IT and Authority: Updated e-government portal gets unveiled

May 11, 2011 within the framework of the International exhibition “Svyaz-Expokomm-2011”, Rostelecom telecommunications company unveiled a new e-government portal, which enables citizens and organizations to receive e-services delivered by federal, regional and municipal authorities.

Portal’s new version is a unique flexible platform which makes it possible to get govt services via any device having Internet connection – PCs, PDAs, tablets and smartphones, including touch-screen devices. Those who have no Internet-connected devices can access portal’s new version via public infocommunication terminal - infomat.

Advantages of the portal’s new version is a more user-friendly interface, and an ability to make e-payments in a transparent and flexible way.

Within the past 2010 the portal has registered over 1 500 000 e-applications submitted to government bodies in order to receive 79 govt services. Presently the portal numbers around 1 million registered users.

The portal’s new version is running at epgu.gosuslugi.ru.

At the “Svyaz-Expokomm” exhibition Rostelecom also released a new version of a multifunctional information terminal (infomat), which enables every resident of Russia not having Internet connection to receive all e-govt services of federal, regional and municipal bodies via a unified govt services portal.

Infomat 2.0 has a new design and has been produced with introduction of modern high-tech materials, and provides a new convenient user-friendly interface. In addition, unlike its first version, the new model can connect to Internet. A Wi-Fi-enabled infomat will enable all citizens to connect to govt services portal via their own devices what will also increase the number of portal’s potential users. What is more, the new infomat can perform a function of a payphone.

Infomat is equipped with a sensor screen, scanner which helps to scan and send the necessary documents, bill acceptor, plastic card reader, check printer, video camera, microphone and a sound system for video- and audio link with a qualified consultant operator at the call center.

Infomat allows paying taxes, penalties, fees and other charges in cash or by credit card.