, 2007 [PDF, 111kB] |
This APDIP e-Note provides an overview of the policy considerations that are needed to promote information and communications technology (ICT) usage among SMEs. It discusses critical components for a comprehensive policy and legislative strategy that would address the various policy, legal, market, technical and social considerations needed in order to create conditions conductive for encouraging ICT-enabled SMEs.
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APDIP e-Note 11 - Pro-Poor Public Service Delivery with ICTs: Making local e-governance work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, Lars Bestle, 2007 [PDF, 104kB] |
This APDIP e-Note introduces the concept of pro-poor e-governance; gives two examples of e-governance projects targeted at poor and vulnerable groups; and provides a comprehensive approach to pro-poor e-governance comprised of seven building blocks.
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APDIP e-Note 10 - Expert Systems: Capacity Building and Local Empowerment, Glenn Harris, 2006 [PDF, 155kB] |
This APDIP e-Note provides a summary of what expert systems are and how they operate; the opportunities they can provide in building capacities and promoting empowerment; and the general processes involved in developing an expert system including the challenges faced. Examples of expert systems used in the field of environmental management and agriculture, knowledge management, and medicine and health are given.
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APDIP e-Note 9 - Internationalized Domain Names, Danny Butt, 2006 [PDF, 146kB] |
This APDIP e-Note examines how Internationalized Domain Names relate to cultural diversity and the basic human right to communicate in one's own language on the Internet. While the bulk of the content on the Internet has been in English, this is increasingly changing. This APDIP e-Note discusses the ongoing debate of whether to continue with the existing system or allow users to navigate the Internet using a range of scripts.
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APDIP e-Note 8 - Fighting Corruption with e-Government Applications, Subhash Bhatnagar and Christine Apikul, 2006 [PDF, 165kB] |
This APDIP e-Note looks at how e-government can help fight corruption; gives two well-known examples from the Republic of Korea and India where e-government has successfully helped to fight corruption; and discusses the challenges in designing and implementing similar programmes. This APDIP e-Note is based on a paper written by Subhash Bhatnagar entitled, e-Government in the Asia-Pacific Region: An Assessment of Issues and Strategies [PDF, 260kB]
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APDIP e-Note 7 - Open Technologies: Catalyst for transformation, Jeffrey A. Kaplan, 2006 [PDF, 89kB] |
An information and communications technology (ICT) ecosystem includes not only the hardware and software but also the policies, processes, applications, partnerships and stakeholders that together make up the technology environment for a country, government or organization. This APDIP e-Note explains the value of open ICT ecosystems and elaborates on their principles and building blocks in simple terms. See also Roadmap for Open ICT Ecosystem [PDF, 464kB] [Wiki] [Official Website]
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APDIP e-Note 6 – ICTs for Poverty Reduction: Necessary but insufficient, Roger Harris, 2005 [PDF, 140kB] |
This APDIP e-Note summarizes an analysis of select reports since 2002 that highlight the use of information and communications technology (ICT) for poverty reduction. It looks at the conditions required for making ICTs effective anti-poverty tools and notes the gaps in current research and reporting. See also ICT for Poverty Reduction: Necessary but insufficient - a state-of-the-art review, by Roger Harris [PDF, 332kB]
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APDIP e-Note 5 – Building Online Communities of Practice: The International Open Source Network Model, Christine Apikul, 2005 [PDF, 111kB] |
This APDIP e-Note discusses the approaches, tools and technologies used by the International Open Source Network to build a participatory, sustainable and ever-expanding community of practice around issues related to free/open source software, open content and open standards.
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APDIP e-Note 4 - Why Should Countries Embed ICT into SME Policy? Carol Chyau, 2005 [PDF, 143kB] |
This APDIP e-Note illustrates the benefits that information and communication technologies (ICTs) can have for small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs) and shows why countries should be proactive in embedding ICTs into SME policy.
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APDIP e-Note 3 - The Key to Increasing Transparency in e-Government Deployments: Public feedback mechanisms, Carol Chyau, 2005 [PDF, 88kB] |
Public feedback mechanisms (PFMs) are an important subset of two-way interactions in e-government initiatives because they help ensure transparency and accountability. This APDIP e-Note explores what are PFMs, how they are implemented (with examples from the Republic of Korea and Singapore), and what are the benefits and challenges of implementing them.
