Data Processing Unit Mission

The Data Processing Unit (DPU) is a function within Ministry of Finance, but has oversight for I/T in the Government Ministries and Departments.

The attached diagram can be used to illustrate the role of DPU within the Government Sector. This diagram represents the various layers of Information Systems delivery.

At the lowest layer, there is a set of I/T policies, architectures, standards and guidelines to be used throughout the Government Sector. Such standards include hardware, software, networks, security, application development tools, and others. This ensures uniformity in the implementation of hardware, software and applications across all departments.

At the next layer, there is a set of I/T infrastructure facilities. These facilities include wide-area networks; local-area networks; desktop machines; departmental, application and enterprise servers; system software running on these machines; and others. They provide the basic building blocks upon which business applications are constructed.

The next layer is I/T infrastructure support. These are the means to procure, install and maintain the I/T infrastructure facilities described above. They include services such as help desk, database administration, computer operations, and others.

The next layer is department applications. These represent the line-of-business application systems for the different departments and ministries in the Government Sector. They might involve the selection and implementation of application packages, or the development, installation and maintenance of customized application systems.

The next layer is cross-department applications. These are generic systems that can be deployed by all departments in the Government Sector. Some examples include electronic mail and data warehouse. Given the generic nature of these applications, they are best developed, maintained and supported centrally by a cross-functional division.

• Develop I/T policies, architecture and strategy for the Government Sector
  
• Monitor I/T directions and practices within The Bahamas
  
• Review and approve all I/T plans and acquisitions within the Government Sector
  
• Specify I/T standards and guidelines for the Government Sector, including: hardware, software, network, security, application development and others


• Provide I/T infrastructure to the Government Sector, including:
  
  • Wide Area Network, Local Area Network, PC Workstations, PC Servers, AS/400 Servers to Ministry of Finance
    
  • Wide Area Network to other Government Ministries and Departments
  
  
• Provide I/T infrastructure support the Government Sector, including:
  
  • Computer operations and technical support services to Ministry of Finance
    
  • Technical support services to other Government Ministries and Departments
  
  
• Provide application development and maintenance services to Ministry of Finance and selected other Government Ministries
  
• Provide cross-departmental applications to Government Ministries and Departments including solutions such as those for electronic commerce