Easyswap is a Switzerland-based on-line local exchange trading system (LETS) platform featuring geolocation data as well as a complementary currency.

History

Easyswap began 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

The swap is a virtual, complementary currency in use on the easyswap platform. The swap has a "theoretical value" of one Swiss franc[6] and cannot be bought or sold using any other currency.[7] Its value is determined by individual members who are free to set their own prices.[8]

Swap 'n' roll

The easyswap platform uses an open source technology based on PHP5 Zend Framework developed and maintained by Swap 'n' roll.

Other open source LETS platforms include Cyclos, WebLETS and Cclite.

References

  1. ↑ Editorial (October 29, 2008). "Les biens et les compétences s'échangent sur Easyswap". 24 Heures. Archived from the original on 1 July 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2011.
  2. ↑ Pilet, François (October 30, 2008). "L'échange de services perce sur le Net". Le Temps. Archived from the original on December 20, 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  3. ↑ Meyer, Guillaume (October 30, 2008). "A Lausanne, une monnaie internet signe le retour de l'économie de troc". Agefi (Switzerland). Archived from the original on December 20, 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  4. ↑ Monnier, Philippe D. (February 27, 2009). "Le troc remis au goût du jour". PME Magazine. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  5. ↑ Despont, Aurélie (September 12 – October 9, 2011). "Prêt à partager?" (PDF). Uniscope. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  6. ↑ Pilet, François (October 30, 2008). "L'échange de services perce sur le Net". Le Temps. Archived from the original on December 20, 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  7. ↑ Meyer, Guillaume (October 30, 2008). "A Lausanne, une monnaie internet signe le retour de l'économie de troc". Agefi (Switzerland). Archived from the original on December 20, 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  8. ↑ Crivelli, Marie-Antoinette (November 2, 2008). "Comment s'enrichir sans jamais toucher un seul franc!". Le Matin. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
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