The GDS is now satisfied with feedback from the alpha phase and wants an idea of 'real world experiences'
The programme to simplify compliance with the Public Services Network (PSN) is ready to move into its beta phase, following satisfactory feedback from organisations taking part in the alpha.
In a blogpost, Mark Smith of the Government Digital Service (GDS) says the team has closed off the alpha and is going to update the documentation and guidance to launch the beta in the next few days.
It is the latest step in an initiative, first flagged up by the GDS in 2014, to simplify compliance with the PSN - the 'network of networks' for public authorities - after some organisations and suppliers said they had struggled with the initial arrangements. Meeting the compliance requirements, notably the Code of Connection, has been a source of frustration for some local authorities.
Development of the new process has involved rewriting the code template and allowing any organisation to use the Code of Connection, and taking feedback from organisations using the alpha service.
Wider experience
"With the beta we're keen to get a much wider idea of real world experiences with the new process, so customers wanting to connect to PSN will now have the option of using the new compliance process when you renew your application," Smith writes. "It's a sort of early-bird promotion, so you get a chance to try the new process out for yourself."
He adds that it is still possible to use the existing process, and that the GDS hopes to begin the full implementation in April.
Work began on the PSN in 2005 and its public authorities began to obtain the certification for their networks to link up in 2012.
