Scotland's capital city has set up an internet portal allowing users to personalise their own content and gain access to education, arts and information resources.
The service, funded through the Scottish Executive's e-government budget, includes information provided by a network of public sector organisations and community groups across Edinburgh. It was made available to the public on 18 November 2003.
People living in the city are able to get an email address through the site, can contribute to discussion forums and are provided with access to city maps, directories and a personal calendar.
The £480,000 portal also allows people to design their own homepage with features for selecting localised news and information.
It was created by Edinburgh's Lifelong Learning Partnership, and software developer MercuryTide. Around 150 organisations are involved in the portal including 12 community councils, adult education groups and the Heart of Midlothian football club.
Councillor Donald Wilson, who is responsible for modernising government in Edinburgh, said providing citizens with online services is one of the council's "core objectives".
"myEdinburgh, and the associated Cityconnect Community ICT training programme will play a central enabling role in this area, by supporting digitally excluded communities and providing web based resources focused specifically on the needs of citizens and community groups," he said.
Quelle: Kablenet, 18.11.2003
