AGRITEAM CANADA
Cambodia-Canada Agricultural Marketing Information Project (CAMIP)
AMIS TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
Submitted by:
Ken Chow IT Specialist
and
Gary Coldevin Rural Communication/Information Management Specialist
July 2007
Phnom Penh and Vancouver TABLE OF CONTENTS
AMIS Hardware and Software Profile...... 2 Available AMIS Software...... 6 Technology Assessment...... 7 AMO Phnom Penh Office...... 7 FAO AgriMarket (FAM)...... 8 Provincial Department of Agriculture Offices...... 10 Internet Services...... 10 Landline and Mobile Telephone Services...... 12 Radio and Television Services...... 14 Operator Assessment...... 15 AMIS System Architecture...... 16 AMIS Recommendations...... 20 Upgrading of Existing AMO Hardware and Software...... 20 Setup of an AMIS Servers, Web Site and SMS Applications...... 21 Upgrading of AMO Staff Procedures, Roles and Skills...... 22 Service Provider Assessment...... 24 AMIS Development Estimates...... 26 AMO Hardware and Software Upgrades...... 26 AMIS Servers and Associates Hardware...... 27 AMIS System Integration and Custom Software Development...... 28 Capacity Development...... 31 Summary of Estimated Costs...... 31
ii Abbreviations and Acronyms
3G 3rd Generation 4G 4th Generation AMIsS Agricultural Market Information System AMIS Agricultural Market Information Service AMO Agricultural Marketing Office CAMIP Cambodia Agriculture Marketing Information Project CIDA Canadian International Development Agency CMS Content Management System DAE Department of Agricultural Extension FAM FAO AgriMarket FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations GSM Global System for Mobile communications IP Internet Protocol IT Information Technology IVR Interactive Voice Response LAN Local Area Network MAFF Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery NGO Non-Government Organization PDA Provincial Department of Agriculture PDA Personal Digital Assistant RSS Really Simple Syndication SMS Short Message Service
iii I. Introduction and Background to the Mission
The four-year CIDA funded Cambodia-Canada Agriculture Market Information Project (CAMIP) has been described as the most significant agricultural market information initiative currently active in Cambodia, both in terms of resources and scope.1 It is based in the MAFF Agricultural Marketing Office (AMO) and works with 1) the AMO to improve agricultural market information collection and dissemination, and 2) the MAFF Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) to improve farmers’ ability to use the information toward improving the quality of commodities being marketed.
Succinctly put by the Canadian Project Field Manager, the implementation of the project will be organized into two components. The first component will focus on improving the already existing agricultural marketing information system, developing it into an agriculture market information service (AMIS) which responds to the specific needs of its various clients. iIn all its phases, from data collection to information dissemination, including improved extension agents’ distribution of market prices. The second component will focus on how to use market information in market development such as improved grading methods, commodity packaging, and selling during non-peak periods. Component 1 of the project will encompass the commodities in the existing AMO AMIS, in all eleven provinces in which AMO is active. Component 2 will start in three provinces in the first year and then cycle through the remaining provinces for the duration of the project. CAMIP has opted to highlight only fruits and vegetables as commodities for Component 2 to narrow the focus to agricultural products with the highest requirement for market information.
The PIP and first AWP were approved by the CAMIP PSC on November 28, 2006. The project’s first set of activities has concentrated on various assessment studies, namely: i) a baseline survey undertaken with farmers to a) gauge the pre- intervention level of satisfaction toward the AMO information being collected and disseminated, and b) assess the current use of the information in making marketing decisions with regard to vegetables and fruit crops; ii) a survey on the organizational profile and evaluation of functions carried out by AMO staff; and iii) a survey with market traders to determine their role as primary sources of market information and as potential actors in market development. The fourth and finally assessment was on the hardware and software requirements to address the AMIS needs of the various value chain actors, and policy makers,
The two consultants carried out the Mission in Cambodia from June 10 to 30.
II. Terms of Reference
The combined terms of reference for the mission were as follows:
Under the general guidance of the Project Director, and in collaboration with the Cambodian and Canadian Project Field Managers, the consultants shall perform the
1 GTZ (2006). Feasibility Study for SMS-enabled Collection and Delivery of Rural Market Information. Phnom Penh, IDE.
1 tasks as listed below:
Using the results of the producer survey and trader survey, develop a hardware and software profile needed to address the needs of the various value chain actors and government institutions in Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kampong Cham and Kampot. Other provinces may also be assessed to provide a balanced synopsis of current conditions.
Compile information on available AMIS software that may be applicable for consideration in the CAMIP context.
Assess the technology that is in place against the technology available (hardware and software) and the needs of the various actors.
Assess the competency of operators to operate the existing hardware and software.
Describe the architecture of the projected AMI system with the minimum requirements for the hardware and software to be used, given the capacity of the users and the needs of the clients.
Provide a list of recommendations for upgrading hardware and required operations skills.
Assess the availability of local service providers for hardware and software maintenance and training.
Estimate development costs of the various hardware, software and related capacity development, and advise on the most cost effective option.
Summarize the results in a report, outlining the methodology, with clear and concise recommendations on the hardware and the required training for the operators.
III. Main Activities Undertaken
The main activities are presented in chronological ordering of the tasks in the terms of reference. AMIS Hardware and Software Profile Task #1: Using the results of the producer survey and trader survey, develop a hardware and software profile needed to address the information needs of the various value chain actors and government institutions in Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kampong Cham and Kampot. Other provinces may also be assessed to provide a balanced synopsis of current conditions.
Table 1 shows the hardware and software profile requirements to address the information requirements of the various value chain actors.
2 Table 1: Information Needs of Value Chain Actors, Content and Dissemination Methods ACTORS DATA NEEDS DISSEMINATION CONTENTS DISSEMINATION METHOD Producers Commodity price Script for announcement with average price for a limited set of commodities. Radio, TV frequency, location, grade Grade? high, low, average Khmer Word document with average price for a limited set of commodities TV ticker tape price by vender for ticker tape display. Most recent (from last data collection period) high, low and average price for SMS, IVR commodity at requested market. Table of average price for a predefined set of commodities of up to 3 grades Paper Bulletin/white board for a specific market. Text/HTML e-mail (village computer) Result set with high, low and average price for selected commodities and Web (village computer) grades, at selected market by day, week, month and year. Information on availability of new AMO services and how to access services. Awareness campaign materials Technology improvements Both extension and farmer-oriented educational materials for marketing Extensionist + farmer oriented improvement including: materials (brochure, booklet, commodity grading video) Web (village computer) commodity packaging price negotiation networking with other farmers and collectors/traders opportunity/production costs of one commodity versus another Commodity supply/demand Supply and demand trends by commodity. Extensionist trends Web (village computer) Standardized product Grading standards and how to grade. Extensionist grading Web (village computer) Farmer Marketing School Traders Commodity for sale Available quantity, grade, price, producer/trader, location/market SMS, IVR Web (Internet cafe, village computer) Commodity wanted Desired quantity, grade, price, trader/retailer, location/market SMS, IVR Web (Internet cafe, village computer) Commodity supply/demand Supply and demand trends by commodity. Extensionist trends Web (Internet cafe, village computer) Standardized product Grading standards and how to grade. Extensionist grading Web (Internet cafe, village
3 computer) Farmer Marketing School Policy Commodity supply/demand Supply and demand trends by commodity. Web Makers trends Weekly, monthly, quarterly Commodity price and production analysis. E-mail attachment (Word, and annual reports on Excel, PDF, etc.) prices, trends, etc.
