Center for Public Technology

The director of IOG's Web site explains the listserv, a "killer application" that allows local government officials in various areas of specialization (human resources, social services, waste management, etc.) to communicate easily among themselves by e-mail.

Local governments, large and small, support a vast array of computer hardware and software systems. They exchange public and private information via the Internet and a variety of “secure” networks among fellow employees, citizens, clients, and other governments. All expect information systems to do the work they were designed to do, be available when they are needed, and maintain the reliability and the integrity of the information that is contained within them. The importance of security is heightened, and security is made more difficult, as an increasing number of people connect to public information systems.

The era of e-commerce and e-procurement is here, and many citizens expect the same responsiveness from government as from the private sector. Enter e-government. “E-government” is government use of information technology, particularly Web-based Internet applications, to enhance delivery of information and services to employees and agencies within government and to citizens and business partners. E-government focuses on centralization of public data and improvement of internal processes and communications. As the twenty-first century advances, government’s overwhelming interest is to use “interoperable” technologies—technologies that allow various departments to share data across information systems or products without special effort on the part of staff. Traversing all types of computer operating systems and various departments’ databases has become increasingly necessary. Such coordination will support greater efficiency and effectiveness and result in more citizen access.

How can local governments be sure that their websites are working for them? They can do simple, quick analysis using the six-part tool presented in this article.