Way back in early 2003, CSDMS was like a newborn infant to the field of ICT4D. With the support of over 125 authors from around the world, a very strong and committed team in-house, the research and support of numerous friends, supporters and partners, and guidance from a strong advisory team, i4d is a healthy baby!

Just over two years ago, we began our own enquiry to the world of Information and Communications Technologies for Development, and to understand how this sector is faring, not just in India, but also in the neighbouring South Asian countries, and then globally.

In the past twenty-four issues, we have created a valuable platform for learning and sharing. Indeed, the team that works behind the scenes often does not many times get to tell their own story. We celebrate the work that we have been doing and wish to share the process of delivering the various products and services that the i4d programme brings to the fold of thousands of readers from around the world. Readers have responded positively and have sent us words of appreciation, suggestions and criticism. We are pleased to share a selection of these.

We have been greatly strengthened and encouraged by the alliances with several key ICT4D agencies, and in time, our editorial advisory board, which serves in an honorary capacity brings in valuable insights into the latest developments from a strategic perspective, looking at policy and conceptual frameworks, while guiding us on the directions of where i4d should be heading. In this issue, we are sharing with our reader a few of these perspective.

I am delighted to share with you this special issue of i4d magazine. We hope that you like it and let us know if you enjoyed reading it as much as we all enjoyed telling our own story this time.