4 The data flow between the current AMIS and its users is illustrated in Figure 1.
AMO Retailer Pricing Data Provincial Pricing Data Wholesaler (Data Collector) (Data Collector) Staff
Pricing Data (Fax)
AMO Radio Average Pricing Average Pricing Television Phnom Penh Stations (Courier, Fax) (Courier, Fax) Stations Office
Trends , Periodic Reports (Courier, Mail)
Policy Average Pricing Average Pricing (Radio) Makers (Television)
Producers
Figure 1: Existing AMO Data flow
As can be noted, the main channel for reaching producers is currently through radio broadcasts (reported by 28% of respondents in the farmer’s baseline survey) and extension staff (reported by 16% of respondents). The main sources of information are through collectors/traders and neighbours (90% of respondents) but currently these key sources are outside the systematic data flow from AMO.
The data flow in the proposed upgraded AMO AMIS takes into account all the key sources of price information and existing and potential means of moving the information out to farmers using both push (radio, TV, extension worker) and pull or information-on-demand tools (SMS, IVR and potentially Internet/Web).
5 AMO Provincial Pricing Data Traders (Data Collector) Staff
Pricing Data Pricing Data, Commodity for (e-mail) sale, Commodity wanted, Trends, Grading (SMS/IVR, Web, Entensionist)
Policy Trends, Periodic reports AMO AMIS Makers (Web, e-mail) (Phnom Penh)
Detailed Pricing, Detailed Pricing, Technology, Technology, Average Pricing Trends, Grading Trends, Grading Average Pricing (e-mail) (Paper bulletin, White (SMS/IVR, Web, Paper (e-mail) board, Farmer market bulletin, White board, school) Farmer market school)
Detailed Pricing, Technology, Radio Average Pricing Producers Trends, Grading Producers Average Pricing Television Stations (Radio) (Poor) (publications, e-mail, web) (Average) (Television) Stations
Detailed Pricing, Detailed Pricing, Technology, Technology, Trends, Grading Trends, Grading ( Entensionis) ( Entensionis)
PDA Extension Staff
Figure 2: Proposed AMO Data Flow in Upgraded AMIS
Data that AMIS will collect may consist of: o Wholesale prices o Retail prices o Commodities o Grades o Quantities o Markets o Retailers/traders o Offers to buy and sell
Information that AMIS will disseminate may consist of: o Maximum, minimum, average prices o Commodities o Grades o Quantities o Markets o Retailers/traders o Offers to buy and sell
6 Available AMIS Software
Task#2: Compile information on available AMIS software that may be applicable for consideration in the CAMIP context.
An overview of some of the AMIS software being used in various countries is illustrated below. Ranking in pole position for whole price data collection and analysis is the FAO AgriMarket (FAM) system which AMO has been using since 1997. Their staff is highly familiar with its functionality and in the consultants’ view this is one of the better systems available, although admittedly the choice is limited.
Table 2: International Examples of AMIS Application
Software Description FAO AgriMarket A Microsoft Access application and database developed by the FAO for the 2000 management of market data intended for use by a single user on a single desktop computer. The software supports the entry, reporting and electronic diffusion (e-mail distribution) of market data (prices and quantities of agricultural products and inputs). FAO-AgriMarket 2000 is currently in use at the AMO for collection of wholesale and retail price data and basic analysis. http://www.fao.org/ag/ags/AGSM/FAM20/index_E.htm AGMARKNET A proprietary Agricultural Marketing Information Network developed in India that currently links 735 agricultural markets and 75 State Marketing Boards. AGMARKNET is largely web based with a computer deployed at each agricultural market for data collection and dissemination. http://www.agmarknet.nic.in Pinoy Farmers’ Text To avail themselves of techno tips and other SMS services, farmers in the Center Philippines can send their queries to the Pinoy Farmers’ Text Center through SMS using the mobile number 0920 911 1398. http://[email protected] B2bpricenow This Philippine-based agricultural market place provides timely market price updates and technology information via SMS and the B2bpricenow web site up to online payment through the Internet between farmers and traders. Over 1500 b2b centres have been rolled out at the municipal level. At least 7 countries including China and India are considering replicating the system. K-AgriNet-PCARRD An SMS based system in the Philippine that facilitates quick information Short Message dispatch in the Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources sector through Service mobile SMS technology. http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph Zambia National A SMS based system in Zambia for retrieval of market prices by named Farmers Union buyers and retrieval of buyer details. The same information is also available (NFU) SMS from a web site (http://www.farmprices.co.zm). Trade/Market Information Services
All of the AMIS applications listed in the table above, except for FAO AgriMarket 2000, are proprietary custom solutions developed for a specific market and application. Hence, they are not available for use in the CAMIP project. However, they provide excellent examples of AMIS functionality.
7 Technology Assessment Task #3: Assess the technology that is in place against the technology available (hardware and software) and the needs of the various actors.
AMO Phnom Penh Office The AMO office in Phnom Penh currently has 10 Windows desktop computers ranging from 2GHz to 3GHz Pentium 4s. While some of the computers could use upgrading of their memory capacity, all are still suitable for their current use. The computers are currently not interconnected in a Local Area network (LAN) nor are any of the computers connected to the Internet.
The primary software products used on the computers are Microsoft Office, FAM and SPSS. Microsoft Office is used for creating reports, bulletins, spreadsheets and presentations. FAM is used for recording retail and wholesale commodity prices and simple data analysis. SPSS is used for statistical analysis of data.
The software on the computers is not being kept up-to-date with service packs and updates from their vendors. This is primarily due to the lack of Internet access, since updates for Microsoft Windows and Office are freely downloadable. While anti-virus software is installed on the computers, the software is both out of date and not configured to run at regular intervals2.
The most glaring problem with the computers in the AMO office is that data files (especially the data for FAM) are not backed up. The primary computer with FAM used for data entry contains no recordable media device (i.e. CD/DVD writer, tape drive) capable of backing up the Microsoft Access database used by FAM. Currently, the only way to offload the Microsoft Access database from the computer is via a USB memory stick or USB external hard disk.
A detailed description of the desktop computers at the AMO Phnom Penh office is provided in Table 2.