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APDIP e-Note 2 - Do Governments Actually Believe that ICT Can Help Alleviate Poverty? A perspective from Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers, Carol Chyau, 2005 [PDF, 107kB] |
This APDIP e-Note examines the treatment of information and communication technologies in Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) of Asia-Pacific countries. PRSPs serve as a good starting point because they direct the focus of World Bank and International Monetary Fund concessional lending. See also Extract of ICT-Related Content from Poverty Reducation Strategy Papers in the Asia-Pacific Region [PDF, 475kB]
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APDIP e-Note 1 - Voices from Asia-Pacific: Internet governance and sustainable human development, Akash Kapur and Christine Apikul, 2005 [PDF, 233kB] |
This APDIP e-Note presents Asia-Pacific perspectives and priorities on Internet governance based on extensive research conducted by the Open Regional Dialogue on Internet Governance, an APDIP initiative.
ICT4D Series
http://www.apdip.net/publications/ict4d
This series reviews and analyzes information and communication technologies (ICTs) for development policies and strategies across the region and guides the process of developing them. It aims to provide policy makers and other stakeholders in the development process valuable information on using ICTs effectively to achieve their goals.
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Exploring New Modalities: Experiences with Information and Communications Technology Interventions in the Asia-Pacific Region - A Review and Analysis of the Pan-Asia ICT R&D Grants Programme [PDF, 1.1MB] |
The Pan-Asia ICT R&D Grants Programme for Asia-Pacific is directed at encouraging original and innovative information and communications technology solutions to development problems. This publication reviews and analyzes 56 projects from 14 different countries funded by the Programme between 2002-2005. Projects are focused on access to information and communication; capacity building and education; policy and social research; technical innovation; environment and agriculture; and health and medicine.
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Empowering the Poor: Information and Communications Technology for Governance and Poverty Reduction - A Study of Rural Development Projects in India [PDF, 3.1MB] |
This publication systematically analyzes 18 projects in India that uses information and communications technology (ICT) for the benefit of poor people, and provides recommendations on how ICT can be applied to the massive, widespread and seemingly intractable problems of poverty. The publication also ranks the projects by their relevance, service delivery, community participation and empowerment, equality in decision-making and benefits, sustainability, replicability and their prospects for being scaled-up.
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Breaking Barriers: The Potential of Free and Open Source Software for Sustainable Human Development - A Compilation of Case Studies from Across the World [PDF, 980kB] |
This publication includes a compilation of 14 case studies on the successful deployment of free and open source software (FOSS) in select projects from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Latin America. In each case study, the reason for choosing to use FOSS together with the development, implementation and impact of the FOSS applications are discussed. The benefits obtained and challenges encountered, as well as any valuable lessons learned are also highlighted.
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Gender in the information Society: Emerging issues [PDF, 990kB] |
This publication is a collection of 13 papers developed for a pre-World Summit on the Information Society seminar, developed in partnership with UNIFEM and IT for Change. It showcases perspectives that critique the engagement with new technologies in various development sectors such as the media, work and economy and governance. An edited video of the seminar was also produced.
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Internet Governance: Asia-Pacific perspectives [PDF 1.8MB] |
This publication provides an overview of the key debates on Internet governance. It presents the work of the Open Regional Dialogue on Internet Governance, an APDIP initiative that has collected perspectives from regional experts and end users.
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ICT Policy Formulation and e-Strategy Development: A comprehensive guidebook [PDF, 1.3MB] |
This publication serves as a guidebook for policy makers and planners of Asia-Pacific countries to prepare national policies and strategies on information and communications technology (ICT) for development. It focuses on steps taken in developing ICT policies, including appropriate e-readiness assessment, participatory methodologies, and visioning exercises.
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Information and Communications Technology for Development: A Sourcebook for Parliamentarians [PDF, 2.5MB] |
This Sourcebook, intended for parliamentarians, provides a broad overview of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and their use as powerful tools to accelerate social and economic development. Examples from the Asia-Pacific region are provided to demonstrate how different stakeholders have successfully applied ICTs to development.
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An Overview of ICT Policies and e-Strategies of Select Asian Economies [PDF, 752kB] |
This comparative study of information and communications technology (ICT) legislation, policies and strategies of three high-, middle- and low-income Asian countries each, provides concrete research and analysis on the strengths and weaknesses that are evident in policies across the region.
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ICT Policies and e-Strategies in the Asia-Pacific: A critical assessment of the way forward [PDF, 3.5MB] |
This publication reviews and analyzes information and communications technology (ICT) policies and strategies presently implemented by countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It provides the fundamentals of policy formulation and the development process, and thematic priority areas to be addressed in the conceptualization and development of policies.
