UK Online goes offline
- Added:
- May 28, 2004
As from today, UKOnline.gov.uk users will be re-directed to www.direct.gov.uk in an attempt to simplify online government services for UK citizens.
Where ukonline.gov.uk directed users to other sites, Directgov attempts to answer most queries without having to send users elsewhere. The site places the estimated 2,500 official government websites into themed sections.
A message on the front page of the UK Online site alerted users to the impending switch off, and today users will be asked to bookmark Directgov instead of UK Online.
The Office of the e-Envoy last month claimed that Directgov, which received its 'soft launch' in March, had been an instant hit with users.
A survey asked 100 internet users to complete a number of tasks on both Directgov and UK Online and rate the sites. Almost 90% said it was easier to access government information and public services through Directgov and 80% said they preferred it to UK Online because it offered easier access to a broader range of content.
The news follows the naming of Accenture UK MD Ian Watmore as the new Head of e-Government. He will take up the post in September following the departure of e-Envoy Andrew Pinder. The majority of the Office of the e-Envoy is to be incorporated into a new e-Government Unit from early June.
May 26 2004:
April 29 2004:
March 2 2004:
"UKOnline.gov.uk ":http://UKOnline.gov.uk
"www.direct.gov.uk ":http://www.direct.gov.uk