Utrecht, November 2009

ATOS ORIGIN, RENOIR AND GEONOVUM PUT EFFICIENT EXCHANGE AND STANDARDISATION OF GEO-DATA IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR ON THE MAP

Geonovum has signed an agreement with Atos Origin. The international IT services provider will be responsible for the testbed geo-services on the OverheidsServiceBus (OSB) (Government Service Bus) and the OSB Service Register. The OSB is a set of standards for the electronic exchange of data between government organisations. Starting from the OSB, the question is how to integrate international developments such as the European INSPIRE Directive and the international standards of the open geospatial consortium (OGC) and ISO/TC 211. Atos Origin is also developing a demonstration model with which Geonovum can present this tool within the Government. All experiences during the development project will be recorded, with a view to future developments within government.

Developments within electronic government and service provision to citizens and companies are accelerating. This results in a growing need for collaboration between authorities, and the exchange of ever increasing quantities of data. To facilitate this process, the OSB was created. This acts as the Government's "mail server" and allows simpler digital exchange of data such as information on geographical objects - known as geo-data - between authorities. The aim of the solution to be developed by Atos Origin for Geonovum and RENOIR is better co-operation between governments in the sharing of geo-information and geo-services.

Atos Origin will supply the software as open source to Geonovum and RENOIR. The GIS Competence Center of Atos Origin is charged with developing and building the new solution. GIS stands for Geographical Information System, with which spatial data or geo-data can be stored, managed, processed, analysed, integrated and presented. The new system is expected to be delivered towards the end of this year. 2010 will then become the age of the spread of knowledge and experience.

“Geo-data form an important pillar in the creation of the electronic government. Data which are now firmly linked to everyday life: whether it's navigation systems or applications such as Google Maps. At government level, this form of data exchange is of inestimable value. For communities, water utilities and local authorities, but also for government services such as the police and fire service”, says Albert Seubers, local government sourcing director at Atos Origin in the Netherlands. “The sharing of geo-data between Ministries and Government organisations doesn't just bring huge cost savings. It also leads to a smart Government which rapidly anticipates new developments and matches its service provision to citizens and companies as a result.”

The Inspire Directive obliges European member states to provide and harmonize metadata for geo-information on 34 topics, and make this available via the Inspire portal under supply conditions which do not unnecessarily hinder use. Inspire ensures the provision of good quality geo-information which can easily be found and used, and with content harmonized even across national borders. For this, a network has been set up which consists of European and national internet portals and network services. Via the Inspire network, not only governments but also citizens and companies have access to the geo- information.

Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. (OGC) is an international not-for-profit organisation consisting of companies, government departments and universities, which plays a leading role in the development of interoperable standards for geo-spatial and localised services.

ISO/TC 211 is an important standardisation institute for world-wide geo-standards. At present there are 51 geo-standards in development or management (ISO 19101 to ISO 19151). ISO/TC 211 is a Technical Committee for Geographical Information at international level.

About Geonovum

Geonovum makes geo-information from the public sector accessible, and develops and manages the standards necessary for this. As a pioneer of the national geo-information infrastructure, Geonovum creates a bridge between policy and implementation. Geonovum consists of process managers and advisors, largely delegated from government organisations and research institutions. The organisation is financially supported by the Ministries of VROM, LNV, V&W, the Land Registry and TNO.

About RENOIR

Program RENOIR helps to further develop and implement the e-government. The focus is on  NUP (Nationaal Uitvoeringsprogramma Dienstverlening en e-overheid). RENOIR develops  anumber of generic building NUP elements and helps parties to execute and implement. RENOIR is part of ICTU. For more information: www.e-overheid/sites/renoir.

About Atos Origin

Atos Origin is a leading international information technology (IT) services company, providing hi-tech transactional services, consulting, systems integration and managed operations to deliver business outcomes globally. The company’s annual revenues are EUR 5.5 billion and it employs 50,000 people. Atos Origin is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic Games and has a client base of international companies across all sectors. Atos Origin is quoted on the Paris Eurolist Market and trades as Atos Origin, Atos Worldline and Atos Consulting.

For more information:
Erica Prins
+31 6 30 43 73 29
erica.prins@atosorigin.com