Digital transformation of public administration relies on new e-services, but also on a modern, secure and reliable digital infrastructure enabling their continuous operation. This is the role of the Shared Services Centre, the Croatian government cloud
What is the Shared Services Centre?
Pursuant to the
National Information Infrastructure Act, the Shared Services Centre (SSC, Croatian:
Centar dijeljenih usluga - CDU) represents the central government infrastructure for the provision of common infrastructure, platform and software services to government bodies and other users of national information infrastructure. The goal is to establish a single, secure and standardised IT environment that enables more efficient management of public resources and better digital services for citizens and businesses.
The Act stipulates that central government bodies use the services of the Shared Services Centre for the establishment and operation of their respective information systems, except in the cases prescribed by the Act and implementing regulations. This avoids the development of separate and non-interconnected infrastructures, increases the interoperability of information systems, raises the level of cybersecurity and ensures a more rational use of public resources.
How does the Shared Services Centre help citizens, entrepreneurs and government bodies?
For citizens and businesses, this means faster deployment of new digital services, greater availability of existing systems, more secure data processing and more reliable operation of key government information systems. Although citizens mostly do not realise it, it is thanks to the SSC that they use numerous digital public services on a daily basis, including the e-Citizens system and other public administration information systems.
Instead of each body purchasing, developing and maintaining its own IT infrastructure individually, the SSC allows the use of shared computing resources, platforms and shared digital services. Such a model significantly reduces costs, accelerates the development of new information systems and enables their easier interconnection and the exchange of data.
SSC -
one of the largest and most modern government IT platforms
Today, the SSC is one of the largest and most modern government IT platforms in Croatia. Its services are used by more than 1,080 users, the platform runs almost 6,000 virtual servers, while data is stored on more than 8 petabytes of space. The SSC is connected to a number of national information systems and ensures high availability, business continuity and operational security of core digital services.
The platform is based on two geographically separate, high-availability data centres that allow the system to continue operating even in extraordinary circumstances. Expert teams ensure 24/7 monitoring and support throughout the year, applying the highest cybersecurity and data protection standards.
In addition to infrastructure services, the SSC enables the development of common digital platforms, data infrastructure and new technologies that will further advance Croatia’s digital transformation. Further development of the national data platform, services for secure data exchange between public authorities and infrastructure for AI applications in public administration is ongoing.
Foundation of Croatia's digital transformation
The SSC is one of the key components of digital Croatia and the basis for the development of secure, efficient and accessible digital public services that will enable citizens and businesses to easily exercise their rights and obligations.
