An e-Government application using Open Source Software

Sogei S.p.A., as an ICT company entirely owned by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), has designed, implemented and currently runs the MEF information system and in this role supports Agenzia del Territorio initiatives, by providing ICT solutions. Agenzia del Territorio (AdT), as the national body responsible for the management of the Italian real estate register (Cadastre), operates under the supervision of the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). The paper illustrates a case study showing the use of Open Source Software products to develop an e-Government system. This case study explains how Sogei has changed a client server application into a WEB based one, empowering the functionalities offered to AdT civil servants, as well as to the citizens. Although the case study presented is not directly related to African Countries, or to LIC or MIC, we believe that this can become a good example of Open Source applications in a complex environment such as the Italian Cadastre. The study highlights the cost savings and improvements in service delivery achieved, which are undoubtedly issues of interest to Developing Countries given that budget constraints are priorities in the implementation of a project.