Microsoft has released its Citizen Service Platform (CSP) designed to help governments of all sizes deliver services to citizens via the internet.

The e-government application comes with free templates to help implement technological solutions to some of the most common issues faced by governments.

The CSP application framework, announced by Microsoft in January, claims to streamline processes and save time and taxpayer money.

A number of local governments, including London, Porto and all the municipalities of Denmark, are already using the technology to interact with citizens.

Microsoft has developed an applications framework on which partners can build platforms that address specific government needs, including technical guidance on implementation and customisation for use by partners and customers.

Ralph Young, vice president for the worldwide public sector at Microsoft, said: "A common framework to build from allows partners to tailor solutions to specific government needs.

"After working with governments for the past several years on early versions of the CSP, it is exciting to watch this community effort start to pay dividends for citizens and the governments that serve them."

The Local and Regional Government Solutions Forum being held in Porto this week will bring together almost 300 partners and customers to discuss the management challenges faced by governments and technology's role in solving these issues.

Some focus will be on the CSP which, in combination with a tailored partner solution, can increase efficiency, decrease costs and bring constituents and government closer together, according to Microsoft.