Exploitation | Frequently Asked Questions
What is Government Connect?
Who owns Government Connect?
What services already are available over Government Connect?
How many local authorities are already connected to Government Connect?
We already run a service over the internet to local authorities – why would I change?
Why run a new service over Government Connect?
The new DWP Data Access Policy announced
Can any service run over GCSx?
Don’t Government Connect offer support?
What do we have to do to get a new service onto GCSx?
Do you connect to anybody else but local authorities?
How long does it take to get a new service over GCSx?
Do you charge for enabling a service over GCSx?
What do we do next?
Answers
What is Government Connect?
Government Connect is the secure government intranet. More details here…
Who owns Government Connect?
Government Connect is a centrally funded project. The project is led by DWP on behalf of DWP, DCLG and DCSF. The governance of the project includes local government representation from the local delivery council, LGA and SOCITM.
What services already are available over Government Connect?
A range of services already run over Government Connect
How many local authorities are already connected to Government Connect?
All local authorities are expected to be connected by March 31st 2009 unless they have agreed an exception with the project. In any case, it is expected that all local authorities will be connected by September 30th 2009. The current connectivity status can be found here.
We already run a service over the internet to local authorities – why would I change?
If the data you are sharing is sensitive, you should now swap to Government Connect. This will reduce your management overheads but also ....
Why run a new service over Government Connect?
If you need to share sensitive data with a local authority, you should only do so over an approved Government connection where it is available. All local authorities will have a secure connection (GCSx) by 31st March 2009 therefore this should be your preferred connectivity approach.
The new DWP Data Access Policy announced
Here is an example of how you should protect sensitive data held by your service.
In addition to security, GCSx is a fully managed connection which makes it far more reliable than an internet connection, removes the need for your project to manage separate links and is free to use until March 2011.
Can any service run over GCSx?
Any computer based services such as file transfer, email, web browsing or access to remote applications can run over GCSx. New services must be approved by the Accreditation Working Group (AWG) who will ensure the application is appropriate, does not expose the secure network in any way (such as travelling over the internet at some point) and is properly managed and supported.
Don’t Government Connect offer support?
Government Connect offer a managed service on the network and core services (such as secure email.) We also offer a first line helpdesk for all applications on the network. It is a condition of service however that the new service owner has an agreed 2nd line support service where GC can pass calls to if a problem is not with GCSx.
What do we have to do to get a new service onto GCSx?
There is a defined process which can be found here. In general however you will need to define what your service is and who your end local authorities are, demonstrate that your service has management support and funding and then work with Government Connect to gain approval from AWG.
Do you connect to anybody else but local authorities?
GCSx is a secure network for local authorities. Other organisations have similar networks available which are described here. Therefore, if you have a service which requires local authorities and other organisations to share data it is possible to connect them all, subject to the other organisations being on an appropriate network.
How long does it take to get a new service over GCSx?
Each service takes a different length of time to define and approve and ranges from 3 months to 6 months. The actual technical configuration is relatively simple therefore the more information you give us and the better defined your project is, the quicker we can enable it. We recommend that you pick a couple of pilot local authorities first to test your service but after that, it is a matter of you communicating with local authorities to encourage them to adopt your service.
Do you charge for enabling a service over GCSx?
No. The network is centrally funded until March 31st 2011. All that we ask is that you allocate dedicated resource to work with us from your project. This will include somebody responsible for business, technical and communications.
After March 31st 2011, charging will be based on usage and any charging mechanism will be developed during 2009-2010.
If your service wishes to become more involved in GCSx (such as becoming a full funding partner or becoming a member of the management team) because the service is central to your business, please contact Government Connect on gc.info@dwp.gsi.gov.uk to discuss.
What do we do next?
A downloadable Government Exploitation Pack will be available soon, in the meantime please book an appointment with Government Connect by contacting us.
©2008 Government Connect |