IRISbox is the one-stop shop of the Brussels-Capital Region. It supports the fast and easy creation of forms that can be filled on-line and signed using the Belgian electronic identification card (eID). Some fields can be pre-filled by data read from the eID. IRISbox also supports on-line payments and strong identification using the eID where necessary. Finally, it supports publication of administrative documents that can be made made available either to a broad audience or to a limited users group (typically deputy-mayors).

Policy Context

The BRIC (Brussels Regional Informatic Center) is a highly professional multi-technological E-government oriented governmental agency : it is an IT center as well as an IT-solutions provider, developer and integrator for regional institutions, pararegional, local authorities, schools and welfare centres. It also coordinates the IRISnet broadband network connecting a large majority of public institutions installed on the Brussels Region territory. It is financed by the regional budget and works under the supervision of the Brussels Minister in charge of Finance, Budget and Informatics.

Description of target users and groups

Initially intended to municipal authorities IRISbox is now used by various regional authorities to convert paper forms into electronic procedures. The Brussels Region geographic data sets UrbIS can be obtained on-line through IRISbox.

Description of the way to implement the initiative

IRISbox grew from a previous application with restricted functionalities. It evolved when the BRIC decided to transform it into a highly customisable platform with an access controlled by the citizen electronic identity card. A pilot project was dedicated to fulfill the needs of a first Brussels Region municipality. Other municipalities joined the initiative later. The platform is still evolving and the next step is the back-office integration.

Technology solution

IRISbox is a Web Application based on a proprietary framework and an Oracle Database. Authentication occurs through the Belgian electronic Identity Card (eID) and an Apache Reverse Proxy. The eID data are read through a special applet designed in close collaboration with FedICT, BRIC's federal counterpart. The applet authenticates the data. PDF documents are generated by iText and can be signed electronically using the eID and Adobe Lifecycle Suite.

Technology choice: Proprietary technology

Main results, benefits and impacts

1. Municipalities don't need to develop their own platform: they immediately benefit from new functionalities developed for other.

2. The payment system is co-financed between administrations, enabling to get lower rates.

3. Citizens avoid queuesand can use the counter and can use the counter 24/7.

4. The same Web layout is used for 14 municipalities, which enahnce the Region imago.

About the stakeholders involved:

16 Brussels Region Municipalities, the BRIC, the Brussels Region that provided the money.

Return on investment

Return on investment: Not applicable / Not available

Lessons learnt

The effective use of the platform by citizens need a continuous communication campaign at the municipal level.

Scope: Regional (sub-national)