ITA / MoU

Muscat, Mar 9 (ONA)---The Information Technology Authority (ITA) signed at Muscat Intercontinental Hotel today three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU)'s with Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), the Higher Technological College in Muscat and Nizwa University on the sidelines of launching the National Free Software Support Initiative. Present at the signing ceremony were Mohammed bin Nasser al Khusaibi, Secretary General of the National Economy Ministry and ITA Chairman, Government and IT officials.

     The MoU was signed on behalf of ITA by Dr. Salim bin Sultan al Ruzaiqi, CEO of ITA and by Dr. Ali bin Saud al Bimani, Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), and Hamad bin Khamis al A'mri, Undersecretary of the Manpower Ministry for Technical Education and Vocational Training (on behalf of Higher Technological College in Muscat) and Dr. Ahmed bin Khalfan al Rawahi (on behalf of Nizwa University).

      Al Khusaibi said that the MoU's came as outcome of joint endeavors of ITA and Higher Education Institutions to promote Free Software in the Sultanate in terms of coordinating cooperation between ITA and these institutions, which are working together to raise awareness on free and open software through specialized training programmes, he added.

     He told reporters that the MoU's aim to promote Free Software Culture in the society and build human resources capacities in specialized software besides developing Free Software-based solutions and applications.

      On his part, Dr. Salim bin Sultan al Ruzaiqi, CEO of ITA said that by this initiative, ITA seeks to raise awareness on the importance of these free software and their various applications besides familiarizing with free software as availed options and application of business.

     "ITA seeks through cooperation with the higher education institutions to raise awareness on Intellectual Property Right by encouraging the public to use free software and limit using unlicensed applications," he added.

--Ends/Muk