Local Government
From OpenEGov
The local e-gov pilot site covers all the pilot projects, only some of which are free software related.
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APLAWS
CMS developed with funding from the ODPM and released under GPL:
Aplaws CMS. This is a Java CMS which sits on top of the Redhat CMS framework WAF/CCM (which is itself a Java rewrite of the old Tcl CMS called ACS from Philip Greenspun. This CMS has a long history!). Redhat's WAF/CCM framework was initially largely proprietary but was open-sourced and spun off to a separate organization Objectweb.org, backed by INRIA, in late 2004. At this point it changed name again and became known as Byline. APLAWS itself is still running off the CCM codebase, and Redhat are once again maintaining it, though now as free software. Backend storage is either Oracle or Postgres.
Initial development of APLAWS was managed by Camden council, with work outsourced to companies such as Runtime collective (long-time users of ACS), InfoAxon Technologies and ROL. A second pass produced APLAWS+, which consists of a set of more or less independent modules.
It is now in use by around 30 local authorities, and will be used by many more. CapGemini have produced a study explaining the advantages and disadvantages for councils in using the LAWS system.
The final release made possible by direct government funding will be in March, following which Aplaws will be managed by a technical committee with representatives from Redhat, Runtime Collective, and Camden council, with input from the user group and frequent user group meetings.
Downloads available (no guarantee as to which is the correct/most recent etc - if you know better please correct these!)
- http://www.aplaws.org.uk/forms/form2004.php Download form (leads to full CCM/Aplaws system)
- http://sourceforge.net/projects/aplaws/ Sourceforge download
- http://laws.tameside.gov.uk/downloads.htm Sample 'generic' contents to prepopulate system
- http://aplaws.redhat.com/viewcvs/ Redhat Subversion archive (development branch, read only)
This apparently replaces the Byline version (wonder how the Byline folks feel about that? They appear to be still working (very slowly) on Byline, so I guess the CCM is now effectively forked. Sssh.).
eGMS Generator
One of the current requirements for all government web sites - including councils' - is inclusion of eGMS metadata (as further specified for local government in the LAWS Syndication Guidelines). XML::Generator::RSS10::egms is a perl module which helps to incorporate the eGMS data into an RSS feed. It's in use right now for Woking's Latest News feed.
LGOL-Net and LGOL-X
LGOL-Net is a key part of the LAWS LGOL National Project, which seeks to enable all UK local authorities to deploy âtransactional websitesâ. LGOL-Net provides the core transaction message processing capability. Within LAWS, the LGOL-Net software may be deployed as stand-alone, integrated to other existing systems solutions or complemented by the optional use of LGOL-Hub for secure email via the UK GSI and a new e-forms transaction engine LGOL-X. LGOL-Net is GPL, LGOL-X is LGPL.
LGOL-X and X-Builder, deliver joined up services online, the software is used to capture data, move data and integrate it into applications. This is particularly needed in order to help authorities move from 'Information Giving' to 'Transactional' and 'Integrated' websites.
LGOL-X is a technical programmer's tool to allow IT teams to create transactonal forms based processes without purchasing expensive proprietary tools. It comes complete with a graphical design interface - X-Builder.
LGOL-X has been deployed in a number of end-to-end processes to prove usefulness and usability. These include registering for a library, enquiring for balances, notifying deaths and change of address. The schemas for these processes are freely available and can be found on the govtalk site.
More information on LGOL-X can be found here. If you require assistance with LGOL-X you can try emailing info@sinbadsoftware.com or for developer information see www.sinbadsoftware.com (Tom Nolan M.Sc.).
The main servers for the LGOL services all seem to be windows based. However, the gpl-ed software is Java, and data exchange is through XML, so clients running on non-Windows systems are possible.
WorkingWithBusiness
Another national project, to develop a web interface for local businesses linked with backend CRM systems and integrated with LGOL net. This is a GPL'ed application based on Struts and Hibernate. Strangely, this one seems to be almost hidden from public view: the main web site links to the download point to a smartstore site, and the smartstore site tells you to email the main site... However, email queries result in a CD with the complete system being sent off amazingly quickly.
RegenTV
"RegenTV will take the UKâs most advanced Internet Protocol Television (ipTV) service and convert it into an Open Source product and service model that can be deployed on a scaleable basis. It will enable local authorities and RSLs to provide video based interactive e-government services to residents and manage truly local TV channels providing content for and by local people.
The ipTV service on the Carpenters Estate in Newham serves over 300 homes (70% of those possible) and has been operational for a year. It is a prototype delivering video on demand, Internet access, eMail, an estate intranet, multiplayer video gaming, a âPC on TVâ service and âfree to airâ TV channels.
The prototype requires a high level of technical expertise to manage and depends on a great deal of proprietary equipment and software. RegenTV will deliver a product that is simple to deploy and maintain and which is based on open standards and generic equipment. Detailed guidance will be produced on how the product can be used to deliver advanced video based services and information to local communities.
The products will be made available through GCAT and SCAT, reference sites created and extensive dissemination will be undertaken."
RegenTV has been developed by IBM. It appears they may have understood 'open source' as meaning 'runs on Linux', but surely it will become more public as it progresses?
GIS
GIS software is key to many local government applications.
Similar developments in other countries
Here is a short news film about the use of free software by the Bolzano district administration in Northern Italy (with English subtitles)
- Lutece, currently used by 18 French councils in the Paris region
- web-in-a-box - Dutch equivalent, based on mmbase
- agora - anoth French government-backed content management system (based on SPIP)
- mioga, a groupware tool created originally for the French Conseil General des Mines
Non-free software
The Local Authority Software Consortium (LASC) is a limited alternative to freeing Local Authority related software: members share software with one another for a fee. LASC is supported by SOPO, the Local Government Procurement Officers society, and SOLACE, the strategic managers body, but technical management is by SOCITM. SOCITM do also have a open source interest group, but most information there is for members only.
