Microsoft Corp. and WISeKey announced that they were selected by the Regional Government of Biscay for the delivery of a comprehensive e-Government Citizen Services Platform. To bring about this change every government needs a commitment at the highest level. It is not only a commitment in broad terms to achieve the vision of an e-government, but also a commitment to undertake the practical necessary steps. First there must be a clear strategy. Then the policy, procurement and technical issues in that strategy must be driven forward. Partnerships need to be developed. At all levels throughout the government, a culture of innovation and learning has to be fostered.

    This EUR17.4 million project includes a leading-edge identity federation that enables the establishment of customized citizen portals adapted to the needs and the interests of each citizen in a real Web 2.0 environment. Governments have recognised the need to change their procedures to provide services and information centred on the citizen. By harnessing the advances in technology, making services more accessible through multiple channels and more responsive by providing joined up services, the citizen has access to information relating to services through a unique point of contact.

    "BiscayTIK shall allow our citizens to benefit from leading edge services that propel our region into the 21st century at the forefront of social and economic development, with support of first class partners such as Microsoft and WISeKey, fully committed to joining us in developing our world class technology center", stated Mr. Jose Luis Bilbao, Deputy General of Bizkaia, Spain.

    Part of the solution to be delivered by WISeKey is a new generation semantic validation system which leverages the Web 2.0 functionalities and goes further by taking Citizen services into Web 3.0 interactions. Essentially, citizens will be able to access and transact through citizen services online with different logon mechanisms. Depending on the logon mechanism used, the Citizen portal will be adapted automatically to the functionalities allowed by the logon mechanism used.

    Microsoft has long recognized the responsibility to enable access to technology in ways that help people realize their full potential," Michel Van der Bel Vice President Public Sector of Microsoft International said. "We are working closely with partners like WISeKey with governments around the world on progressing technology policy issues and providing technology solutions that address the unique IT needs of governments, educators and non-profit organization."

    Part of the solution to be delivered by WISeKey is a new generation semantic validation system which leverages the Web 2.0 functionalities and Web 3.0 interactions.  The E-Government Strategy fastens WISeKey based technologies, applications and skills together to enable all tiers of public sectors to move towards electronic government, with the objective to become a world leader in its field. WISeKey's track record in assisting governments and International Organizations since 1999 is impressive. So far, WISeKey has assisted governments understanding that E-government is not just about technology and electronic service delivery; it is about using security, legislation, information and communication technologies to improve the delivery, quality and accessibility of public services built around the needs of the citizen and customer.

    "WISeKey's long experience in securing e-Government services and its unique Trust Platform and ID portability capability are a major asset for deployment of the CSPs around the world" said Carlos Moreira, Founder and CEO of WISeKey. WISeKey has a major development center in Bizkaia and recruits local experts and will use this location as a leading center of excellence.