Government Site Builder (GSB) & TYPO3

GSB is an online solution for managing web content. It helps with the development, maintenance, publication, and approval of content on the Internet, intranet, and extranet. The itz bund supports this solution. In general, “Government Site Builder (GSB)” is the content management solution for the German federal administration.

GSB was developed in 2005 as part of the BundOnline eGovernment initiative. It is an important part of a content management system (CMS) and uses open source components.

GSB is used by ministerial, state, supreme courts, and many subordinate federal institutions. GSB is also the website of the federal administration of the state of Schleswig-Holstein. Extensions and modules have been developed to reduce the time and financial costs of introducing a CMS.

GSB 7

GSB 7 was first releasedin 2010 published and reached its peak with over 1,000 government websites. After 2019, it was no longer supported. It was replaced by GSB Version 10. This version is based on the open source CMS TYPO3. This is an important development in the field of content management systems.

Key features of GSB version 7, the first released version, are the release and sharing of content.

• Ease of use: The software is easy to use, even for non-technical users. It has a drag-and-drop interface and predefined templates.
• Security: Met the high security standards of the German government.
• Accessibility: Complied with accessibility standards, making it accessible to people with disabilities.
• Multilingualism: Supported multiple languages.

GSB 10 is the current version of the content management system (CMS) used by German federal and state governments to create and manage their websites.

Version 10 was developed by the Federal Office for Information Technology (BITB) and is an open source solution. It was released in June 2018. Version 10 uses entirely open source software. It utilizes open source components, which makes it more affordable. It is also more adaptable for public sector agencies.

The main features of GSB version 10 are the comprehensive functions for the creation and provision of information.

• Flexible: The solution can be easily adapted to the needs of different authorities. This is important for their efficiency. It offers many functions and modules. These can be added or removed as needed for the Internet.
• Security: The solution meets the German government's high security standards. It includes a range of security features such as encryption and intrusion detection.
• Accessibility: Accessibility standards and is therefore accessible to people with disabilities.
• Multilingual: The product of the latest technology can support multiple languages.
• Responsive: The websites are responsive. This means they can be displayed on any device, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
• Social media integration: The solution has features for integrating social media into government websites. It also helps answer questions.

The development and management of government websites is about to introduce Government Site Builder 11, which is based on TYPO3. The rollout was originally planned for early 2024. There are major changes underway in Germany.

These affect authorities such as ministries, cities, and municipalities. This also includes process quality assurance. The software currently in use, version 10, will be obsolete after 2025.

It is important to choose a new open-source software solution. This will make work easier, faster, and more secure for federal authorities in the future.

The security, reliability, and flexibility of TYPO3 are important. These features make TYPO3 one of the best frameworks. It is used for the new Government Site Builder 11, also known as Site Builder.

What is unique about TYPO3? TYPO3 is an open-source community. Here, people from different states come together to work and exchange ideas. This creates an active environment for innovation and development.

The widespread use and familiarity with TYPO3, which many federal agencies use, facilitates the transition to GSB 11. This shortens the learning curve and ensures a smooth migration process.

TYPO3 is a powerful CMS. It is a popular choice for public sector agencies worldwide. There are several reasons why TYPO3 is a trusted choice for these organizations:

• Security: TYPO3 was developed with a focus on security. It offers many features that protect government websites from attacks. For example, TYPO3 can be used for two-factor authentication. It also has an integrated intrusion detection system. The system is regularly updated with security patches and complies with strict coding standards, which are important for any software.
• Scalability: TYPO3 can be used for websites of any size, ranging from small municipal sites to large national government agencies. The system can be easily expanded to include new features and functionalities as needed.
• Flexibility: TYPO3 is a flexible system that can be adapted to the specific requirements of any government agency. TYPO3 offers many features and extensions. These help to create websites that meet the requirements of any administration. For example, TYPO3 can be used to create multilingual websites or accessible web pages.
• Open Source: TYPO3 is an open-source system based on version 7. This means it can be used and modified free of charge. This can be a major advantage for government agencies looking for a cost-effective option for software costs. The open-source nature of TYPO3 has a large community of developers who offer support and assistance.
• Compliance: TYPO3 can be used to create websites that comply with many regulations. These include accessibility standards and data protection laws. The system has many features that help organizations meet these requirements, especially when it comes to data protection.
• Large community: TYPO3 has a large and active community of developers and users. This means that there is plenty of help and support available from the community when you need it.

Main advantages that GSB 11 utilizes by implementing TYPO3 for public authorities:

Main advantages that gsb 11 utilizes by implementing TYPO3 as a product for public authorities:

Efficiency and cost savings:

• Open source platform: there are no license fees, which significantly reduces initial costs.
• Simplified content management: The user-friendly interface and simple workflows help you create and update content quickly. This saves time and resources.
• Reusable components and templates: Prefabricated elements and flexible templates reduce the amount of work involved. This means that less individual coding is required.
• Reduced maintenance costs: The robust architecture of TYPO3 and the support provided by the community reduce maintenance costs. This makes it easier to publish content.

Smooth transition:

• Familiar platform for many government agencies: TYPO3 is widely used in the public sector. The transition of existing websites is easier and requires less effort TYPO3 training for the staff.
• Modular approach: GSB 11 allows for gradual migration of components. This minimizes disruptions and simplifies implementation.
• Integration with existing systems: Government Site Builder 11 (GSB 11) enables easy integration with legacy systems. This ensures that important data and functions are retained.

Long-term stability:

• Secure platform: TYPO3 offers a stable and secure foundation. Regular updates and patches ensure reliability.
• Active community: The large TYPO3 community provides maintenance and development. This keeps your website future-proof.
• Compliance with standards: Version 11 meets accessibility and security standards. This minimizes risks and ensures viability.
• Use of TYPO3 with GSB 11: Public authorities can use their resources efficiently. Migration to new systems is also supported.
• Improved citizen participation: User-friendly features and a mobile design enhance the user experience and interaction.
• Improved accessibility: Version 11 complies with WCAG standards. This ensures greater inclusion and supports citizens with disabilities.
• Multilingual support: Creating content in multiple languages is easy. Multilingual support helps with this.
• Integration with social media: Communication and information dissemination are facilitated by the integration of social media.

Finally, Government Site Builder 11, powered by TYPO3, offers a product for public authorities. These authorities want to create secure and future-proof websites. These websites should meet the needs of their citizens.

The partnership helps governments improve their services. This enables them to offer more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric services. By using both platforms, public authorities get a powerful and cost-effective solution.

This solution helps them build and manage their online presence!