Open Objects launch the Family and Community Hub

Cambridge, UK. - July 2008

Open Objects Software, a leading provider of data harvesting, database and data search solutions, today announced the launch of the Family and Community Hub, a complete online Directory solution for Family Information Services (FIS).

Open Objects is already a recognised leader in the provision of Children and Youth Services Directories for local authorities. In the last year over twenty five authorities have switched to using an Open Objects directory for Children’s services and also to publicise Positive Activities for the Young People, including Somerset County Council, Gloucestershire County Council, London Borough of Haringey, London Borough of Barnet.

The Family and Community Hub which is being launched under the tagline ‘Service Directories made easy’ provides local authorities with one single system from which they can deliver any set of public directories that they require. Information held in the Hub can be re-used and shared between directories aimed at specific local audiences.

The Family and Community Hub acts as a focal system for the authority, which can pull information about services, advice and guidance from a wide range of sources into a shared pot from which the Directory websites can be assembled. It saves time by automating many information update tasks using an innovative data harvesting technique.

The Family and Community Hub also addresses a new requirement for local authorities by providing a built-in ISPP data bridge. This enables local authorities to easily exchange information with the new Information System for Parents and Providers (ISPP) portal currently under development by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). This will be a ‘must have’ for authorities to be able to complete their statutory obligations to provide information on registered childcare providers within their locality.

"We see the ISPP as part of the continued trend towards broadening of the information remit from just Childcare provision to a much fuller vision of Family Services, encompassing Childcare, Youth Services, Family and Practitioner Services and Community Services.”, says Gavin Cameron at Open Objects, “So we are pleased to be announcing the Family and Community Hub at this time. The days of standalone service directories are numbered – we very much see the need for sharing information and servicing many online needs from one hub as the way forward. Why would you duplicate effort when you can achieve a better and more sustainable result by joining up your directory systems?"

About Open Objects Software

Open Objects provide advanced solutions for local government around the theme; Discover. Share. Search. These directly address the challenges of e-government and transformational government promoting greater public access to information and enabling information sharing within single authorities and strategic partnerships. One in five of all councils in the UK use Open Objects solutions for websites, online directories or intranet.

For more details, please see www.openobjects.com.

Contacts for more information:

Antony Griffiths / Gavin Cameron, Open Objects Software: 01223 422200