In March 2010, 35 GOSS clients attended the GOSS User Group in Bristol. This bi-annual (spring and autumn) meeting of web experts, Comms, IT and project managers, showcases new products and implementations. All those attending have the opportunity to discuss GOSS iCM (intelligent Content Management) and help shape the product roadmap. The community also shares ideas and best practice on technical developments, websites and content management as well as facilitating invaluable networking opportunities with peers.
The theme of the spring User Group was efficiency. Attendees reported that making efficiency savings by increasing online service delivery was their number one priority.
Three clients gave insightful presentations. Phil Rumens from West Berkshire District Council showcased the re-use of templates with a smart and simple service status his team have developed via a live demonstration. Toby Field from Rother District Council introduced the audience to his Smart FAQ implementation and went on to discuss how it could be re-used as a Smart FOI feature. Charlie Ewen from Met Office gave an overview of the Met Office's plans for site re-design, efficiency savings and the way they selected and are working with GOSS to deliver an enhanced service for their content contributors as well as their millions of site visitors.
Other highlights included an in-depth look at GOSS iCM v9 with its superior form capabilities. This enhancement will enable organisations to deliver more services online, capture data and deliver information to those that need it. All of which will facilitate significant savings, as channel shift to online service delivery has been proven by SOCITM to save up to 87% of costs compared to telephone service delivery.
A questionnaire administered at the end of the day also revealed the following:
- 93% of attendees reported that they learn something practical.
- 100% of attendees reported that they learnt something new.
- 86% of attendees reported that they will save their organisation money by implementing lessons learnt.
The next User Group will be in late September, where clients can expect to hear more about the innovations GOSS are developing as well as providing an opportunity to discuss best practice.
Rob McCarthy, Managing Director, GOSS Interactive, adds "New developments at GOSS will enable clients to make significant efficiency savings, by moving more services online and by providing better service provision online. Many clients are already making best use of GOSS iCM to deliver services and information in a robust manor. The User Group provides a great opportunity to share the latest ideas with the community and receive feedback."
