Thirty Years of MITA: An Enduring Success of a Public Tech Entity

MITA, formerly Malta Information Technology and Training Services (MITTS) Ltd and Management Systems Unit (MSU) Ltd, was established in 1990 and has since then been constantly dedicated in assisting the Government in transforming technological innovations into real business solutions that facilitate public service delivery.

This book covers the history of the establishment of the Agency and the progress that MITA has made through visionary strategies that have seen the implementation of the technology, such as the network service (the MAGNET), email and the Internet across Government. We have seen information systems implemented and developed for those that are today. We have seen the establishment of computer rooms that met the needs of the time for the construction of a modern Data Center, which we have today. We have always been protagonists in the implementation of procedures and standards for the operation and good governance of ICT services, built and operated in accordance with international standards, which are regularly audited.

Over time we wanted to always be there to give the best service. We have set up a call centre, today with a 24×7 operations, to assist and solve technical problems as soon as possible. We have implemented a proactive monitoring service for our solutions, with holistic visibility over Government digital infrastructure.

Priorities continued to change over time, and today at par with the continuous development in technology, so has the sophistication of malicious attacks increased. Consequently, the priority in the security of systems and infrastructure has continued to grow and today MITA has a modern centre with the best solutions to protect and guard against cyber threats.

All this could not have been achieved if not for all the employees who have worked, or are still employed, with the Agency to date. We learned together, and we always looked forward. We learned, too, from our mistakes, but we never looked back. We have always been there to provide the best service.

This has allowed us to succeed and gain recognition. For example, in eGovernment Services where over the years we have been at the forefront of other EU countries.

Overtime, we have continuously supported the Government of the day.  We have been called upon to offer our services at national events, including the coordination of changes within systems related to the Year 2000 (Y2K) bug, the euro changeover, events such as CHOGM, the Maltese Presidency of the EU, and in ICT related legislations. 

We also wanted to share our experiences with students, our future co-workers, where we provided various opportunities, including summer jobs and apprenticeships, scholarships and incentives for startups. We have also opened a laboratory where one can practice on new emerging technologies.

Apart from our work, MITA employees have always been protagonists in being there for those who need help in any way. Through MITA Cares, which today leads this work, community work is constantly being done, such as MITA’s participation in l-iStrina and Puttinu Cares, and the implementation of the WIFI network for id-Dar tal-Providenza.

Today MITA, through the direction of the Ministry for the Economy and Industry, collaborates with the Office of the Principal Permanent Secretary and Ministry CIOs to attain its mandated strategies and assigned projects. The Agency is dedicated in assisting the Government in transforming technological innovations into real business solutions. Its unique approach combines an innovative array of ICT and project management services with focused delivery capabilities using tried and tested methodologies to help fulfil Government’s strategies and projects and maximise the benefits of investment in technology.

This book lists some of these experiences and augurs a future ahead in continuing to transform technological innovations into real business solutions that facilitate public service delivery.