IM Enabled Research Project

The focus of the project was on the simplification of access to real-time communication for use by widely different eGovernment services. Furthermore, already existing applications were updated with instant messaging (IM) technology (presence and "push" communications).

Project goals

• Development of different IM applications in the three countries taking part: Ireland, Germany and Italy
• Investigation of the legal basis for prototype applications
• Market validation on the basis of surveys
• Design of an introduction strategy for IM technology
• Generation of a business plan for the development of IM services
• Publication of project results
• Evaluation of project results on the basis of test runs
• Documentation of the public view concerning eGovernment IM services and generation of recommendations for the practical operation of IM enabled eGovernment services.

Prototype development of IM alarming and communication during hazardous situations

The "Zimbie" IM software specially developed by the project partners for this project was used. This was used for the generation, implementation and provision of IM applications and services. The server of the provider makes these services globally available and with the simplest means to every computer.

Zimbie is intended as an additional possible information channel for alarming and communication. The following functions have been developed and tested:

• A "chat room" (virtual conversation room) for the information centre and the disaster victims and the operations management. This enables the personal and detailed clarification of information content.
• A "chat room"for the disaster victims and operations management in order to coordinate further actions on the basis of information from the central provider.
• Automatically generated answers e.g. for intensity level measurement sites (display of the intensity level or alarm stages) and an information server (situation reports, emergency plan) via Zimbie.

Funding programme
With the TEN programme, the European Community supports the development of trans-European-oriented telecommunications networks for the operation of electronic services. The focus is upon public services, in particular in regions in which Europe has a competitive advantage.