IBM Targets Smart Cities, Government ServicesIBM Targets Smart Cities, Government Services

IBM has assembled some of its leading software into an integrated package that government agencies can use to deliver their services.

The new IBM Government Industry Framework pulls together applications, middleware, and server products for use by local, state, and federal government agencies. The platform is being sold through IBM Global Services, third party systems integrators and directly to government customers.

"IBM has decades of experience working with various government entities worldwide and understands the need for a unified approach," Gerry Mooney, IBM's general manager for global government and education, said in a statement. "We are bringing that expertise to a single integrated platform that can now connect different agency teams for real-time views that span the entire government structure, allowing for a quicker, more targeted response as situations of all kinds emerge."

IBM has taken a similar approach in other industries, integrating its products for public health agencies, hospitals, and energy companies, to name a few.

IBM's Government Industry Framework draws upon the company's WebSphere, Rational, Tivoli, and Lotus lines. The software will be available on IBM servers or through IBM's cloud computing infrastructure.

The framework accommodates applets and extensions for different facets of government. The software is aimed at five specific areas: tax and revenue management, safety and security, social services, transportation, and "integrated urban infrastructures" or "smart cities."

The social services agency in Alameda County, Calif., is using IBM software it to build The Alameda Social Services Integrated Reporting System, which helps the agency identify fraudulent claims.

IBM is working with ISVs to layer software on top of its framework. Curam Software, for example, is building case management software to sell to social services agencies.

information Analytics has published a guide to the Open Government Directive and what it means for federal CIOs. Download the report here (registration required).