GGP Systems has developed a Community Portal to help local authorities provide easier online access to council information.  This latest eGaz development represents a big advance in interoperability with the Portal allowing centralised access to information.  As well as boosting the provision of online services to the public, the system is also key for centralised services such as contact centres or multi-service partnerships involving organisations such as the police, education and private contractors.

One of the biggest challenges for local authorities in delivering effective e-government service is gaining access to the information that exists in different departments and organisations, and also in different databases and formats.   GGP's Community Portal provides a one-stop shop for all information using a Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) to tie information together.

For example, by entering a postcode or street name to identify a property, users can immediately view information about that property and also nearby local services through "Find My Nearest" searches.  Using cross-referencing, the Portal can match properties to planning records for example to give answers to questions such as "Am I in a preservation area? How do I apply for planning permission? Is that tree protected?"

"The eGaz Community Portal truly facilitates data interoperability and data deployment, maximising the exploitation of information and offering a synergistic approach to multiple data holdings" says Robin Sheehan Commercial Manager at GGP Systems. "The Portal provides a cornerstone to centralised services and fast-tracking of joint working.  It enables access to existing records eliminating the need to centralise data which is complex and very costly.  Data can remain where it is making sure that the investment in data and data management is retained."

The Portal acts as the super-glue between data holdings, and an information conduit.  It can be used within an organisation, connecting departments or within groups of organisations such as regional local authority partnerships or for emergency services in adjoining areas.  It can also be used within multi-agency initiatives such as connecting police, local government, other emergency services, and utilities for a wide variety of purposes, such as homeland security, crisis management and emergency planning.

For further editorial information and photographs, call Robert Peel on tel. +44 (0)1666 823306