GLS - Overview
Background
Currently, people and businesses who transact with government online typically have a different username and password (also called a "logon") for each service or agency they transact with. Added to the numerous other usernames and passwords people have to keep track of, there is a growing need to make peoples' lives simpler.
On the other hand, agencies have to continuously invest in ever-changing authentication technologies and are facing significant barriers in their ability to use the online channel to transform the way they deliver services to people, businesses, non-governmental organisations, employees, and so on. Agencies are also facing large cost challenges in offering stronger logon methods such as tokens, one-time-password sent as a text message to mobile phones, and digital certificates.
The Government Logon Service (GLS) addresses these issues. It provides people with a single logon, such as a username and password or token, to access online services provided by participating agencies. This is done in a way that enhances security and protection of the person's privacy. People using the GLS can use it to access online services for themselves or on behalf of a business, organisation, employer, etc.
What is the GLS?
In a nutshell, the GLS is an all-of-government shared service to manage the logon process for online services of participating agencies.
Benefits
Transacting over the Internet can provide services that are more convenient and reliable, with lower compliance costs and higher levels of integration. However, the Internet is built in a way that makes it difficult to be confident of the identity of the person transacting. The result is that there is a significant barrier for organisations, including government agencies, using the online channel to transform the way they deliver services to different audiences.
For people, the GLS provides convenience and time savings by allowing the user to combine logons, even into a single logon, for accessing all online services provided by participating agencies. No more having to remember the password or locate the right hardware token for each online service. Extensive online self-service tools reduce the need to phone or email for support.
For agencies, the GLS frees them from the need to be involved in logon management and continuously invest in ever-changing logon technologies.
For government as a whole, the GLS reduces the overall investment and operational costs of multiple authentication systems across government.
Cabinet Direction
In July 2007, Cabinet agreed that as the GLS is now available and proven, all public service departments and other relevant state services agencies are now expected to use the GLS when implementing online authentication services or upgrading / changing existing services, unless otherwise agreed between the Minister of State Services and the responsible Minister [CAB Min (07) 26/2A refers].
To contact the Authentication Programme, please email us at Authentication@ssc.govt.nz