Table 3 Technology in Place at AMO Phnom Penh Office Computer Description Qty NEC PowerMate ML-7 Pentium 4, 3GHz 2 (acquired in 2007) 512MB memory 160GB hard disk 10/100Mbit LAN 56K Internal Modem DVD-ROM/Writer MS Windows XP Professional MS Office 2003 Symantec Anti-Virus 9.03.100 / AVG Anti-Virus 2 The primary computer used for entering retail and wholesale commodity prices was found to be infected with the W32 virus even through the installed anti-virus was able to detect and eliminate the virus when it was run.
8 HP Compaq Pentium 4, 2.5GHz 4 256MB memory 40GB hard disk 10/100Mbit LAN CD-ROM MS Windows XP Professional MS Office 2003 FAO AgriMarket SPSS 9.0 or 12.0 Symantec Anti-Virus 9.03.100 / AVG Anti-Virus HP Compaq Pentium 4, 2.5/2.0GHz 4 128MB memory 40GB hard disk 10/100Mbit LAN CD-ROM MS Windows XP Professional / Home MS Office XP / 2003 Symantec Anti-Virus 9.03.100 / AVG Anti-Virus
FAO AgriMarket (FAM)
FAM is a custom Microsoft Access application and database used for recording retail and wholesale commodity prices and simple data analysis. A copy of FAM is installed on each computer in the AMO Phnom Penh office and on the computer of AMO staff in each of 10 Provincial Department of Agriculture (PDA) offices.
FAM provides the following functionality:
Define setup data, including: o Geographic data (country, regions, area, population, currency, deflators) o Commodity data (category, code, name and grade) o Market (code, name, region, commodities tracked, units) o Data series (code, name, country, type) o Units (code, name, symbol, weight, standard) o Origins (code, description) Import, Export and Archive data Enter Data o Enter Daily Price Data o Enter Supply Data Reports o Lists (13 reports that list data from different tables in the database) o User Defined Web Reports (HTML file for upload to web site) o Daily Report . Daily Price Reports . Daily Supply Report o Periodic Reports . Periodic Local Currency Price Reports (12 reports)
9 . Periodic Supply Report (6 reports) o Special Reports . Real Prices . Foreign Currency . Multiple Series o Graphs Contacts o Mailing List Data (maintain contact data and e-mail addresses) o Categories (maintain mailing list categories) o Exporters (maintains list of exporters) o Importers (maintains list of importers) o Web Sites (maintains list of web sites) Administration o Data (name of site using FAM) o Users (maintain list of users of FAM) o Change Password o Record Summary (count of records entered) o Archive Log
FAM is a single user, standalone application and database. The database can’t be shared and updated by multiple users on multiple computers. For example, multiple users cannot use FAM to enter price data for different Markets into the same database at the same time. Currently data can only be shared between computers and users by copying the entire Access database from one computer to another.
Although FAM contains functions for exporting and importing data from one computer to another, they were found to be not functioning properly when tested (i.e. only average prices were exported instead of the actual price data values entered).
Since FAM is a single user, standalone application and database, all commodity prices must be entered on the computer containing the master copy of the database. This in effect results in a bottleneck for downstream processing that makes use of commodity prices. No analysis, reporting, or publication of commodity price information is possible until the data entry process is completed and the data can be shared with AMO staff using the other computers. The AMO currently makes use of only a small percentage of FAM functionality, namely:
Enter Daily Price Data Daily Price Reports Periodic Local Currency Price Reports (12 reports) Graphs
The more advanced features of FAM, such as use of deflators for calculation of real prices, user defined web reports, data export/import, mailing list manager, and e-mail distribution of export files and reports are not being used by the AMO.
10 Provincial Department of Agriculture Offices AMO staff in the 10 Provincial Department of Agriculture (PDA) offices are each equipped with a 2.0/2.5 GHz Pentium computer running Windows XP. These computers are primarily used for basic word processing and entry of retail and wholesale commodity prices collected by the AMO staff from local markets. While the computers could use upgrading of their memory capacity, all are suitable for their current use. The computers are currently not interconnected in a local area network (LAN) nor are any of the computers connected to the Internet.
The primary software products used on the computers are Microsoft Office and FAM. Microsoft Office is used for basic word processing and FAM is used for recording retail and wholesale commodity prices and simple data analysis. While all AMO staff in the 10 PDAs offices have been trained on basic usage of the computer and software, some still appear reluctant to use the computers. As with the AMO Phnom Penh office, limited English language skills of the AMO staff and non-availability of localized Khmer version of the software are major limiting factors in using the software packages.
Without access to the Internet, the software on the computers is likely not being kept up- to-date with service packs and updates from their vendors. Also, given that the computers contain no recordable media device (i.e. CD/DVD writer, tape drive), data files on the computers are likely not being backed up.
Table 4, Technology Used by AMO Staff in 10 Provincial Department of Agriculture Offices Computer Description Qty HP Compaq Pentium 4, 2.5/2.0GHz 10 128MB memory 40GB hard disk 10/100Mbit LAN CD-ROM MS Windows XP Professional / Home MS Office XP / 2003 FAO AgriMarket
Internet Services
The availability and access to Internet services in Cambodia is summarized in the following table:
Indicator Number / Information Source Percentage Number of Internet Service Providers 8 2006 AFACT Year Book3 (ISPs) Bandwidth connecting all ISPs to outside 160Mbps 2006 AFACT Year Book of Cambodia
3 2006 AFACT Year Book, Asia Pacific Council for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business, CAMBODIA Progress Report, International Institute of Cambodia (IIC), 441 Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambidia, www.iic.edu.kh.
11 Computers per 100 inhabitants 0.26 2006 AFACT Year Book Number of Internet Cafes 287 2006 AFACT Year Book Average price for access at Internet Café 50¢/hour 2006 AFACT Year Book Price of Pre-paid Dial-up Internet service $1/hour http://www.online.com.kh Average price for monthly Dial-up Internet $10/month Survey of Cambodia ISPs web sites service (10 hours per month) Average price for monthly Dial-up Internet $30/month Survey of Cambodia ISPs web sites service (35 hours per month) Mobile Cellcard 3G Service (with $40/month http://www.cellcard.com.kh/cccust_3g.php unlimited Internet access) Price of 128kbps wireless broadband $79/month http://www.online.com.kh service (500MB download limit) Price of 256kbps wireless broadband $109/month http://www.online.com.kh service (1GB download limit) Price of 384kbps wireless broadband $209/month http://www.online.com.kh service (2GB download limit) Average price of 256kbps ADSL Access $100/month Survey of Cambodia ISPs web sites (1GB download limit) Price of 384kbps Synchronous DSL $224/month http://www.online.com.kh Access (2GB download limit) Price of 512kbps Synchronous DSL $324/month http://www.online.com.kh Access (4GB download limit) Price of 768kbps Synchronous DSL $424/month http://www.online.com.kh Access (6GB download limit) Price of 1024kbps Synchronous DSL $524/month http://www.online.com.kh Access (8GB download limit) Average price of 256kbps Leased Line $760/month Survey of Cambodia ISPs web sites (unlimited download limit)
Dial-up, ADSL and Synchronous DSL Internet services require a telephone landline and are typically only available in major population centres such as:
Battambang Phnom Penh Siem Reap Sihanoukville Sway Rieng Sisphon Pursat Kampong Cham Poipet Bavet Kandal
Wireless broadband Internet service based on WiMAX technology is currently available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, and will likely become the predominant Internet access service in rural areas.
