Science Library Pad: bêta 2 of France's open data site data.gouv.fr

“France's open data site, launched on 5 December 2011, has now released a second version four months later.  It adds an essential element, public community features (this is in addition to the private developer community DataConnexions that they already launched). The new community features of data.gouv.fr include a discussion forum, an ideas market, and highlights of open data reports from elsewhere on the web.  Top contributors to the discussions are highlighted. SIDEBAR: Canada's open data site data.gc.ca was launched in pilot mode on March 17, 2011 and envisions a second version in three years (2014). ‘During Year 1 of our Action Plan, we will continue to expand on the number of datasets made available through the existing portal, and we will complete our requirements for the next generation platform. In Years 2 and 3, we will design and initiate implementation of the new data.gc.ca portal, as well as further improve the level of standardization of data published by departments. The Government will make use of crowdsourcing, particularly among Canada's open data community, to make sure that this new open data portal meets the needs and expectations of those who will use it most, and provides the best possible opportunity to support entrepreneurs eager to make use of Government of Canada data...’”