Vlast — Offline Government Contacts Directory
PyQt desktop directory of government organizations and contacts (2010). SQLite database, category search, efficient UI. In the pre‑smartphone era, finding the right number was non‑trivial.
Table of Contents
Why It Existed
In 2010, smartphones were rare and finding a ministry’s number was a quest. We packed all contacts into a desktop app: fast search, category tree, role/phone cards. Works offline.
Context of the Era
2010: search engines indexed gov sites poorly; official directories were stale. Offline was practical.
Business Insights
- Time is money: fast lookup = less idle time.
- Batch updates beat “always online” in this niche.
What I Built
- PyQt app with local SQLite.
- XML imports and batch updates.
- Search by org, person, department; favorites for frequent.
Main value — speed. Launch, type “procurement,” get the number. No browser, no gov‑site maze.
Lessons
- Offline products shine where internet isn’t part of the workflow.
- Great search beats “one more menu button.”
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