ICT4D e-Primers
E-Primers for the Information Economy, Society and Polity
http://www.apdip.net/publications/iespprimers, http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/UNDP-APDIP_Books
This series details the concepts, issues and trends surrounding the information economy, society and polity. It intends to raise awareness and help policy makers and planners understand the relevance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for development, by explaining technical jargon in simple terms.
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e-Government Interoperability [PDF, 751kB] |
This e-primer walks its readers through the vision and value of e-government interoperability and the steps required to achieve effective interoperability. It also answers some fundamental questions such as why government interoperability frameworks should be developed; who should be involved; how are they produced and revised; and what are the key factors for their successful development and operationalization.
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ICT for Disaster Management |
This e-primer introduces policy makers and development practitioners to the application of different information and communication technologies (ICTs) in disaster management, with case studies from the Asia-Pacific region.
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Small and Medium Enterprises and ICT |
This e-primer looks at how the knowledge-based economy has impacted small and medium enterprises (SMEs); explores why so few SMEs have adopted information and communications technology (ICT) and why SMEs should adopt ICT; and provides some policy recommendations for promoting SME adoption of ICT.
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Gender and ICT |
This e-Primer looks at information and communications technology (ICT) for development through a gender lens. It provides a gender perspectives to issues of ICT policies; access and control; education, training and skill development; and content development, and introduces a framework to integrate gender in ICT for development and empower women.
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Internet Governance: A Primer |
This e-primer offers an overview of Internet governance, discussing its history, the issues at stake and the various actors involved. It shows how governance decisions can have social and economic ramifications, and it suggests steps that can be taken to enhance developing country participation in Internet governance.
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Information and Communication Technologies for Poverty Alleviation |
This e-primer provides case studies and lessons learned on the use of information and communication technologies in poverty alleviation programmes and projects. A poverty alleviation framework is presented as a guide to analyze the impact of the case studies.
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ICT in Education |
This e-primer provides an overview of the potential benefits of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in education and the ways different ICTs have been used in education. It discusses the issues of effectiveness, cost, equity and sustainability, and the challenges of integrating ICTs in education.
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Genes, Technology and Policy |
This e-primer discusses the science and policy issues surrounding the use of modern biotechnology. It provides a snapshot of the benefits of biotechnology, as well as concerns regarding its potential negative impact on the environment and on human health.
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e-Commerce and e-Business |
This e-primer provides an introduction to e-commerce – what it is, how it works, and how it could affect and transform businesses. It also provides policy guidelines for promoting e-commerce that contributes to sustainable economic development.
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e-Government [PDF, 185kB] [Wikibook] |
This e-primer provides information on what is e-government, its benefits and challenges, and its usefulness in a developing country context. There is also a comprehensive review of global best practices on e-government and e-governance.
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Nets, Webs and the Information Infrastructure [PDF, 1.1MB] [Wikibook] |
This e-primer explores the development of necessary physical infrastructure that will allow nations to flourish in the information economy. Challenges including the digital divide, the language barrier and broadband deployment are discussed with examples given.
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Legal and Regulatory Issues in the Information Economy [PDF, 179kB] [Wikibook] |
This e-primer discusses the need for a legal and regulatory environment that is conducive to the development of e-commerce and e-business. It helps developing nations define their requirements for shaping appropriate legislation and corresponding regulatory and institutional frameworks.
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The Information Age Mongolian version [HTML] |
This e-primer provides a comprehensive review of the digital and information and communications technology revolutions and how they are changing the economy and society. The primer also addresses the challenges arising from the widening digital divide.
ICT and MDGs
ICT-focused Human Development Reports
http://www.apdip.net/projects/rhdr/
These regional and national human development reports are first attempts to systematically assess the role and impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on human development in Asia. They examine the relationship between ICTs and human development using the UN Millennium Development Goals as the framework for assessment.
Regional Human Development Report – Promoting ICT for Human Development in Asia: Realising the Millennium Development Goals

Editors: Anuradha Rajivan, Ramesh Gampat, Elena Borsatti, Achila Imchen and Susan Howes (Foreword by Sir Arthur C. Clarke)
© UNDP, Elsevier, 2005, 234 pages
ISBN 81-8147-225-X
The report’s unique approach lies in its use of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to measure and monitor the impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on human development. The report examines country-specific experiences in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam, and provides cross-country comparisons on the use of ICTs to achieve the MDGs.
