Management Toolkit

Councils join data-sharing scheme

Kablenet.com

Published: 18 Apr 2008 09:41 BST

A group of 10 councils plans to share access to confidential data using Microsoft's digital identity system.

The local authorities taking part in the project are Newham, Bromley, Derby, Isle of Man, Kent, Lewisham, Rotherham, Sunderland, Wakefield and Warwick.

Geoff Connell, chief information officer at LB Newham, said: "Recent security breaches have highlighted the need to enhance IT security in governmental organisations. Using [Microsoft's virtual] information cards makes it easier for the group to share information in a secure manner."

The local authorities are part of the Shared Learning Group, which helps to share best practice and collaborate on innovative IT solutions in line with the aims of the Transformational Government strategy. Eduserv, a not-for-profit IT services group, will provide the 10 authorities with the Microsoft CardSpace identity management system, which works with applications running on Windows, and manage the authentication.

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Connell, who is also chair of the Shared Learning Group, added: "Over four million students and researchers in UK colleges and universities, the NHS and organisations worldwide use Athens and OpenAthens, Eduserv's AIM systems, to access online information resources. The goal of the Shared Learning Group is to help UK local authorities to improve the efficiency and security of their AIM processes."

Initially the councils will use their online identities to share internal documents relating to the group. The Shared Learning Group should be able to access and share documents securely, as well as taking part in discussions relating to the group on a dedicated portal.