Based on the above information, the Internet currently is not an effective means of communicating with traders and producers. Computers are not widespread in Cambodia
12 and Internet access is typically available only in large population centres. However, this will likely change in the future with increase availability of WiMAX services and the emergence of Mobile WiMAX4, 3G5 and 4G6 services. Mobile phones with built-in Internet browsers and e-mail capabilities will then enable widespread access to the Internet.
In the near term, an opportunity exists for CAMIP to work with the IDRC iREACH (Informatics for Rural Empowerment and Cambodian Healthy Communities), http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-93387-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html) project which is extending broadband Internet access to rural areas in Kampot and Prey Veng province via wireless broadband technologies and computers in villages.
The Internet is currently more viable when used for communications with government ministries and departments (i.e. agricultural extensionists), and external organizations such as, radio stations, television stations and NGOs. It offers the best means for communicating relevant information in a timely manner and in localized (Khmer) format.
For the near term, a web site could serve as a central repository of agriculture technology and pricing information (current and historical) for the government ministries and departments and external organizations. External organizations include ECOSORN, GTZ and IDRC’s iREACH that are all seeking agriculture marketing content for their projects.
Landline and Mobile Telephone Services
The availability and access to landline and mobile telephone services in Cambodia is summarized in the following table:
Indicator Number / Information Source Percentage Number of telecom service providers 8 2006 AFACT Year Book7 (Landline and Mobile) Landline Telephones per 100 inhabitants 0.26% ITU 2004 Mobile Telephones per 100 inhabitants 5.95% ITU 2004 Access to Landline Telephones by 0% CAMIP Producer Baseline Survey Producers in Kandal, Kampot and Kampong Cham
4 Mobile WiMAX is a broadband wireless data protocol that supports both voice and data services. Voice communication is encoded as data and transmitted using the wireless data protocol. Mobile WiMAX devices can be laptop computers, PDAs or mobile phones. Mobile WiMAX is expected to be cheaper to implement, operate and use than mobile 3G services. 5 3rd generation mobile communications protocol that supports both voice and high speed data communications. Separate voice and data protocols are used for voice and data communications. 6 4th generation mobile communications protocol that uses a single high speed data protocol for both voice and data communications. Like Mobile WiMAX, voice communication is encoded as data. 7 2006 AFACT Year Book, Asia Pacific Council for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business, CAMBODIA Progress Report, International Institute of Cambodia (IIC), 441 Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambidia, www.iic.edu.kh.
13 OwnershipAccess to of Mobile 21% CAMIP Producer Baseline Survey Telephones by Producers in Kandal, Kampot and Kampong Cham Access to Mobile Telephones by 70% CAMIP Producer Baseline Survey Producers in Kandal, Kampot and Kampong Cham Percent of Traders Owning Mobile 75.6% CAMIP Trader Baseline Study Telephones in Study Area Landline Telephone Installation Fee $130 Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Landline Telephone Monthly Fee $8 Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Landline Telephone In System Rate8 1¢ Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Landline Telephone Out of System Rate9 15¢ Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Mobile voice rate (varies by time of day) 4.2¢ to 9¢ http://www.cellcard.com.kh/cccust_rates.php per minute Mobile SMS (text message) rates 3¢10 http://www.cellcard.com.kh/cccust_rates.php Mobile MMS (multimedia message) rate 15¢ http://www.cellcard.com.kh/cccust_rates.php Mobile E-mail 6¢ http://www.cellcard.com.kh/cccust_rates.php Mobile Cellcard 3G Service (with $40 per http://www.cellcard.com.kh/cccust_3g.php unlimited Internet access) month
Based on the above information, mobile telephones (voice and SMS) offer an excellent means of direct communications with 75% traders and a small percentage of producers.
SMS offers an excellent means of exchanging high valuve and/or time sensitive information with users at a low fixed cost. SMS has been successfully used with market information systems in Zambia and particularly in the Philippines (See Table 2). Lack of English language skills among producers and traders, and lack of Khmer support for both the user interface and SMS messages on mobile phones11 will be major limiting factors for the use of SMS in Cambodia. However, creating a SMS market information service that is based primarily on numeric SMS message may mitigate some of the problems (a reference card with predefined numeric commands, commodity codes and locations codes will be required). It may also be possible to create small applications that run on PDAs to provide a localized user interface on top of a SMS market information service.
Interactive Voice Response12 (IVR) is an alternative method of exchanging high value or time sensitive information with users. With IVR all communications between the user and AMIS occurs via Khmer voice prompts or announcements (there will be a limitation for the number of commodity and location options in the voice prompts as users can only
8 Calls within the same service provider system. 9 Calls to other service provider system. 10 20 free SMS with a $5 prepaid Cellcard; 70 free SMS with a $10 prepaid Cellcard; 100 free SMS with a $20 prepaid Cellcard, and 150 free SMS with a $50 prepaid Cellcard. 11 CHEA, Sok Huor, Project Manager for PAN Localization Cambodia of IDRC (www.pancambodia.info) indicated that currently no mobile phones support sending and receiving SMS using Khmer Unicode text. A few mobile phones support proprietary vendor specific implementations of Khmer text which can only be exchanged between the same vendors phones. Khmer Unicode support is required to effectively exchange text messages between mobile phones from different vendors. 12 A system to automatically manage incoming calls, IVR can link phone callers (voice and/or touchtone) with a computer database. It can accept a question, access the company's database and provide a caller with the information they are seeking. It can also take information from the caller, convert it to data and input that data to the database.
14 remember a small number of options before making a selection) and user input using touchtone (numeric input via phone keypad). The disadvantage of IVR is that costs are variable based on the duration of the mobile phone calls. Also, unless an agreement can be made to use a mobile service providers IVR system, dedicated voice processing hardware, and software and telephone lines are required to support IVR usage.
In the future with the convergence of mobile phone and Internet technologies in Mobile WiMAX and 4G networks, Mobile WiMAX and 4G mobile phones will be able to access agricultural marketing information hosted on web sites as easily as any computer connected to the Internet. 3G mobile telephone service is already available in Phnom Penh. Users of 3G phone can browse web sites on the Internet directly from their phone. Currently, both 3G phone and 3G services are very expensive.