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Regional Human Development Report – Promoting ICT for Human Development in Asia 2004: Realising the Millennium Development Goals - Summary |
This summary document, with a foreword by Sir Arthur C. Clarke, presents the essence of a pioneering attempt to assess the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in human development in Asia. It captures the rich variety of ICT initiatives in nine Asian countries (China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam) and draws lessons for identifying policy directions.
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Technical Paper – ICT and Human Development: Towards building a composite index for Asia |
This study examines the interdependency between information and communication technologies (ICTs) and human development, and identifies ICT indicators for achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
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National Human Development Report – Promoting ICT for Human Development in Asia: Realising the Millennium Development Goals - India |
This country report reviews and assesses progress made in India in drafting and implementing its national e-policies and e-strategies towards meeting its national development goals and the Millennium Development Goals.
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National Human Development Report – Promoting ICT for Human Development in Asia: Realising the Millennium Development Goals - Sri Lanka |
This country report analyzes the past accomplishments, current trends and future potential of information and communications technology (ICT) in pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals in Sri Lanka. It is based on a survey of Sri Lanka’s ICT initiatives and consultations with key stakeholders active in the development of ICT policies.
Digital Reviews of Asia Pacific
http://www.apdip.net/projects/dig-rev
The Digital Reviews detail the latest development and challenges facing the information and communications technology (ICT) industry in the Asia-Pacific region. They are essential guides for ICT-related policy development, planning, research and project implementation.
Digital Review of Asia Pacific 2005/2006 [URL] French version by National Research Council of Canada [hardcopy only] The 2005/2006 edition of the Digital Review offers comprehensive reports and useful analyses of how 29 economies/countries are using information and communication technologies (ICTs) in business, government and civil society. In addition, there are three sub-regional chapters on APEC, ASEAN and the Pacific Island Countries, and four thematic chapters. A CD-ROM of the Digital Review of Asia Pacific 2003/2004 is included in the hardcopy of the publication. Click on URL to purchase a hardcopy of the publication or download selected chapters (chapter overviews are available for free download). Digital Review of Asia Pacific 2003/2004 [URL]

Chief Editor: Chin Saik Yoon
© UNDP-APDIP, Orbicom, IDRC, 2005, 259 pages
ISBN 983-9054-44-9

Chief Editor: Chin Saik Yoon
© UNDP-APDIP, Orbicom, IDRC, 2003, 318 pages
ISBN 983-9054-25-2
The 2003/2004 edition of the Digital Review provides an authoritative overview of how information and communication technologies (ICTs) are being deployed across the Asia-Pacific region to facilitate socio-economic development. It covers 27 economies and a special chapter on the Pacific Islands Countries.
Click on URL to purchase a hardcopy of the publication or download selected chapters (chapter overviews are available for free download).
FOSS e-Primers
E-Primers on Free/Open Source Softwarehttp://www.iosn.net/foss-primers, http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/UNDP-APDIP_Books
This series serves as an introduction to various aspects and dimensions of free/open source software (FOSS) issues, with country case studies. It aims to raise awareness on FOSS issues and support capacity building efforts.
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FOSS: Open Content [PDF with cover, 1.1MB] [PDF without cover, 420kB] [Wikibook] |
This e-primer introduces the idea of Open Content by placing it in a larger historical context of copyright's relation to the public domain. It focuses on implications for policy makers thinking about information policies, and the advantages that the Open Content model may offer, especially for developing countries.
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FOSS: Network Infrastructure and Security [PDF with cover, 1.4MB] [PDF without cover, 367kB] [Wikibook] |
This e-primer introduces readers to the network concepts and architectures, and the major networking functions with free/open source software (FOSS). It also discusses network security functions with FOSS, including security best practices and to-do's. The e-primer ends with useful tips on network planning, design and development.
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FOSS: Licensing [PDF with cover, 961kB] [PDF without cover, 235kB] [Wikibook] |
This e-primer examines different proprietary and free/open source software (FOSS) licenses that use copyright law to regulate the use of software, and discusses how the FOSS movement uses licenses as a way to create a different model of software development. It provides scenarios to highlight possible copyright issues regarding the use of FOSS by end-users, developers and vendors.
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FOSS: Open Standards [PDF with cover, 823kB] [PDF without cover, 473kB] [Wikibook] |
This e-primer introduces readers to what open standards are and why they are important. It explains the standard-setting processes and provides examples of open standards policies, initiatives and formats. It also addresses the challenges faced in implementing open standards.
