Słupsk’s administrative offices, schools, and police stations have been connected by a high-speed computer network and an IP telephony system. Thanks to the high performance of the modern broadband infrastructure, Słupsk will achieve significant cost savings from its implementation. The eSłupsk project has already received approval from the Ministry of Economy and Labour and has become the basis for the Ministry’s model program, the “Municipal Educational IT Network”.
The network was built using equipment donated by Cisco Systems, which accounted for 75 percent of the investment’s value, and by leveraging the knowledge and experience of Cisco Systems and the Foundation for Economic Education. This is the first stage in building an information society in Słupsk.
– Before this project began, IT was not a sufficiently understood field. Many people thought it was a luxury that could only be enjoyed after social and economic problems were solved. Now, IT is recognized as part of the solution – says Andrzej Kaczmarczyk, Secretary of the City of Słupsk.
Advanced and much more efficient solutions will allow for the streamlining of administrative units’ work, and the savings obtained will be redistributed by the city to other public purposes. The use of innovative solutions will also ensure an increase in the level of service provided to residents regarding public services.
Applications have also been implemented in Słupsk that will guarantee greater accessibility of administrative facilities for city residents. The Integrated City Management System enables the execution of administrative processes via the Internet, including downloading applications for birth certificates, various types of permits, as well as driver’s licenses, and reporting job vacancies and submitting job applications. The municipal educational portal, an educational solution, gathers data on educational institutions. Currently, an online recruitment system for upper secondary schools is available, which allows students to submit an application for admission to a chosen school via the Internet.
The project’s implementation was possible thanks to the support of Cisco Systems in the form of donating IT equipment and providing extensive consultations. The Foundation for Economic Education contributed financial support, knowledge, and experience.