WordPress in Government

It’s a C.M.S…..not the one you think.

By Nagarajan M, IASEmail: naga@na.ga

WP

To Me

Is A

Itch7 Year

Why I Love WordPress?

• Expanded my horizons – into web, technology and internet

• Helped me innovate – Applying concepts and tools to right context

• Like DARPA – Internet – Internet of Things• Drone – Afghan war – delivering books–

Delivering blood for emergencies• How can we apply WordPress to right

context

• Simple and user friendly

• Most Suited for digital engagement

Sharing of Content

Building Community

• Lowest barrier to entry

• For organization

• For Users

Why WordPress

• Trends in Govt technology – Web 2.0 to Gov 2.0

• Government as a Platform – Tim O’Reilley

• To me – Government is creator and enabler of Platforms.

• Low funds – higher expectations

• Digital engagement requires Digital presence

• WP can enable digital presence with the least friction.

Where WordPress Stands?

S.W.O.T

Strengths•The indomitable WP SPIRIT• Wide User base - Community Knowledge• It helps those who need it the most.• It empowers people to help others•Low entry barrier – technology funds and adoption

•Wide options – themes, plugins and budget

Weakness•Seen as just a blogging tool•Security concerns•SPAM•Incompatibility issues – eg. WP Engine

Opportunities•Create a special install profile for Gov sector•Themes and plugins for Gov applications – eg. http://wp.govfresh.com

•Dedicated Gov community within WordPress•Awareness creation among Gov stakeholders• Engaging with Gov as a Community eg. Code for America

Threats•Domination of Drupal in Gov sector•Limited data management capability•Low level of reach out•Lack of awareness by potential users•High cost – securing, backup and hosting a WP site beyond a minimal scale.

Real Implementations….

ATVT.in

• Early 2012• Familiarizatin and training

for staff• Funding issue – no budget

Krushimela.atvt.in

• April 2013• 20 staff across 13 talukas• 3 marathon meetings• Handholding for content preparation• 30min video to 3 min clip• New way of thinking and acting• Not defined in rules• Everyone is a reporter now

Actual Government site page was embedded in iFrame to enable seamless

user experience.

• June to Dec 2012• Gujarat 2012 Election• Content preparation – handholding• Integration of existing web services

• Youtube Videos were listed using TubePress plugin

• Simple way to achieve high user satisfaction

• Search page of Chief election Officer of Gujarat was embedded to bring all services under one roof.

• Simple <iframe> embed

• Good UX

• Webcasting of Polling Booths using Ustream.Tv

A website for each and every Gram Panchayat

Inaugurated on 25th Jan 2014 (yesterday)

www.Egram.info

Village Information PortalIts in public Alpha presently since Jan 25th, 2014

Features of eGram Web

• Affordable • RT I Application• NREGA Job Demand• Disability Certificate Registration• Works Demand – CC Road, Gutterline, water

tank etc…. • Many more to come….

• Open Government – Tools needed for data creation, data management and data dissemination

• Example – www.Data.gov.in

• Drupal – US Gov Collaboration

• www.Sites.Usa.Gov - Multisite WP for Gov.

• 5 stars of open data

Technology Trends in Government

5 Stars of Data

★ make your stuff available on the web (whatever format)

★★make it available as structured data (e.g. excel instead of image scan of a table)

★★★ non-proprietary format (e.g. csv instead of excel)

★★★★ use URLs to identify things, so that people can point at your stuff

★★★★★ link your data to other people’s data to provide context

Source: www.5stardata.info

How WordPress Can Synergize

• SocialGov – Build social tools for Gov Agencies

• OpenGov – build workflow and reporting tools to gather, maintain and disseminate data.

• DigitalGov – Help agencies better engage with citizens

• MobileGov – integrate SMS, Apps for Mobile users

Thanks for your Patience. I am honoured.

Email: naga@na.ga