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FOSS Guide to Localization [PDF, 10.8MB] |
The FOSS Guide to Localization covers all the steps involved in the localization process starting from fundamental topics like Locale, Character Encoding and Fonts (including Font Creation) to advanced topics such as Input Methods and Gettext Framework to Translation Guidelines. The guide also takes some FOSS applications like KDE, GNOME, OpenOffice and Mozilla(Firefox) as case-studies. In addition, the guide includes a list of tools useful for the various tasks in localization.
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FOSS: Localization HTML-Wikipedia Remix by Taran Rampersad [Knowprose] [Wikipedia] |
This e-primer gives a general introduction to localization, its benefits and some current localization efforts. It provides details of what is involved technically in localizing software and the standards involved. It also discusses what governments can do to encourage localization efforts and how technical individuals can get involved.
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FOSS: Government Policy |
This e-primer examines the issues related to government policies on free/open source software (FOSS). It focuses on the motivations behind various FOSS policies in the world today, the process by which they are formulated, and suggests implementation strategies that can be utilized.
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FOSS: Education [PDF, 652kB] [Wikibook] |
This e-primer covers the use of free/open source software (FOSS) from schools to universities. It provides a brief overview of how FOSS can help in setting up the information technology (IT) infrastructure and administration of educational institutions. It considers software (mainly proprietary) that is now used as the basis for IT curricula and FOSS alternatives that are available.
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FOSS: A General Introduction [PDF with cover, 2MB] [PDF without cover, 265kB] [OpenOffice format, 76kB] [Wikibook] |
This e-primer introduces free/open source software (FOSS), its philosophy, history, and the advantages and disadvantages of FOSS. It also contains a brief survey of FOSS initiatives in various countries around the world.
Other FOSS Resources
http://www.iosn.net
An APDIP initiative, the International Open Source Network (IOSN) is a Centre of Excellence for free/open source software (FOSS), open content and open standards. The IOSN web portal managed by the FOSS community in the Asia-Pacific region aims to raise awareness and build capacity on FOSS applications. IOSN also develops FOSS-related training materials and organizes training courses.
IOSN Live CD

© UNDP-APDIP, IDRC, 2005
Download entire CD [URL]
Download IOSN Linux User Guide in different formats (comprised of training materials, presentation slides and an interactive guide) [URL] [PDF] [HTML - by Mainsteram Linux] [Wiki - by LinuxQuestions.org]
Portuguese version [PDF, 444kB] [OpenOffice, 542kB zip file]; Spanish version [OpenOffice]
The IOSN Live CD serves as a self-learning guide to using the GNU/Linux operating system and FOSS applications. It is a bootable CD that runs the GNU/Linux operation system off temporary memory and does not affect the hard drive. In addition to standard FOSS productivity and multimedia applications, it is bundled with a user guide that includes training materials on using the GNU/Linux operating system and FOSS applications, presentation slides for trainers to be used in conjunction with the training materials, and an interactive guide. The CD also contains three e-Primers on FOSS.
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Ubuntu CD version 5.04 |
This is an installation CD with a fully usable Linux operating system and FOSS applications, including a complete set of business productivity applications, Internet applications, drawing and graphics applications, and games.
IOSN Newsletter
http://www.iosn.net/publications/newsletter
This is a bi-monthly e-newsletter that keeps subscribers informed of developments on free/open source software, open content and open standards in the Asia-Pacific region and worldwide. The IOSN e-Letter can be accessed in full, free-of-charge, on the IOSN portal and is disseminated to ICT4D and FOSS mailing lists.
IOSN Case Study
http://www.apdip.net/news/iosncasestudy
This case study documents the community- and technology-related dimensions of this IOSN portal. The community dimension explores the participatory management of the IOSN portal, and the process of building a network that involves give and take within the IOSN community. The technological dimension examines the tools used for facilitating this participatory process within the IOSN community, and its outreach and advocacy activities.
