German administration is re@di for the use of Free Software
A network of nine cities in Germany shows the benefits of ‚Public Money? Public Code!‘
2020, in the midst of the corona pandemic, the city of Bühl launched a video conferencing platform called "Palim! Palim!", which is based on the Free Software "Jitsi Meet". Based on the need of the municipal music school to be able to continue to offer group lessons in times of pandemic, the city offered the platform.
In the meantime, many clubs, citizens and the city itself use the platform on a daily basis. Other municipalities have also shown interest in the solution. In recent months, a association of nine administrations that use 'Palim! Palim!' and many other Free Software applications, have jointly modernised the administration, based on Free Software. Under the name re@di - regional.digital, the inter-communal cooperation of the South German cities of Baden-Baden, Bretten, Bruchsal, Bühl, Ettlingen, Gaggenau, Rastatt, Rheinstetten and Stutensee is organised.
Through this cooperation, common standards and interfaces are realised. Thus, the wheel does not have to be reinvented over and over again; the common need is met through synergy effects in development but also the continuous exchange of experience and information. They report that they can use their resources more effectively and cost-efficient. Traditional administrative topics such as the electronic administrative file or building applications are dealt with in various project groups of re@di.
However, citizen services are also made available and an engagement platform is developed to support voluntary engagement and associations. In the interview with Alexander and Edaurd, you can learn more about the first steps and the daily work on re@di and what advantages it brings for the administrations but also for the citizens.