Government Site Builder (GSB) & TYPO3

GSB is an online solution for managing web content. It helps develop, maintain, publish, and approve Internet, intranet, and extranet content. 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 content management system (CMS) and uses open source components.

GSB is used by ministerial, state, and 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 released in 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 essential 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). German federal and state governments use it 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 creating and providing 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 ensure that it is 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 government is about to launch Government Site Builder 11. This new tool is based on TYPO3. The rollout was initially planned for early 2024. There are significant 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 essential 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. These are the critical issues that make TYPO3 one of the best frameworks. TYPO3 is the framework used for the new Government Site Builder 11, also known as Site Builder.

What makes TYPO3 different? TYPO3 is part of an open-source community. People from other states work together in a common space and have a common means of communication. A shared commitment creates a very active environment for innovation and development.

The familiarity of TYPO3, as many federal agencies have utilized TYPO3, enables the transition into GSB 11. This minimizes the learning curve and creates an easy 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 gets regular updates with security patches. It follows strict coding standards, which are important for software.
• Scalability: TYPO3 works for websites of all sizes, from small local sites to large national government agencies. The system can easily expand 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 create multilingual websites or accessible web pages.
• Open Source: TYPO3 is an open-source system that is now on version 7. Open source means you can use and change it for free. This is a big benefit for government bodies that want cheaper software options. The open-source nature of TYPO3 has created a large community of developers. They are ready to provide support and help.
• Compliance: TYPO3 can be used to build websites that comply with various regulations. These include accessibility, data protection, and other compliance measures that eligible organizations must manage. TYPO3 has many features available to organizations, especially data protection compliance measures.
• Big community: TYPO3 has a large and active community of developers and users. This means that there is a lot of help and support available from the community when needed.

Main advantages that GSB 11 utilizes by implementing TYPO3 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 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 migration:

• Familiar platform for many government sectors: TYPO3 is widely used in public services. This makes moving existing websites easier and less complicated. Training staff in TYPO3 is also simpler.
• Modular: GSB 11 allows parts to migrate, reducing disruptions and complications.
• Integrated: GSB 11 offers great user integration with old systems. This means key communications and functions can be kept as much as possible.

Long-term stability:

• Secure: TYPO3 is a stable and secure building platform, with considerable patches and updates that can be relied upon.
• Vibrant community: The large TYPO3 community helps with maintenance and development. This makes your website more future-proof.
• Standards compliant: Version 11 meets accessibility and security standards. This reduces risk and improves usability.
• Use of TYPO3 & GSB 11: Public authorities can combine their resources. They can also make it easier to move to new systems.
• Improved citizen participation: Purposeful design and ease of use features improved citizen experience and interaction.
• Improved accessibility: Version 11 complies with WCAG, which means there is more inclusion, including citizens with disabilities.
• Multilingual: It creates the ability to create content in different languages, which is helpful for multilingual support.
• Integration of social media: Integration improves communication and dissemination of information.

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!