NetShift brings UK community online

NEWBURY, England -- The United Kingdom is falling behind its European peers in the delivery of e-government, according to analyst firm IDC. That has prompted local authorities to sign up for NetShift's Community Information Solutions, which provides structured access to eight categories of key information and services, transaction options such as council tax payment, and support for disabled users.

Goverment e-envoy, Andrew Pinder, said, "The Internet plays an important role in our lives, and as more government services become available online, we want to ensure that people can take advantage of them. It is vital that we first address the issue of access."

The goal is to bring digital democracy to communities with low Internet-access rates. NetShift's software can be deployed on indoor or outdoor kiosks and PC terminals customized to meet all e-government directives, according to a news release. NetShift will partner with approved hardware vendors.

"Having developed solutions for Gosport Borough Council, East Sussex County Council and Kennet District Council, we have a keen understanding of local authority requirements," said Julian Haslam, NetShift's head of marketing.

The government has a 2005 deadline to deliver government services and transactional capabilities online.