[PDF] [OpenOffice] [PDF-as featured in eStrategies Asia-Pacific magazine of British Publishers]
FOSS Country Reports
http://www.iosn.net/country-reports
IOSN is developing FOSS country reports on wiki. These country reports have been created on wiki and APDIP invites you to update the country reports. Wiki is a piece of server software that allows users to freely create and edit webpage content using any web browser. New users to IOSN will need to register first at http://www.iosn.net/join_form
- Cambodia: A young country in FOSS, but trying to pick up fast [Wiki]
- China: Emerging FOSS Dragon, with a lot to gain from and share with the world [Wiki]
- India: There's a lot happening, but can it be channlised? [Wiki]
- Malaysia: A well-organised, well-publicised, well-supported FOSS movement [Wiki]
- Pakistan: Much potential in a land where FOSS is seen as an option to 'piracy' [Wiki]
- Philippines: 7,000+ Islands with Seas of Potential for FOSS [Wiki]
- Sri Lanka: An island that is linking up aggressively to the outside world [Wiki]
FOSSAP on Wikipedia
FOSSAP is the Free/Open Source Software Asia-Pacific Consultation organized by IOSN. The first FOSSAP took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in February 2004 and the second one took place in Siem Reap, Cambodia in September 2005. Details about the event, the outcome and blogs on FOSSAP can be found on the IOSN website and Wikipedia.
Other Publications and Papers
APDIP has developed a range of publications and papers to support efforts in making information available to targeted groups of people, as well as document and share ICT4D success stories and lessons learned across the Asia-Pacific region.
e-Government Interoperability: Overview [PDF, 720kB]

Author: Emmanuel C. Lallana following inputs from the UNDP GIF Study Group
© UNDP, 2007, 6 pages
ISBN: 978-974-13-1610-6
The Overview introduces and guides policy makers to the what, who, why and how of e-government interoperability. Through a question-and-answer format, the publication walks its readers through the vision, rationale and value of a Government Interoperability Framework (GIF) and a National Enterprise Architecture (NEA). It answers some fundamental questions such as what are the resources required, who should be involved and what are the key factors for its successful development and operationalization. It also looks at open standards and what they have to do with GIF. This Overview is particularly useful for senior officials in governments who are starting to implement their e-government strategies and for those who are planning to develop a GIF or NEA.
e-Government Interoperability: Guide [PDF, 725kB]

Author: Emmanuel C. Lallana following inputs from the UNDP GIF Study Group
© UNDP, 2007, 35 pages
ISBN: 978-974-13-1616-8
The Guide is a practical tool for technical officials and policy makers in governments who plan to draft or revise a GIF to ensure e-government interoperability among national government agencies. It is a comprehensive guide giving details on the approaches and principles of a GIF, and the standards categories and selection processes. It provides a step-by-step guide to developing and revising a GIF, illustrated with relevant case studies. This Guide also provides guidance on operationalizing the GIF, examining key issues related to implementation, compliance, enforcement and capacity development.
e-Government Interoperability: A Review of Government Interoperability Frameworks in Selected Countries [PDF, 1MB]

Author: Emmanuel C. Lallana following inputs from the UNDP GIF Study Group
© UNDP, 2007, 25 pages
ISBN: 978-974-13-1624-3
The Review provides a comparative analysis of eight existing GIFs of Australia, Brazil, Denmark, the European Union, Germany, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. It serves as a useful resource for government officials, the corporate sector and civil society involved in the development or revision of a GIF. This Review focuses on how GIFs in different countries were developed, the principles that animate them, the technical standards they mandated and/or recommend, the way these GIFs are managed, and the implementation and compliance mechanisms they established.
Communicating Disasters: An Asia Pacific Resource Book [PDF, 5.4MB]

Editors: Nalaka Gunawardene and Frederick Noronha (Foreword by Sir Arthur C. Clarke)
© UNDP Regional Centre in Bangkok and TVE Asia Pacific, 2007
This publication offers a kaleidoscope of perspectives as well as a great deal of practical advice on how to communicate hazards and disasters at inter-personal, inter-agency, inter-sector and public levels. It draws on the rich and varied experience of 21 contributors representing the media, development and humanitarian sectors. The tools, technologies and methods may vary, but there is a broad consensus that to be effective, communication needs to be two-way, inclusive, participatory and sustained over time. It is not an 'add on' to other development interventions, but an integral component in its own right. This book is aimed at journalists, disaster managers and civil society groups who want to use information and communication to create safer societies and communities.
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PAN ASIA ICT R&D Grants Programme [PDF, 1.74MB] |
This publication tells the stories of nine of the most innovative projects from six different Asia-Pacific countries under this grant scheme. These are examples of pioneering research and development activities using new ICTs.
Roadmap for Open ICT Ecosystem Thai version [in hardcopy only]

© Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School
[PDF, 464kB] [Wiki] [Official Website]
The Roadmap is a user-friendly guide for policy makers and technologists offerings tools for understanding, creating, and sustaining open information and communication technologies ecosystems. Inside You’ll Find: core principles for openness; best practices & case studies; practical policy guidelines; and an Openness Maturity Model. This is a product of Harvard University’s Berkman Centre for Internet and Society.
