Government Technology magazine -- a division of e.Republic Inc. -- recently announced the launch of its Digital Communities Web site, home of a broad initiative to help communities use wireless technology and applications to expand and improve services for municipal and regional governments, businesses and citizens.

The Digital Communities Web site is sponsored by Intel Corp. and other technology vendors, and contains feature articles, news, videos, case studies, interviews and other resources to assist communities around the world in their own pursuit of the next level of digital development. In addition to the Web site, Government Technology unveiled a monthly Digital Communities newsletter, and a series of seminars and conferences.

Intel's Digital Communities initiative has already taken on an international scope involving more than a dozen "proof-of-concept" cities including Cleveland; Corpus Christi, Texas; Philadelphia; Taipei, Taiwan; Portland, Ore.; Mangaratiba, Brazil; Dusseldorf, Germany; Gyor, Hungary; Jerusalem, Israel; Principality of Monaco; Seoul, South Korea; Osaka, Japan; and Westminster, United Kingdom. Joining Intel as corporate sponsors in the new site are: Cisco, Dell, Panasonic, Sybase, Accela, CDWG and Vizible.

"A couple of years ago, we launched the unwired initiative that helped change the way mobile and wireless technology was used in and out of the workplace, greatly increasing productivity and flexibility," explained Paul Butcher, manager for state and local government, Intel. "Digital Communities builds on the unwired initiative, giving the ability to use the wireless technology and innovative applications to expand and improve services for government, businesses and citizens. The solutions and services can help enhance government efficiency, promote economic growth, foster greater community satisfaction and bridge the digital divide."

"For many years, the mission of Government Technology has been to provide community leaders with cutting-edge information that assists them in utilizing digital age tools to better serve citizens," explained Don Pearson, publisher of Government Technology. "We are excited to join with Intel in launching this new site. We hope it becomes an important and useful resource for worldwide communities interested in pursuing the Digital Communities vision."
KW