Government Site Builder (GSB) & TYPO3

GSB is the online web content management solution for the development, maintenance, release and publication of content on the Internet, intranet and extranet, which is supported by itzbund . In general, "Government Site Builder (GSB)" is the content management solution for the German federal administration. It was developed in 2005 as part of the e-government initiative BundOnline as a basic component of a content management system (CMS), including open source components.

The GSB is used by ministerial, federal, supreme courts and many subordinate federal institutions. GSB is also the website of the federal administration of the state of Schleswig-Holstein.

The Government Site Builder offers a standard solution (GSB sl) that covers all the common tasks of a content management solution, making it an important CMS gsb sl for the administration. Extensions and modules have been developed to reduce the time and financial outlay involved in introducing a CMS.

GSB 7

GSB 7 was first releasedin 2010 and reached its peak with over 1,000 government websites. After 2019, however, it was no longer supported and was replaced by GSB version 10, which is based on the open source CMS TYPO3, representing a significant 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: Designed to be easy to use even for non-technical users - with a drag-and-drop interface and predefined templates provided as a hosting service.
• 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 latest version of the content management system (CMS) for the provision of information 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 released in June 2018. Unlike its predecessor, version 10 is based entirely on open source software and uses open source components, making it more cost-effective and customizable for government agencies in the public sector.

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

• Flexible: The solution can be easily customized to meet the specific needs of different government agencies, which is an important measure of its efficiency. It offers a variety of functions and modules that can be added or removed as required for the internet.
• Security: The solution meets the high security standards of the German government. It includes a range of security features such as encryption and intrusion detection.
• Accessibility: It complies with accessibility standards and is therefore accessible to people with disabilities.
• Multilingual: The latest technology product can support multiple languages.
• Responsive: The websites are responsive, which means that they can be displayed on any device such as computer, tablet or smartphone.
• Social media integration: The solution includes features for integrating social media into government websites and answering questions.

Development and management of government websites is about to take center stage with the launch of Government Site Builder 11, which is based on TYPO3. The rollout was originally planned for early 2024. Germany is facing major changes that will affect authorities such as ministries, cities and municipalities, including the quality assurance of processes. This is because the software currently in use, version 10, will make their websites obsolete after 2025. It is very important for them to opt for a new open source software solution that will make work easier, faster and more secure for federal authorities in the future.

TYPO3's security, reliability, and flexibility as a cms make it the best framework for the new Government Site Builder 11, also known as site builder. What is unique about TYPO3? TYPO3 is an open source community where people from different countries come together to work, share ideas and cross boundaries, creating an active environment for innovation and development. The widespread use and familiarity with TYPO3, which is already used by many federal agencies, eases the transition to GSB 11, shortens learning time and ensures a smooth migration process.

TYPO3 is a powerful CMS that has become a popular choice for federal and government agencies in the public sector worldwide. There are several reasons why TYPO3 is a trusted choice for these organizations:

• Security: TYPO3 was developed with security in mind and has a variety of features that protect government websites from attack. For example, TYPO3 can be used to implement two-factor authentication, and it has a built-in intrusion detection system. The system is regularly updated with security patches and adheres to strict coding standards that are important for any software.
• Scalability: TYPO3 can be used to create websites of any size, from small municipal websites to large national agencies and government websites. The development of the system can be easily expanded to include new features and functionalities as required.
• Flexibility: TYPO3 is a flexible system that can be customized to meet the specific needs of any government agency. TYPO3 offers a variety of features and extensions that can be used to create websites and web pages that meet the unique requirements of each administration and its web presence. For example, TYPO3 can be used to create multilingual websites or websites that are accessible to people with disabilities.
• Open Source: TYPO3 is an open source system based on version 7 which means it is free to use and modify. This can be a great advantage for government agencies looking for a cost-effective option for software costs. In addition, the open source nature of TYPO3 means that there is a large community of developers who can provide support and assistance.
• Compliance: TYPO3 can be used to create websites that comply with a variety of government regulations, including accessibility standards and privacy laws. The system has a number of built-in features that can help organizations meet these compliance requirements, particularly in relation 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 from the community if 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 intuitive workflows enable a download for faster content creation and updating, saving time and resources.
• Reusable components and templates: Pre-built elements and flexible templates reduce development time and effort by minimizing the need for custom coding.
• Reduced maintenance costs: TYPO3's robust architecture and active community support contribute to lower maintenance costs, making it easier to publish content.

Smooth transition:

• Familiar platform for many government agencies: because TYPO3 is widely used in the public sector, the transition of existing websites is smoother and requires less training and education for staff.
• Modular approach: GSB 11 allows for the gradual migration of components to minimize disruption and enable a phased implementation.
• Integration with existing systems: Government Site Builder 11 (GSB 11) promotes seamless integration with legacy systems and preserves valuable data and functionality.

Long-term stability:

• Mature and secure platform: TYPO3 provides a stable and secure foundation with regular updates and patches to ensure long-term reliability.
• Support from the active community: The large and dedicated TYPO3 community guarantees consistent maintenance and continuous development to future-proof your website.
• Standards compliance: Version 11 complies with accessibility and security standards to minimize compliance risks and ensure long-term viability.
• In addition, using TYPO3 with GSB 11 allows public agencies to efficiently utilize the resources and web presence available to them while ensuring migration to new systems.
• Improved citizen engagement: User-friendly features and a mobile design enhance user experience and interaction.
• Improved accessibility: Version 11 compliance with WCAG standards as a quality assurance measure ensures broader inclusion and empowers citizens with disabilities.
• Multilingual support: Creating content in multiple languages is simplified with multilingual support and download of content in multiple languages.
• Integration with social media: Effective communication and asking for information dissemination is facilitated by seamless social media integration.

Finally, Government Site Builder 11, powered by TYPO3, provides a product for public authorities who want to create robust, secure and future-proof websites that meet the needs of their citizens. This partnership enables governments to deliver on their commitment to consolidate services and develop efficient, transparent and citizen-centric services. By leveraging the strengths of both platforms, public agencies gain access to a robust, adaptable and cost-effective solution for building and managing their online presence.