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Bridging the Information Divide: A Philippine guidebook on ICTs for development [PDF, 397kB] |
This guidebook aims to raise awareness among development practitioners, community organizations and local government units in the Philippines on ICTs for development. It includes case studies and additional resources.
Outputs from the Open Regional Dialogue on Internet Governance (ORDIG)
ORDIG Country Reports:
ORDIG Papers:
Asia-Pacific Internet Governance Portal <http://igov.apdip.net>
High Impact, Pro-Poor e-Governance Applications: Identifying 'Killer Applications' and Best Practice Models of e-Governance through Community e-Centers in the Philippines, by Gigo Alampay and Joel Umali, 2007
The purpose of the study is to find a way to identify services that genuinely make a difference to people in their interactions with Governments. The expected outcome is increased impact and utilization of e-governance and e-government services in the Philippines and Asia-Pacific over the longer term. This study is a collaboration between the Commission of ICT in the Philippines, UNDP Philippines and UNDP-APDIP.
Report [PDF, 296kB]
Annex A - Innovative e- Governance Practices from All Over the World [PDF, 87kB]
Annex B – Preliminary Assessment of CeCs in the Philippines [PDF, 372kB]
Extract of ICT-Related Content from Poverty Reducation Strategy Papers in the Asia-Pacific Region, 2005
The paper includes excerpts of ICT related content from 8 PRSPs in the Asia Pacific Region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, and Vietnam. ICT related content was extracted from the search terms of "ICT" "telecommunication" "communication" and "information."
[PDF, 475kB]
ICT for Poverty Reduction: Necessary but insufficient - a state-of-the-art review, by Roger Harris, 2005
This paper provides a detailed analysis of 21 papers and reports since 2002 that highlight the use of ICT for poverty reduction in the Asia-Pacific region.
[PDF, 332kB]
e-Government in the Asia-Pacific Region: An Assessment of Issues and Strategies, by Subhash Bhatnagar, 2005
This paper discusses e-government issues and strategies in the Asia-Pacific context with a number of case studies to show some good practices and lessons learned.
[PDF, 260kB]
Television Programmes / Videos
The videos demonstrate how ICTs are indispensable tools in the fight against poverty and how they provide developing nations with an unprecedented opportunity to meet the key concerns of human development.
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The Codebreakers DVD is a 40' version of a two-part programme first shown on BBC World during May 2006. It looks at the potential of free/open source software (FOSS) to bridge the digital divide. It includes stories and interviews from around the world where FOSS is making an impact.
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APDIP Event @ WSIS: Software for Development: Is Free/Open Source Software the Answer? |
This is APDIP's feature event at the second World Summit for the Information Society in Tunis November 2005. The edited video shows highlights of the panel discussion led by key figures in ICT4D and FOSS, including, Robert Kramer of ComTIA, Louis-Dominique Ouedraogo of UN Joint Inspection Unit, Bruce Perens of Sourcelabs, Inc., Mark Shuttleworth of Ubuntu Foundation, Richard Stallman of Free Software Foundation and Shane Wall of Intel Corporation. Kenneth Cukier of The Economist moderated the event.
Note: For Linux/FOSS operating system - Theora encoded videos are supported with the default media players.
For Windows - Ogg Direcshow Codecs are required to play theora videos; or ffdshow to play mp4 videos files.
View video by section
Introduction ( Theora, 4.7MB | MP4, 5.6MB )
Speeches
- Richard Stallman, Founder, Free Software Foundation ( Theora, 20.7MB | MP4, 26.2MB)
- Bruce Perens, Vice President, Sourcelabs, Inc. ( Theora, 25.9MB | MP4, 36.3MB )
- Robert Kramer Vice President of Public Policy, CompTIA ( Theora, 12.4MB | MP4, 4.8MB)
- Shane Wall, Vice President, Intel Corporation ( Theora, 5.7MB | MP4, 3.6MB )
- Louis-Dominique Ouedraogo, Inspector, UN Joint Inspection Unit ( Theora, 13.6MB | MP4, 17.9MB )
- Mark Shuttleworth, President, Ubuntu Foundation ( Theora, 9.1MB | MP4, 11.4MB )
Q&A ( Theora, 15.4MB | MP4, 17.1MB)
Credits ( Theora, 426kB | MP4, 2.2MB )
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Download films from http://www.childrenoftsunami.info/films/view.php |
From February to December 2005, local TV journalists and film makers in the four affected countries - India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand - made monthly visits to eight children, their families and communities and explored how individuals are coping with the losses and grief; what are the unmet needs and unresolved issues in recovery; and whether the pledges of aid and debt relief are really working. Based on monthly filming and journalistic investigations, the initiative produced television, video and web stories for a global audience.
