Defenestrated

EU e-gov portfolio proposed

A European e-gov projects portfolio is proposed to collect lessons learned in e-gov from across Europe. Paired with the advent of the IDABC (Interoperable Delivery of pan-European e-Government Services to Public Administrations Businesses and Citizens), this seems like a true representation of i-gov in Europe. Maybe, just maybe the benefits of European proximity will show some benefits in bettering e-gov versus the political distance between US Federal and State governments.

Sun+SoftwareAG develop interface to UK authentication gateway

Software AG and Sin Microsystems have developed a gateway to the Government Gateway, the centralised registration service for e-Government services in the UK. This service is like the US e-Authentication effort which seems in constant limbo. The companies have effectively productized a set of components that enable local governments to use the services of the Gateway.

The Government Gateway has had pretty poor traction so far (so I'm told) and this could be the leg-up that it needs to get some serious use.

What's more interesting still is that the UK's Office of the e-Envoy (OeE) has put the product through an accreditation process, and says other products may do the same.

I like the idea of certifying a product for connecting to e-gov services. It strikes me that it would be a great idea to have an official seal of approval for any interface to any e-gov initiative, whether it's a product or not.