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06.01.10 Governments Begin Implementation Of Open Data Apps  By Joe GriffinEver since the dawn of the Internet era, many web developers and tech companies have envisioned a world where people from all over the globe can communicate and be connected as one. Since then, a lot of innovations have happened. From the start-up social networking sites, blog sites, video upload and download sites, all the way up to what we have right now, the Internet has come a long way and is on the right direction to succeed on its earlier vision. Despite this, many experts say that the potential of the Internet has just been barely tapped. As day goes by, more and more ideas are hitting the Internet. This trend gives users more and more options in the way that they go about their lives. Open Data Apps for Government Usage The implementation of open data applications in the world's governments may be the most ambitious goal yet. In many cases, governments take care of everything that their citizens will need. Most of the time, citizens are in the background of anything that their governments are doing. This means that they are not really informed about the details of their government's works and that they are made to take their government's word for everything. The use of open data apps by governments aims to address all of these. It aims to make citizens informed and empower them to participate in the way that they run their country. Open Data is not really new but it has been often overlooked since its entire impact is not really felt strongly yet. Many analysts say that we are only in the dawn of the open data app era. Open Data Apps are apps specifically made for the public that enables them to have access to public info kept by their governments. Some of these apps deliver information about public finances, taxes, new city projects, and many more. "Open data apps are becoming ever-more effective, but insofar as they have actually had a dramatic ‘effect' on the systems that most influence our lives, we still have a long way to go," remarks Jake Brewer, Sunlight Foundation's engagement director. Usefulness of Open Data Apps in Public Governance As has been mentioned, the purpose of these open data apps is to make the public informed and aware of the things that are constantly happening around them. Apps that would help them get updated on how their local government is managing their funds, where their tax money goes and others are important. Projects like the aptly-named Apps for Democracy have recently begun to gain popularity. Media attention following these apps are said to be just the beginning of a more informed and open worldwide community. The Open Data Apps basically bring a lot of good to the public. An immediate effect of the "open government" is it makes governments transparent and accountable. It is a fact that most people want their governments to be always accountable and transparent. They want to make sure that everything is being addressed and that no problems are left unsolved. Most people air their grievances to their governments but most of the time to no avail. Open Data Apps will enable the public to be in the know about the progress their governments are making. This will also make it easier for them to report their problems, submit suggestions and help their governments in addressing the issues of their communities. Issues with Open Data Implementation Continue reading this article. About the Author: Joe has over 12 years experience in the search engine marketing industry. He co-founded Submitawebsite.com in 1997, served as a Vice President, Media at iCrossing for 3-years, and sold Submitawebsite to Web.com (Nasdaq:WWWW) in April 2007. Joe now serves a top-level advisor to the Web.com executive team. Joe provides consulting for Internet start-ups, and is active in the investment banking arena. Joe keeps us up to date on recent trends on his blog, Search Concepts. Joe Griffin Dir. Corporate Strategy Web.com |
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