Daily Research News Online no. 2425 - New Data Management Software for Local Authorities

New Data Management Software for Local Authorities

June 18 2003

MR agency Nunwood Consulting is offering Local Authorities in the UK an online system for disseminating data and documents across various user groups. The launch of 'e-Government Solutions', a secure information management system, follows a two-year development period involving extensive liaison with a number of authorities.

The PM's e-government directive, launched in 1998 and committing government to putting a wide range of public information online by 2005, has been the subject of much debate and also a fair amount of research activity [it was first scoped by BMRB and others the same year]. Local Authorities are not alone in facing difficulties if they are to comply with the ambitious timetable, and the two years of consultation gave ample opportunity for identifying their particular problems and tailoring the package to suit.

e-Government Solutions will provide a faster, easier and more cost-effective way to access and disseminate research information to different audiences within local authorities and outside. It will do this by storing large volumes of research data and documentation online, allowing the research function within local government to upload this information and specifically tailor it for different audiences. The system permits the publication of selected data on the web with a click of the mouse.

Lucy Thompson, Head of Web Development and creator of the system, comments: 'e-Government Solutions is an innovative web-based research solution for local authorities, which is equal to, if not more advanced than, technology systems found in the private sector. Incorporating the highest on-line security standards and managed entirely by the local authority, e-Government Solutions offers users the reassurance that all information stored on the system is totally secure. It really is a first for the public sector, with no other bespoke applications currently on the market and its flexibility ensures that it will continue to evolve as user requirements change'.

Nunwood's rather nifty Flash-based Web site is at www.nunwood.com .

Editor's note: This is the second launch of an online data management system by a research agency in a month. At the end of May, London-based consultancy Siama Research announced iProjects, a system for research professionals sharing project information, which acts as both a strategic CRM tool as well as a tactical aide for project management. iProjects allows researchers to create and share project information with their clients, colleagues and field agencies, all in a secure environment. The package covers project schedules, contacts, documents and field progress.

Further details about iProjects, including a live demo, are available at www.siama.co.uk .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.