SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) — Microsoft on Tuesday began a free program aimed at turning local governments into "e-governments" by using computer software and the Internet to better serve citizens.
The US software giant unveiled "Citizen Service Platform" offerings at a Government Leaders Forum in Berlin.
"We see this increasing need for governments to become e-governments," Microsoft vice president of worldwide public sector Ralph Young told AFP.
"As the public gets more informed about technology, they have greater expectations from their government. This is aimed at using Microsoft technology in government to more efficiently provide services to citizens."
Microsoft will provide governments with "template" programs that let citizens perform tasks such as accessing public records, getting marriage certificates, and paying taxes or fines online.
"Technology can help local and regional governments fill efficiency gaps and modernize services," Jean-Philippe Courtois, president of Microsoft International, said in an address at the forum in Germany.
"But, many are ill-equipped to meet citizens' expectations due to a lack of funding, available technology, technical expertise or other resources."
Microsoft has spent years working with governments and distilled some of what it learned into templates showing governments how to spare people trips to offices and let them handle interactions online.
"The barrier to really becoming an e-government, whether a blog from a mayor or real transformation of services, is really just how far down the path they want to get," Young said.
"Not many governments have gotten into developing Internet-based service capability. Governments lack the experience, skills and big IT (Internet technology) staffs. In many cases, they already own the software."
With the templates, Microsoft engineers are "taking the heavy lifting" off the shoulders of local governments worldwide, according to Young.
For example, officials in Jamaica worked with Microsoft to install a hurricane alert system using online mapping and weather information to determine storm paths and text message warnings to people's mobile telephones.
The first set of templates will be available in the United States within 60 days, according to Microsoft.
Templates will be rolled out next in Europe and then phased in throughout the world based on interest from governments.
"This platform is extensible," said Young. "Whether you are interested in selling tickets online to summer arts festivals, letting people reserve campsites in a park, or keeping track of the city council agenda."
Developing countries where few people own home computers can install Internet service kiosks, letting people avoid treks to distant or overloaded government offices, according to Young.
Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
