{"id":2595,"date":"2017-07-05T08:55:10","date_gmt":"2017-07-05T15:55:10","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2023-05-31T16:30:08","modified_gmt":"2023-05-31T23:30:08","slug":"mobile-apps-empower-local-government-to-solve-social-challenges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/industry\/blog\/government\/2017\/07\/05\/mobile-apps-empower-local-government-to-solve-social-challenges\/","title":{"rendered":"Mobile apps empower local government to solve social challenges"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019ve fallen in love with our beloved mobile apps, but how can we use them to solve our real social challenges?<\/em><\/p>\n

The start of 2017 saw many of South Africa\u2019s northern provinces hit by a deluge of rain as typhoon Dineo ravaged parts of the country. It may be a welcome relief from the drought of 2016, but it wreaks havoc with the daily commute: motorists are forced to navigate broken traffic lights and potholes appearing overnight, and many roads turn into concrete rivers. While this was happening, the southern provinces continued to battle sustained drought, with wildfires raging and emergency teams on constant high alert.<\/p>\n

\"Woman<\/a>These natural crises are devastating, but they give us an opportunity to apply our ideas and our technology to solve some of society\u2019s most pressing issues: from disaster management to service delivery, from crime prevention to social grant payments, and much more. Yes, \u201cCandy Crush\u201d and \u201cAngry Birds\u201d may be fun apps, but how can we leverage the power of millions of connected smartphones and connected citizens, to address real problems?<\/p>\n

First teetering steps<\/h2>\n

In the economic heartland of Johannesburg, the first signs of this are already appearing. We now have mobile apps for motorists to report faults on the city\u2019s roads, instantly report crimes and suspicious activity, check for scheduled power cuts, find bus routes and schedules, and see upcoming public events.<\/p>\n

\"Screenshot<\/a>The Johannesburg Road Agency\u2019s \u201cFind \u2018n Fix\u201d app, built on Intervate\u2019s Smart Citizen product, which utilizes Microsoft Azure, allows motorists to point out any problems with the roads infrastructure via a few taps of their smartphone. The app automatically geo-locates the issue, creates a ticket for the maintenance team, and funnels the request into the JRA\u2019s workflow systems.<\/p>\n

With \u201cFind \u2018n Fix,\u201d we\u2019ve proven the success of such a tool, but now we can start imagining the broader possibilities. Citizens could quickly and easily report fires breaking out, overflowing refuse bins, burst water pipes, fallen trees and debris swept onto roads after a storm.<\/p>\n

From an Azure perspective, Smart Citizen\u2019s primary users are the public through smartphone apps. These types of solutions were historically problematic as the number of concurrent users and associated service layer load was almost impossible to predict resulting in either a very over-spec\u2019d service layer or one that was sometimes unresponsive. Azure allows us to provision based on load with a consumption based solution. Azure also makes it easier to configure a solution that\u2019s secure and highly available. In short we can now quickly provision a solution for the public with no hardware capital outlay that\u2019s both secure and highly responsive. In addition to the architectural benefits, we also utilize Azure\u2019s to simplify many common app requirements. Specifically, the way Azure handles Blobs (for uploaded photos) and enabling mobile push notifications. We utilize the following Azure features: SQL Azure, Azure Blob Storage, Cloud Services, App Services, Notification Services (Azure Service Bus), and the Azure Scheduler.<\/p>\n

We could start reporting crimes or suspicious activity, capturing camera footage and GPS coordinates that aid investigators in solving crimes. It\u2019s an unfortunate reality that high crime levels always feature prominently in the national agenda – and each of us has a vested interest, and a responsibility, to play our part in tackling the endemic.<\/p>\n

By leveraging an army of citizens on the ground, city officials can borrow the eyes and ears of everyone around them.<\/p>\n

The Smart City Vision<\/h2>\n

\"Smart<\/a>The concept of smart cities entails using new technology to connect and enhance many of the city\u2019s basic services: electricity, water, transportation, road networks, waste management, crime prevention, local government voting, billing services, general information, and more.<\/p>\n

But to truly realize the smart city vision, our thinking needs to evolve, to embrace the concept of smart citizens. Millions of urban residents must start adopting new digital and mobile e-government solutions, and start positively engaging with officials, government departments, and the broader urban community.<\/p>\n

As with the introduction of any new technology, the catalyst for adoption is always the end-user. It\u2019s only through widespread adoption that city authorities can start benefiting from those eyes and ears on the ground.<\/p>\n

Crucial pieces to the puzzle<\/h2>\n

So, just what\u2019s needed for us to create smart cities, and truly harness the power of millions of connected citizens \u2013 reporting issues, contributing information, crowdsourcing solutions, and participating meaningfully in their local environment?<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at five key areas of technology development:<\/p>\n