(June 10, 2003) - The City of Chicago has built its first Web service on the BEA WebLogic Enterprise Platform, linking its online bill payment and permit centers so that city residents can apply for, receive, and pay for building permits without having to visit city offices. The new Web service is part of the city's transparent government initiative, which is intended to increase public visibility into city operations, make city services more accessible and convenient, and enable Chicago residents to more easily search and find information about their city.

Until recently, building permits were available only at city offices. Even when permit applications were submitted electronically, applicants were required to pay in person. The new BEA-powered Web service allows the entire process to be completed online, accelerating the acquisition of permits and helping the city stretch taxpayer. Residents themselves input their personal data, allowing them to apply for permits at times that are convenient to them without the need of traveling to a city office and waiting in lines.

"We built our first Web service in less than eight weeks with the help of BEA WebLogic Workshop," said Steve Philbrick, First Deputy Chief Information Officer for the City of Chicago. "Workshop simplified development, even for programmers with no Web services experience. We're now running the application on BEA WebLogic Server - a platform that has proven itself on other projects for the city. The long-term benefits of Web services could be enormous," said Philbrick. "Residents can complete their city business faster, easier and more conveniently. We expect the result to be shorter lines at many city offices, which will give the city an opportunity to focus resources on other areas of need."