Radio and Television Services
The availability and access to radio and television services in Cambodia is summarized in the following table:
Table 5: Radio and TV Access Indicator Number / Percentage Information Source Number of Radio Stations 2 national and 14 local 2006 AFACT Year Book13 Number of Television Stations 7 2006 AFACT Year Book Percent of Population Owning Radios 11.3% 2006 AFACT Year Book Percent of Population Owning Televisions 0.8% 2006 AFACT Year Book Overall Radio Usage by Producers in 70% CAMIP Producer Baseline Kandal, Kampot and Kampong Cham Survey Overall Television Usage by Producers in 68% CAMIP Producer Baseline Kandal, Kampot and Kampong Cham Survey Percent of Traders Owning Radios in Study 66.7% CAMIP Trader Baseline Study Area Percent of Traders Owning Televisions in 91.1% CAMIP Trader Baseline Study Study Area
Based on the above information, radio and television broadcasts have the potential of reaching about 70% of producers; radio reaches 67% of traders and television, 91+%.
To minimize the impact on existing television schedules and programming, agricultural price information can be broadcast as streaming text (i.e. ticker tape or teletext) along the bottom of the screen with existing programming (currently already being done with Phnom Penh municipal AMIS).
13 2006 AFACT Year Book, Asia Pacific Council for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business, CAMBODIA Progress Report, International Institute of Cambodia (IIC), 441 Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambidia, www.iic.edu.kh.
15 Operator Assessment
Task#4: Assess the competency of operators to operate the hardware and software.
There appears to be a direct correlation between English language skills of AMO staff and their proficiency with computers and software packages. The primary software packages used by the AMO are:
Microsoft Windows XP Microsoft Office XP/2003 FAO AgriMarket SPSS
Since none of the above software packages are currently available in Khmer, AMO staff in Phnom Penh and the ten PDA offices without good English language skills are limited to using the basic functionality of the above software packages that they have been trained to use. There appears to be little use of the more advanced features of these software packages within the AMO since AMO staff with poor English language skills cannot read or understand the software application menus, on-line help and users manuals. This also explains why the anti-virus software is not properly configured on the computers. AMO staff lack knowledge on “safe” computing practises (i.e. protection against viruses and protecting their data by backing it up).The AMO currently does not have any IT staff or apparent access to IT support.
16 AMIS System Architecture Task#5: Describe the architecture of the projected AMI system with the minimum requirements for the hardware and software to be used, given the capacity of the users and the needs of the clients.
The proposed scaleable AMI system is illustrated in Figure 3:
AMO Phnom Penh Office AMIS Servers
File, Print FAO Data AMIS and AMIS AgriMarket Export / Import Database WSUS Database Database Server Server
Switch
AMO LAN
Firewall AMIS AMIS AMIS Web SMS IVR Server Server Server
Router/Firewall s e c i l f f a i O c
n e i r v u o t Voice Processing l r GSM Modem TALK / DATA TALK RS CS TR RD TD CD
u Hardware P (Phase I) Mo dem Ban k
c
i (Phase I Alternative) 0
r Internet 1
g n A i
f Service Provider f f o SMS Center and
a t t IVR System n S
e (Phase II) O m t M r a A Mobile Landline p e Network D Network
PDA
Producers Traders
Traders and Producers TV and Radio PDA Extension Staff Policy Makers Data Collectors via Village Computers Stations / Trades Figure 3: Proposed Scaleable AMIS System Architecture
Existing computers in the AMO Phnom Penh office are interconnected in a LAN with an ADSL broadband link to the Internet. Up-to-date anti-virus software is installed on all of these computers. The computers on the LAN are also protected by a router and dual firewalls. A new combination File, Print and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)14 server is installed on the LAN to enable file sharing, printer sharing, data backup and
14 WSUS enables a single computer on a LAN to download Windows updates from the Microsoft download site and then distribute the updates to all the other computers on the LAN. This minimizes bandwidth usage and costs on a shared Internet connection.
17 single download and redistributions of Windows updates from the Microsoft update server.
Up to three new AMIS servers (SMS, IVR and Database Servers) are also installed on the LAN and a Web Server is installed between two firewalls. The Web Server will support an AMIS web site using web server, portal and Content Management System (CMS) software, and custom AMIS SMS application software. The SMS server will host the SMS system software. In the first phase, a GSM modem is connected to the SMS Server to facilitate the sending and receiving of small volumes of SMS messages for testing and fine tuning the AMIS SMS service. For phase two, the GSM modem and possibly also the SMS Server will be replaced with a direct data link via the Internet to the mobile service provider’s SMS Center to enable sending and receiving of large volumes of SMS messages. Alternatively, voice processing hardware can be connected to an IVR Server in Phase I to facilitate communications between users and the AMIS using voice prompts/announcements and touchtone. As with SMS, the voice processing hardware and IVR Server can be replaced with a direct data link to the mobile service provider’s voice processing system in Phase II.
The Database Server will support a multi-user AMIS database using commercial relational database software (i.e. SQL Server). Multiple users will be able to simultaneously access the AMIS database via Web, SMS and IVR. In addition, users with sufficient authorization will be able to exchange data (via import/export) between FAM and the AMIS database.
The Web Server is installed between the two firewalls where the Web Server is configured to be accessible by external computers on the Internet. The SMS, IVR and Database Servers are installed behind the second firewall along with all other AMO computers where they are configured to be only accessible by the Web Server and the computer with the master FAM database.
Existing computers of AMO staff in PDA offices are connected to the Internet via modems and dial-up Internet accounts or pre-paid dial-up Internet access. Up-to-date anti-virus software and a software firewall should be installed on these computers. In addition, the computers will be upgraded with a DVD-writer to enable backup of the FAM database and other application data files.
Any computer with access to the Internet (policy makers, extension staff, radio and TV stations, and producers and traders) will be able to access the AMIS web site and receive AMIS e-mail. AMIS e-mail can be sent from the Web Server or any computer on the AMO LAN
Users with mobile phone can send and receive SMS to/from the SMS Server using the mobile network. Alternatively, users can call and interact with the AMIS using voice prompts/announcements and touchtone.
18 User with PDAs running custom AMIS client software that provides a localized user friendly interface can:
Enter price data for transmission to the Web or SMS server via either the Internet or mobile network (using SMS). Request price data by commodity and location (market) Submit offers to buy and sell commodities Request available offers to buy and sell commodities
Detailed descriptions of the hardware and software for the proposed AMIS are listed in the AMIS Development Estimates section.
