Macromedia launches for UK Government

The new site will work to aid the public sector to create websites and "rich Internet applications" which are interactive, accessible and secure, according to Macromedia.

The Government has come under pressure to make its 2005 deadline for bringing all services online. Coupled with this is a barrage of criticism it has received for ignoring its own 'mandatory' guidelines on how to make websites more accessible with its own sites failing 'simple' tests, following a study from site measurement company SiteMorse.

A report released last month by Accenture ranked the UK ninth out of 22 countries in terms of how the Government has developed its online presence. The same company also reported that the UK had slipped down the world rankings to 9th as a result of slow take-up of offering its services online.

UK Government Business Manager Terry Robinson said: "Macromedia believes that online services should be inclusive and accessible to all - regardless of how the constituent is accessing the information. Government departments need to become more adept at understanding user needs and working with the constituents to deliver accessible and useable sites."

The company's technology providing solutions will enable developers to create sites, which comply with government policies including the Disability Discrimination Act, aswell as giving employers the ability to update websites with no prior technical knowledge.

Macromedia Government is already up and running in the US, with the company adding that the UK launch will provide a gateway to further countries in Europe.







"www.macromedia.com ":http://www.macromedia.com