Filenews 17 May 2022
The Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Kyriakos Kokkinos, signed a memorandum with Amazon Web Services with Amazon Web Services with the aim of accelerating the adoption of cloud services in the public and private sectors, while modernizing the it infrastructure of the public administration.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today, at the Presidential Palace, between the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy and Amazon Web Services (AWS), with the aim of modernizing the state's technological infrastructure and accelerating the adoption of cloud services in the public and private sectors of Cyprus. The MoU was signed by the Deputy Minister, Kyriakos Kokkinos, and, on behalf of Amazon Web Services, Cameron Brooks, Director of Europe Public Sector at AWS.
The partnership with AWS, a global cloud service giant, provides a unique opportunity to boost Cyprus' transition to cloud computing, an integral part of the national digital agenda and a catalyst for strengthening Cyprus' position as a regional technology and data hub. The MoU facilitates and supports the development and adoption of a holistic cloud-first policy, both in terms of the relevant strategy, the supply of products and services and the modernization of information systems and services, as well as the development of capabilities and the adoption of the appropriate business model and security policies, open data and other technical aspects.
Specifically, the MoU promotes the conduct of a wide range of training initiatives, as part of the AWS Educate program, to develop cloud-related skills, with the aim of forming a properly trained workforce capable of promoting a rapid and effective transition. In addition, AWS will provide support services to facilitate cloud uptake to small and medium-sized and tech startups through a range of programs, such as "AWSome Days" and "AWS Cloudstart," as well as providing access to the global community of AWS professionals and experts to develop personalized enterprise frameworks and roadmaps for cloud transition. Through the MoU, support is also foreseen to the Deputy Ministry in its wider efforts to develop relevant policies, starting with three pilot projects in areas such as smart digital services, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, as well as the exchange of know-how and best practices for the formulation of pilot solutions for smart cities.
According to the Deputy Minister, Kyriakos Kokkinos, utilizing the international experience and know-how of AWS, "we are laying the foundations for an expanded cooperation aimed at accelerating the transition to a dynamic digital economy, through infrastructure modernization, capacity building, innovation and entrepreneurship". The Deputy Minister expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to AWS, while describing the Memorandum as "the first step in a long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation, which will contribute catalytically to the establishment of Cyprus as a regional hub of technology and innovation, capable of hosting and covering the needs of international technology and communications enterprises".
"Cyprus is ushering in a new era of innovation, with entrepreneurs, public institutions and businesses sharing the vision of a modern digital society. We thank the Government of Cyprus for its commitment through this Memorandum of Understanding and look forward to supporting this vision through initiatives that will enhance innovation, contribute to the development of start-ups, support the modernisation of technological infrastructure and develop digital skills for future generations," said Cameron Brooks.