Information can be submitted into the AMIS as follows:
- Pricing data gathered by AMO data collector, recorded on paper, entered into FAM at the provincial Department of Agriculture offices, exported to Excel format, e-mailed to the AMO Phnom Penh office, and then imported into the master FAM database and/or the AMIS database - Pricing data gathered by AMO data collector, recorded on paper, entered into an Excel spreadsheet, e-mailed to the AMO Phnom Penh office, and then imported into the master FAM database or the AMIS database - Pricing data gathered by AMO data collector, recorded on paper, entered into an AMIS web form on the AMIS web site and saved in the AMIS database - Pricing data gather by AMO data collector, entered into PDAs on site using custom localized (Khmer) PDA software, and then submitted to the AMIS application server via the Internet or SMS - Pricing data entered into PDAs by traders using custom localized PDA software, and then submitted to the AMIS application server via the Internet or SMS - Pricing data submitted to the AMIS application server by traders via manually entered SMS messages - Offers to buy and sell commodities entered into PDAs by traders using custom localized PDA software, and then submitted to the AMIS application server via the Internet or SMS - Offers to buy and sell commodities submitted to the AMIS application server by traders via manually entered SMS messages
Information can be requested from AMIS as follows:
- Current/latest maximum, minimum and average price by commodity and location from the AMIS web site - Current/latest maximum, minimum and average price by commodity and location from a PDA using custom localized PDA software, and then submitted to the AMIS application server via the Internet or SMS - Current/latest maximum, minimum and average price by commodity and location from a mobile phone using a manually entered SMS message - Potential buyers by commodity and location
19 - Potential sellers by commodity and location
Information can be disseminated from AMIS as follows:
- via radio broadcasts - via television broadcasts or using teletext - via bulletins and other print materials posted by AMO staff - via SMS (mobile phone text message) - via the Internet (E-mail, web site, RSS newsfeed)
20 AMIS Recommendations Task #6: Provide a list of recommendations for upgrading hardware and required operations skills.
Upgrading of Existing AMO Hardware and Software
1. Upgrade the computer with the master FAM database, with a DVD-writer and a supply of DVD-RW and DVD recordable disks to enable data backup.
2. Upgrade all existing AMO computers with 128/256MB of memory to 384/512MB of memory. Once the computers have Internet access, users will typically have a browser (e.g. Internet Explorer), e-mail client (e.g. Microsoft Outlook) and Microsoft Office open and in use simultaneously; thus more memory is recommended to maintain system performance.
3. Install and properly configure up-to-date anti-virus software on all AMO computers (in AMO Phnom Penh and PDA offices). Once the computers have Internet access, up-to-date anti-virus software is essential to maintain the security of the computers and their data.
4. Set up a local area network (LAN) with broadband Internet access, router, firewall, 10BaseT switch and wiring, file server, tape backup, print server and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)15 for all the computers in the AMO Phnom Penh office. The LAN will enable AMO staff to share data and collaborate on AMO activities. It will also enable the sharing of system resources such as, Internet access, printers, file server and data backup device.
5. Set up dial-up Internet access with a 56kbps modem and software firewall for all AMO computers in PDA offices. Internet access will enable better communication and data exchange between AMO staff of PDA offices and AMO Phnom Penh. Pre-paid dial-up Internet service can be used to control and minimize cost.
6. Obtain FAM source code and investigate the feasibility and effort of localizing the software for Cambodia and adding enhancement16 (i.e. modify Export/Import function to include data values for commodity prices and not just average price). For the localization of FAM, significant rework of screens, forms, menus and
15 WSUS enables a single computer on a LAN to download Windows updates from the Microsoft download site and then distribute the updates to all the other computers on the LAN. Thus, minimizing bandwidth usage and costs on a shared Internet connection. 16 While it is possible to enhance FAM to support SMS dissemination of price data on operator request (likely e-mail distribution), it is not possible to support the processing of asynchronous incoming SMS requests. A server based SMS application with a multi-user database would be required to process asynchronous incoming SMS requests.
21 reports may be required to accommodate the additional vertical spacing required to render Khmer script, in addition to the effort for locating and translating English language text.
Given the limitations of FAM (single user standalone application and database with limited data sharing capabilities) and the limited use of its functionality by the AMO, it may be more effective to build a new system with the FAM functionality that the AMO currently uses, but as a multi-user web enabled application with a robust enterprise class database.
Note: If use of FAM functionality is expanded based on new roles and responsibilities for the AMO, then localization and enhancement of FAM may still be worth while.
Setup of an AMIS Servers, Web Site and SMS Applications
1. To handle the expanded data collection and data dissemination needs of a new AMO AMIS, set up an AMIS web site, multi-user AMIS database and develop custom web and SMS server applications.
2. The AMIS web site should have the following capabilities:
a. Internationalization (support Khmer and optionally English languages). b. Content Management System (CMS) to enable non-technical user to maintain the contents (news, web pages, document library) of the web site. c. User authentication and a customizable roles-based authorization system that allows content authoring to be safely delegated to multiple team members. d. Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feed for client and provider17 (low priority).
3. Investigate the possibility of obtaining the source code for the Cambodia Food Security and Nutrition web site (www.foodsecurity.gov.kh) for reuse in the AMIS web site. The Cambodia Food Security and Nutrition web site has many attributes in common with the proposed AMIS web site, and was developed locally by Baktouk Computer (http://www.baktouk.com/); reusing the source code would provide potential savings in both time and costs.
Alternatively, an open source Portal/CMS product such as Rainbow (www.rainbowportal.net) could be used as the starting point for the AMIS web site.
17 A RSS feed client support enables a web site to display syndicated news from external sources. RSS feed provider support enables a web site to syndicate (or share) news with external systems (e.g. other web sites).
22 4. The custom web server applications should support the following services:
a. Searching and displaying market data. b. Enable authorized users to enter or update market data. c. Enable an authorized user to register traders (including contact information) that want to submit buy and sell offers via SMS. d. Searching and displaying commodity buyers and sellers along with their buy and sell offer (low priority).
5. The custom SMS server applications should support the following services:
a. Submitting wholesale prices by commodity and by market. b. Requesting wholesale prices by commodity and market. c. Submitting an offer to purchase a commodity with quantity, price and location (market/province?). d. Submitting an offer to sell a commodity with quantity, price and location (market/province?). e. Requesting available offers to purchase a commodity by location. f. Requesting available offers to sell a commodity by location.
6. Use IVR as an alternative to SMS, if users encountered too much difficulty using the SMS features on their mobile phones due to lack of localized user interfaces and documentation on the phones.
7. Consider developing custom localized SMS client applications that run on Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) to provide an user-friendly interface for18:
a. Collection and submission of price data b. Requesting price data c. Submission of offers to buy and sell commodities d. Requesting available offers to buy and sell commodities
8. For sustainability, Microsoft Windows operating system, SQL Server database and .NET software development technologies should be used for implementing the AMIS. Currently, there is little technical expertise for Linux, Java and other open source technologies in Cambodia.
18 Although a localized SMS client application running on a PDA may provide an user friendly interface for communicating with the AMIS via SMS, the user interface for the PDA’s system software will likely not be localized and may be a significant hurdle for a Cambodia user with little or no English language skills.
23 Upgrading of AMO Staff Procedures, Roles and Skills
1. The basic data entry protocols for the FAM system should be translated into Khmer, along with the functions considered essential for short-, medium- and long-term analysis, e.g., price trends, volume fluctuations, key commodities grown etc. The determination of essential functions of the FAM system should be undertaken by AMO Phnom Penh staff and submitted for discussion with the 10 PDA offices.
2. Training on multi-functionality of AgriMarketing system and carving out a new role for some of AMO staff, especially those who are now price collectors (assuming that over time traders become main supplier of wholesale price information to SMS and Web data base) should be undertaken
3. AMO staff should be oriented to “safe” computing practises (i.e. protection against viruses and protecting their data by backing it up).
