Integrated software for public administration
Modern public administration organisations are currently using commercially available software in order to run their services effectively. However, most of these tools are quite expensive not only to buy but also to use since they are usually related to obligatory and costly service contracts. On the other hand, there are numerous open-source alternatives that have increased potential to offer unique flexibility possibilities for public administration services in the most cost-effective way. This pan-European Agent-Supported Workflow in Public Administration, or briefly ASWAD project focused on exploiting free software for use in the public sector. More specifically, ASWAD succeeded in providing public administration with user friendly and flexible software applications for organising cooperative work practices under an integrated framework. On the grounds of a groupware system with built in workflow management and personal assistants, the ASWAD system was developed to be used at various layers ranging from individual to organisational levels. Three main groups of open-source software were used, which are the Zope platform, the OpenFlow framework and the Narval platform. Zope is an open source web application server that allows effective team collaboration in the production and management of web sites with dynamic content management, security and scalability advantages. OpenFlow is the open source workflow engine with extraordinary aspects such as easy integration possibilities between heterogeneous systems, flexibility in handling and supporting redesign. Narval constitutes the basis for setting up and developing intelligent personal assistants to help their users. This project's outcome has been tested in three different public service organisations, a small university, a city council and a commission coordinating community. The system may provide various capabilities to its users including calendaring, contacts managements, and document management. Furthermore, it has proven to be flexible, efficient and effective in providing quality and time-reducing public services through the web. The provider is looking for disseminating information concerning this project.
