TRA unveils cloud-based online market

The UAE’s Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) has launched an online digital marketplace for the government entities which is based on cloud.

“We are taking a collaborative approach with government entities. We invite private entities and ask them to place their services on this single platform and we offer their services to government entities. We agree with companies on specific price offering. The software government entities use are different and have a difficulty in making a choice. But this cloudbased platform will help them in innovation and achieving deadlines by making quick decisions,” said Saeed Belhoul, director of eGovernment Operations Department, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.

“Since this is a cloud service, the government entities will not have to worry about logistics, space and hardware. So we are taking collaborative approach between government entities and service providers,” he said.

Currently, 27 government entities are part of the service — marketplace.gov.ae. And TRA is talking with the private companies. The two UAE telecom service providers are offering connectivity and management of the system. Of late, the UAE has been witnessing increased launches of online marketplaces by both the public and private sectors. Dubai government entities emaratech and Department of Economic Development also plan to foray into online marketplace where retailers, merchandisers and individuals will be able to sell their products, increasing competition in the world of ecommerce in the UAE.