4. AMO staff should be introduced to Internet etiquette (search engines, book- marking, networking).
5. AMO staff with little or no English language skills should be given Basic English language training as poor English language skills is a major impediment to expanded use of existing software such as Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, SPSS and FAM. It is unlikely that Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, SPSS or any other commercial software products will be translated to Khmer in the short term.
6. To maintain and support AMO computers, network and servers, the AMO needs to hire a capable and willing IT system administration / technical support staff or contract with a qualified external company for system administration / technical support services.
24 Service Provider Assessment Task #7: Assess the availability of local service providers for hardware and software maintenance and training.
The IT service providers assessed are listed in the table below.
25 Vendor Assessment Thakral Group Authorized full service vendor for HP, IBM, Toshiba, Cisco, (www.thakral.com.kh) Toshiba and Microsoft. Can install and configure LAN including wiring. Little in-house software development expertise.
Potential vendor for hardware, software, installation, support and maintenance, but not for custom software development. Yejj Info Full service hardware and software vendor. Not a software (www.yejj.com) developer. Current focus of their business is training and support. Strong knowledge of network design and administration. Has good insight on the ICT marketplace in Cambodia.
Potential vendor for hardware, software, installation, support and maintenance, but not for custom software development. Yejj also provides basic English language training. Conical Hat Software Three year old software development company focusing mainly (www.conicalhat.com) on accounting, payroll and billing solutions. Has staff of 25 including 12 engineers. Managing and technical directors are expatriates. Works exclusively with Microsoft technologies and software development tools. Has little web development experience (i.e. 3 web sites) and no SMS experience.
Possible vendor for custom software development, but lack of web development experience is a potential issue. Baktouk Computer Nine year old software development company. Khmer owned (www.baktouk.com) and operated. Has only 3 developers on staff, some with Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) designation. Makes use of both Microsoft and open source technologies (Linux, Apache, PHP). Have several good reference web sites that they’ve developed (see http://www.baktouk.com/profiles.htm). One in particular, www.foodsecurity.gov.kh, has many attributes (e.g. content management) that are desirable for an AMIS web site. Also, has some experience with SMS.
Potential vendor for custom software development. Resolvo Cambodia One year old branch office of Resolvo Singapore. Has 10 (kh.resolvo.com) developers in Cambodia and 12 in Singapore. Primarily working on large international project in Singapore and Malaysia (likely outsource from Resolvo Singapore).Projects in Cambodia appear to be localization and customization of pre-existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions for the local market rather new original work. Has technical expertise with both Java/Open Source and Windows/.NET development
26 technologies.
Potential vendor for custom software development.
Experienced computer hardware and networking service providers are readily available in Cambodia. They are capable of providing planning, installation, training and support.
The number of available software development service providers in Cambodia is relatively small. There are few software development service providers that have been in business for more than a few years. All software developers visited describe the quality of computer science (software development) education in Cambodia post secondary schools to be poor with new hires learning most of their software development skills on the job. Given the immaturity of the software development industry in Cambodia, finding a qualified local software development service provider that has the capacity to complete development work for CAMIP in a timely manner may be challenging. Also, there may be a higher risk for quality issues in software that they develop.
27 AMIS Development Estimates
Task #8: Estimate development costs of the various hardware, software and related capacity development, and advise on the most cost effective option.
AMO Hardware and Software Upgrades
Description Unit Price Qty Extension Backup devices for FAM database at AMO Phnom Penh Office $50 1 $50 - DVD-Writer $2 15 $30/3 yrs - DVD-RW Discs (5 disc per year) $0.50 150 $75/3 yrs - DVD-R Discs (50 disc per year) Upgrade all AMO computers with to 384/512MB memory - 256MB PC-3200 DDR DIMM $55 18 $990
Anti-virus subscription (20 workstations + 3 servers) - McAfee Total Protection for Small Business $35/yr 23 $805/yr or $62/3 yrs 23 $1423/3 yrs
AMO LAN - Router / Firewall $85 2 $170 (e.g. NETGEAR ProSafe VPN Firewall 8 FVS114) - 10BaseT switch, 16 or more ports $85 1 $85 (e.g. NETGEAR’s ProSafe FS116) - Cable, conduit, connector, wall sockets, cover plates, $400 1 $400 etc.
File/Print/WSUS Server with tape drive for backup - IBM/HP/Dell Server $3300 1 $3300 o 2 x Dual-Core Xeon 5130 2.1GHz o 2GB memory o 2x250GB hard disk o DVD-Writer o DAT 72 Tape Drive o 17” LCD Monitor, keyboard & mouse o 3 year warranty, service and support $1100 1 $1100 - Windows 2003 Small Business Server with 10 CALs $500 1 $500 - Symantec Backup Exec (tape backup software) $12 24 $288 - DAT 72 Tape $10 1 $10 - DAT Cleaning Media
UPS with 30 running time for File/Print/WSUS Server and $800 1 $800 AMO LAN equipment
Broadband Internet Access - ADSL Modem $100 1 $100 - 384kbps Synchronous DSL (2GB limit/month) or $225/month 36 $8100/3 yrs 512kbps Synchronous DSL (4GB limit/month) or $325/month 36 $11700/3 yrs 768kbps Synchronous DSL (6GB limit/month) or $425/month 36 $15300/3 yrs
28 1024kbps Synchronous DSL (8GB limit/month) $525/month 36 $18900/3 yrs
Installation of upgrades, LAN and server (file, print WSUS) at $1500 1 $1500 AMO Phnom Penh
Backup devices for FAM database at PDA Office - DVD-Writer $50 10 $500 - DVD-RW Discs (5 disc per year) $2 150 $300/3 yrs - DVD-R Discs (50 disc per year) $0.50 1500 $750/3 yrs
Internet access for AMO computers at PDA offices - 56kbps modem (non-WinModem) $30 10 $300 - Dial-up Internet account (35 hours/month) or $30/month 360 $1080/3 yrs Pre-paid Dial-up Internet service (20 hours/month) $20/month 360 $720/3 yrs
Installation of upgrades and Internet access setup for AMO $50 10 $500 computers at PDA offices
Total Cost of AMO Hardware and Software Upgrades (with 3 years of supplies, $33151 anti-virus subscription, 1024kbps Synchronous DSL and Dial-up Internet account)
AMIS Servers and Associates Hardware
29 Description Unit Price Qty Extension AMIS Web/SMS Server - IBM/HP/Dell Server $2800 1 $2800 o 2 x Dual-Core Xeon 5130 2.1GHz o 2GB memory o 2x250GB hard disk (RAID) o DVD-ROM o 17” LCD Monitor, keyboard & mouse o 3 year warranty, service and support $400 1 $400 - Windows 20003 Server Web Edition
AMIS Database Server - IBM/HP/Dell Server $2600 1 $2600 o 2 x Dual-Core Xeon 5130 2.1GHz o 2GB memory o 2x250GB hard disk (RAID) o DVD-ROM o 3 year warranty, service and support - Windows 20003 Server R2 Standard Edition $1000 1 $1000 - SQL Server 2005 $6000 1 $6000
2 Port USB KVM Switch19 (e.g. D-Link KVM-221) $80 2 $160
UPS with 30 running time for AMIS Servers (2 servers each) $1300 2 $2600
SMS Hardware and Software - IBM/HP/Dell Server $2800 1 $2800 o 2 x Dual-Core Xeon 5130 2.1GHz o 2GB memory o 2x250GB hard disk (RAID) o DVD-ROM o 17” LCD Monitor, keyboard & mouse o 3 year warranty, service and support $400 1 $400 - Windows 20003 Server Web Edition $300 2 $600 - Wavecom Modem Starter Kit for Fastrack (GSM Modem), P/N: WAV MSK-M1213A Note: Purchasing a second spare GSM modem is recommended. $3800 1 $3800 - InfoTXT WebDB Messaging Platform
GSM Account (5¢/SMS, 200 SMS/day, 6 days/week) $240/month 36 $8640/3 yrs
IVR Hardware and Software - IBM/HP/Dell Server $2600 1 $2600 o 2 x Dual-Core Xeon 5130 2.1GHz o 2GB memory o 2x250GB hard disk (RAID) o DVD-ROM o 3 year warranty, service and support - Windows 20003 Server Web Edition $400 1 $400 - Dialogic D/4PCI 4 port Voice board. Note: Purchasing $650 2 $1300 a second spare Dialogic D/4PCI is recommended. - VoiceXML Software $TBD 1 $TBD
