The Commission of European Communities has launched a pilot network enabling data to be exchanged between member states and the Commission using applications running on different hardware and software. Currently, European Union member states exchange information via paper, facsimile and telex formats. The Interchange of Data between Administrations programme is a precursor to the establishment of a number of Trans-European Networks, as called for by the European Union Treaty. The pilot project links 22 administrations across six countries, joining the Commission in Belgium to Denmark, the UK, France, Greece, and Luxembourg, in three sectors: agriculture, customs and statistics. Emile Peeters, the head of unit for European Telematic Networks and Systems at Directorate General III Internal market and Industrial Relations, responsible for the implementation of the Interchange of Data programme, says that as soon as the pilot project is completely operational it will be extended to the other member states, and be available for other sectors. Logica Plc, London software and services house, is acting as prime contractor for a consortium including Compagnie des Machines Bull SA which has completed the pilot stage of the network.
