It all sounds great, but we've been hearing the same message about open data and online services from this and the previous government and journalists had pitched up in Hertfordshire briefed to expect some important news on the coalition's technology policy.

BBC: Open government - in tune with the Zeitgeist?

These events focused on opening up new government data sets, launching new prizes and challenges to spur innovative use of data, showcasing entrepreneurs who are developing new apps and services fueled by open data, and brainstorming new uses.

WHITEHOUSE: Open Government Data Spurs Entrepreneurship and Jobs

Having a marketplace such as DataSift has already encouraged other social-media services to open their data vaults, says Nick Halstead, the founder of DataSift.

ECONOMIST: Making sense of a torrent of tweets