Opportunities to Connect
Connecting to Central Government
GCSX should be regarded by both central and local Government as the de-facto option for data transfer because it provides an unequalled level of security and is good value. Significant potential exists for increasing the data transmitted between local and central Government over GCSX
Connecting to PNN / CJX
GCSX is already securely connected to the Police National Network and the Criminal Justice sector through the Public Sector Interconnect and should therefore be used for secure information sharing between local authorities, the Police and CJX users. Local authorities should also consider replacing existing CJSM email accounts with GCSX email in order to make savings by decommissioning encryption devices, improve security and simplify secure connectivity into the authority.
Connecting to other Local Authorities
GCSX connects all local authorities and is being provided at no cost until 2011. Authorities should therefore consider using their GCSX connection for sharing information with other local authorities. Where the requirement for connection is minor - a small number of connections over a short haul, for example - then GCSX may not always be suitable. However, GCSX has created a secure connection with every local authority and if there is underutilised capacity new point to point links may well be avoided.
GCSX is also likely to be a suitable choice for more strategic shared services involving a larger number of organisations.
Connection to the NHS
It is already possible to securely transfer Patient Identifiable Data between GCSX email users and NHS.net email users. The Department of Health is currently assessing use of GCSX as an alternative to N3. Developments in this respect are anticipated and local authorities should consider this before committing to N3.
Connecting with Fire & Rescue
There is currently no Fire & Rescue Service (FRS) network in place and although some connectivity between FRS and local authorities exists (where, for example, the FRS is already connected to the GCSX compliant local authority network), there is a clear business case for more comprehensive FRS connectivity to the secure GCSX and the wider public sector secure communications infrastructure. This could be achieved by a FRS either joining an existing GCSX aggregate connection or by procuring a dedicated GCSX circuit.
Connecting to Outsourced Delivery Partners
A variant of GSi called GSE should be the preferred choice of connecting commercial suppliers to local authorities for services that involve the exchange of sensitive data. Local authorities should expect major providers (eg Northgate, Capita) to have already established GSE connections and therefore no longer require new dedicated point-to-point links for new customers or requirements – to the benefit of all local authorities.
Connecting the Authority
Local authorities may find scenarios whereby an additional GCSX circuit may be the most economical route to extending their network presence to a new site. This is most likely to be where a 2Mb connection is needed and is lower cost than a single point to point link.
Connecting to the Internet
Potential exists for utilising the existing GCSX connection to provide local authorities with either their primary or resilient Internet connectivity.
To read about the central/local initiatives that Government Connect is involved with click here.
To read more about local government initiatives that Government Connect is supporting please click here.
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