This article needs additional citations for verification .(July 2022) |
Easyswap is a Switzerland-based on-line local exchange trading system (LETS) platform featuring geolocation data as well as a complementary currency.
Easyswap began[ when? ] as an initiative of the city of Lausanne, Switzerland, to reduce social problems such as long-term unemployment and social exclusion. [1]
A working group, made up of welfare recipients recruited by the city's social services department, came up with the idea of a web-based project modeled on local exchange trading systems (LETS). [2] Their project was to serve two purposes: promote social inclusion by nurturing contacts between different societal groups and encourage the sustainable consumption of consumer goods. [3]
Administered by an eponymous non profit association, easyswap.org was officially launched in October, 2008. [4]
In August 2011, a version of the easyswap platform was developed for the University of Lausanne. [5]
The swap is a virtual, complementary currency in use on the easyswap platform. The swap has a "theoretical value" of one Swiss franc [2] and cannot be bought or sold using any other currency. [3] Its value is determined by individual members who are free to set their own prices. [6]
The easyswap platform uses an open source technology based on PHP5 Zend Framework developed and maintained by Swap 'n' roll.[ citation needed ]
Other open source LETS platforms include Cyclos, WebLETS and Cclite.[ citation needed ]