Novell wins Windsor seal of approval

Novell has today announced a three-year agreement with the Local Government Association (LGA) to help local authorities roll out online services to their citizens.

The deal will give local councils access to a customised bundle of products that enables them to personalise online services, incorporate legacy information and create a secure, authenticated environment for such services.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead will be the first local council to work with the company, and aims to offer its 140,000 citizens online services from the start of next year.

Paul Bray, head of IT for the LGA, said: "With Whitehall's 2005 deadlines drawing near, local authorities are under increasing pressure to move services online. However, the shortage of experienced staff and the cost of funding e-government projects - plus the limited time available - are factors inhibiting local councils' e-government efforts.

"[The agreement] will give local authorities access to Novell's technology tools and expertise that authorities need to help them hit their... targets and deliver services electronically to citizens," he added.

Ben Bulpett, enterprise sales director, Novell UK, said: "Transforming to e-government is no easy task. Only 28 per cent of local authority services across the UK are available electronically currently and nine out of 10 authorities are reporting skill shortages in key areas needed to meet the e-government targets. Together with our business experts, we will continue to help local government implement technology solutions that work for them and enable them to bring electronic government services to every citizen."

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.