Communication acknowledges the importance of cooperation among stakeholders in achieving the European Union’s eGovernment objectives

Brussels, Belgium (17th February 2006) – The Business Software Alliance (BSA) today welcomed the launch of the European Commission Communication on interoperability as a pragmatic step toward the implementation of eGovernment services across Europe.

The Communication builds on relevant DG Information Society and Media and DG Enterprise and Industry activities, acknowledging the challenges and complexities involved. Crucially, the report recognises the policy adjustments that will need to be made from existing guidelines, including the first version of the European Interoperability Framework, to achieve eGovernment interoperability. The Communication also calls on Member States to develop cooperation and coordination on organisational and semantic aspects required for effective pan-European eGovernment services.

Commenting on the Communication, Benoît Müller, Director of Software Policy Europe at the BSA said, “We strongly support the Commission’s efforts to bring the benefits of eGovernment to Europe’s citizens and we share the goal of promoting interoperability across Government agencies”. He added, “The BSA will continue to work with the European Commission and others to further promote a policy framework conducive to interoperability, while our member companies will continue to partner with governments and agencies across the EU building the technical infrastructure and working through industry standards organisations to advance technical interoperability.”

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About BSA

The Business Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the foremost organization dedicated to promoting a safe and legal digital world.  BSA is the voice of the world's commercial software industry and its hardware partners before governments and in the international marketplace.  Its members represent one of the fastest growing industries in the world.  BSA programs foster technology innovation through education and policy initiatives that promote copyright protection, cyber security, trade and e-commerce.  BSA members include Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Avid, Bentley Systems, Borland, Cadence Design Systems, Cisco Systems, CNC Software/Mastercam, Dell, Entrust, HP, IBM, Intel, Internet Security Systems, McAfee, Microsoft, PTC, RSA Security, SAP, SolidWorks, Sybase, Symantec, Synopsys, The MathWorks and UGS.

For more information: John Mandeville, APCO Europe, 32 2 645 9842 or jmandeville@apco-europe.com