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Think Positive: The Asian Face of HIV/AIDS is a compilation of productions by 11 national broadcasting companies across the Asia-Pacific region. They focus on the implications of HIV/AIDS in the contributing producer’s home country, with an emphasis on the human or social dimension.The productions were officially launched at the Asian Television Forum in Singapore on 30 November 2005. A montage of the 11 television programmes was created.
- M/S HIV/AIDS Stigma Free 2005, Nepal, 7' 11" [3GPP, 7.2MB] [WMV, 30.4MB]
- 2015 Asmat Tribe Extinct? Indonesia, 5' 01" [3GPP, 5.1MB] [WMV, 22.6MB]
- Choose Life, Indonesia, 7' 20" [3GPP, 7.3MB] [WMV, 16.8MB]
- At the Crossroads, Papua New Guinea, 8' 39" [3GPP, 8.6MB] [WMV, 43.3MB]
- Trust: Love in the Time of HIV/AIDS, Singapore, 6' 53" [3GPP, 6.9MB] [WMV, 31.7MB]
- The Story of Julia, China, 6' 15" [3GPP, 6.3MB] [WMV, 22.6MB]
- Pictures of Hope, Vietnam, 5' 52" [3GPP, 5.9MB] [WMV, 19.0MB]
- Living with HIV/AIDS, Philippines, 7' 44" [3GPP, 7.7MB] [WMV, 23.5MB]
- 30 Baht for a New Life, Thailand, 4' 19"[3GPP, 4.4MB] [WMV, 12.0MB]
- Live in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 6' 15" [3GPP, 6.3MB] [WMV, 22.0MB]
- A Life Has Just Begun, Malaysia, 6' 30" [3GPP, 6.5MB] [WMV, 25.7MB]
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Gender Perspectives on the Information Society [WMV, 15.1MB] |
The video provides snapshots of the critical issues discussed at the Gender Perspectives on the Information Society: South Asia Pre-WSIS (World Summit on the Information Society) Seminar. This seminar took place in Bangalore on 18-19 April 2005. It was organized by IT for Change in partnership with Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era and Centre for Public Policy, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, with support from APDIP and UNIFEM.
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Digital Dividend: A televised debate for BBC World TV [WMV, 43.7MB] |
A televised debate on the emerging agenda for the second World Summit on the Information Society (WSISII) was staged on 30 September 2005 at the International Telecommunication Union Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. An invited audience of 50 information and communications technology (ICT) movers and shakers fired questions at a distinguished panel of experts. The debate was broadcast four times on BBC World TV on 22-23 October 2005 in advance of WSISII and on Eurovision on 14 November 2005.
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Digital Divide: BBC Earth Report Debate [WMV, 29.3MB] |
The BBC debate about bridging the digital divide was broadcast live from the ICT4D Platform at the World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva, Switzerland on 11 December 2003. Questions were put forward to a distinguished panel representing governments, civil society and the private sector. The debate was broadcast four times on BBC World TV and BBC News 24 on 13-14 December 2003.
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This video contains ten stories from China, Dominican Republic, India, Jordan, Malaysia, Peru, Rwanda, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe. The stories explore how information and communication technologies are working for the poor and bringing benefits to wider sectors of society. Communicating for Change builds on the success of the Television Trust for the Environment's (TVE’s) award-winning series - Earth Report: Hands On - that has reached millions of people worldwide.
Multimedia
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APDIP ICT4D Publications and Videos DVD |
This DVD contains full text of APDIP's publications and videos on a range of ICT4D topics including e-commerce, e-government, e-policies and -strategies, education, free/open source software, Internet governance, localization, the Millennium Development Goals and poverty reduction.
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Internet Governance DVD Film only, 39 minutes 15 seconds [URL] |
The DVD is a self-learning multimedia package on Internet Governance. Inside, there is a 46-minute film, an Internet governance course and Internet governance resources including APDIP's Primer on Internet Governance and other outputs from the APDIP-initiated Open Regional Dialogue on Internet Governance.
Last modified 2008-01-30 08:58 AM








































