19 An KVM enables 2 computers to be controlled with a single keyboard, monitor and mouse.
30 Landlines for use with IVR - Installation (per line) $130 2 $260 - Estimated monthly fee (per line for 30 minutes/day) $80 72 $5750/3 yrs
PocketPC PDA / Smartphone (e.g. HP iPAQ 510 or hw6940) $320 to 30 $9600 $600 to $18000
Total Cost of AMIS Servers and Associates Hardware $31800
Cost to Add IVR Hardware, Software and 2 Landlines (3 years service) $10310+
Cost to Add PDA Hardware $9600 to $18000
AMIS System Integration and Custom Software Development
The cost estimates in the table below assumes that all work will be completed by an experienced and qualified local Cambodia software developer and the cost of the software developer is $3000/month when contracted through an IT company. It is possible that no qualified Cambodia software developers are available for the custom SMS, IVR and PDA software development tasks, in which case development costs will be significantly higher.
Description Unit Price Qty Extension Localization of FAM and enhancement of Export/Import $3000/month 1 to 4 $3000 function to include data values for commodity prices and months to $12000 not just average price. (Preliminary estimate is 2 to 4 months efforts, but estimate is subject to review of source when available).
Develop AMIS web site with the following capabilities: $3000/month 3 to 4 $9000 months to $12000 1. Internationalization (support Khmer and optionally English languages). 2. Content Management System (CMS) to enable non-technical user to maintain the contents (news, web pages, document library) of the web site. 3. User authentication and a customizable roles- based authorization system that allows content authoring to be safely delegated to multiple team members. 4. Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feed client and provider20 (low priority).
NOTE: Excludes the cost of creating the actual content
20 A RSS feed client support enables a web site to display syndicated news from external sources. RSS feed provider support enables a web site to syndicate (or share) news with external systems (e.g. other web sites).
31 for the AMIS web site. The AMIS web site contents need to be created by AMO or CAMIP staff/consultants.
Develop custom web server applications with the $3000/month 2 to 4 $6000 following services: months to $12000
1. Searching and displaying market data. 2. Enable authorized users to enter or update market data. 3. Searching and displaying commodity buyers and sellers along with their buy and sell offer (low priority). 4. Enable an authorized user to register traders (including contact information) that want to submit buy and sell offers via SMS. 5. Import and export FAM data.
NOTE: Excludes design, project management, testing and software acceptance tasks to be completed by CAMIP staff/consultants.
Develop custom SMS server applications with the $3000/month 2 to 4 $6000 following services: months to $12000
1. Submitting wholesale prices by commodity and by market. 2. Requesting wholesale prices by commodity and market. 3. Submitting an offer to purchase a commodity with quantity, price and location (market/province?). 4. Submitting an offer to sell a commodity with quantity, price and location (market/province?). 5. Requesting available offers to purchase a commodity by location. 6. Requesting available offers to sell a commodity by location.
NOTE: Excludes design, project management, testing and software acceptance tasks to be completed by CAMIP staff/consultants.
Develop custom IVR server applications with the $3000/month 2 to 4 $6000 following services: months to $12000
1. Submitting wholesale prices by commodity and by market. 2. Requesting wholesale prices by commodity and market. 3. Submitting an offer to purchase a commodity with quantity, price and location (market/province?). 4. Submitting an offer to sell a commodity with quantity, price and location (market/province?). 5. Requesting available offers to purchase a
32 commodity by location. 6. Requesting available offers to sell a commodity by location.
NOTE: Excludes design, project management, testing and software acceptance tasks to be completed by CAMIP staff/consultants.
Develop custom localized SMS client applications that $3000/month 3 to 4 $9000 run on Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) to provide an months to $12000 user friendly interface for:
1. Collection and submission of price data 2. Requesting price data 3. Submission of offers to buy and sell commodities 4. Requesting available offers to buy and sell commodities
NOTE: Excludes design, project management, testing and software acceptance tasks to be completed by CAMIP staff/consultants.
Total Cost of AMIS System Integration and Custom Development $39000 to $72000
Capacity Development
Description Unit Price Qty Extension IT Training on for AMO staff in Phnom Penh and PDA $1000 1 $1000 offices: LAN usage (file sharing, printer sharing, data backup) Internet etiquette (browser usage, search engines, book-marking, e-mail, FTP, RSS newsfeeds, networking). “Safe” computing practises (i.e. protection against viruses and protecting their data by backing it up on DVDs and/or tape).
Hire a capable and willing IT system administration / technical $5000/year 3 $15000/3 yrs support staff or contract with a qualified external company for system administration / technical support services.
Basic English language skills for computer users. $3000 1 $3000
Total Cost of Capacity Development $19000
33 Summary of Estimated Costs
Description Costs Total Cost of AMO Hardware and Software $33151
Total Cost of AMIS Servers and Associates Hardware $31800
Cost to Add IVR Hardware, Software and 2 Landlines (3 years service) $10310+
Cost to Add PDA Hardware $9600 to $18000
Total Cost of AMIS System Integration and Custom Development $39000 to $72000
Total Cost of Capacity Development 19000
Total Estimated Costs $122951 to $184261
The estimate of total costs ranges from a low of $122,951 to a high of $184,261. For simplicity purposes we propose a range of $125,000 to $185,000.
34