content management systems equals distributed web site maintenance robert gulick, edd dba /...
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Content Management SystemsEquals
Distributed Web SiteMaintenance
Robert Gulick, EdDDBA / Technology Trainer
gulickb@parmacityschools.org
Carmi GulickFifth Grade Teacher
carmiguli@parma.k12.oh.us
Goals
● What is a Content Management System (CMS?)
● How to select a CMS.
● Results: How using one can impact your district, building, department and staff Web sites.
What is a CMS?
● A tool (either Web based or client based) used to maintain the content of a Web site.
● Typically uses a database for content storage.
● Many use a template model for page layout control.
What did Parma City Schools Select
● CommonSpot (www.PaperThin.com)● Started on version 3.0 now on version 4.5● Quick demonstration
Why use CMS?
• Empowers many users to contribute to the development and maintenance of a Web site
• Does not require knowledge of HTML or FTP• No external FTP required• No holes in firewall
Why use CMS?
• Helps to enforces content guidelines through an approval process
• Enforces– Style and Branding– Common navigation– Changes to templates affect entire site
Why use CMS?
• Section 508 compliance– www.Section508.gov – Differently abled visitors to a Web site must
have an equal experience– Required of Federal Agencies– Fonts, colors, image based content v. text
based content, frames
How to pick a CMS
• What technologies are required?– Database
• MSSQL, MySQL, Postgres, Zope
– Server Operating System• Linux, Solaris, Windows
– Programming Language• ASP.Net, ColdFusion, Java, PHP
– Web Server• Apache, IIS
How to pick a CMS
• Contributor Interactions– Via Web site or via client?
• Requires a specific browser if Web based?
– WYSIWYG or Code?– Drop and Drag?– Upload documents / images?– Spell checking?
How to pick a CMS
• Visitor Interactions– Friendly URL?– Require plug-ins?– Browser compatibility?– Search tool?
How to pick a CMS
● Costs (Initial / Ongoing)● Licensing Model – By contributor, pages, server● Maintenance Costs – 10% to 15% yearly is typical● Support Costs – Is there an active users group?● Extra hardware (database server)● Extra software (database server, app server)● Try before you buy
How to pick a CMS
• Security / Approval Process – Does it have one?– Can approval flow be customized?– How are users informed of approval requests,
errors?– How are users maintained?– LDAP integration?– Custom groups?
How to pick a CMS
• Site Design and Control– Multiple
editable templates?
– Lockable elements?
– Scheduling content?
How to pick a CMS
● Built in Applications● Calendar?● Discussion / Forums?● Internal Search Tool?● Photo Gallery?● Extensible (create integrate own Web programs?)
● Web site CMS + Web Calendar Custom Program
Planning and Implementation of the Site
• Hosting options (internal v. external hosting) • Designing branding / color schemes• Develop style guidelines• Develop approval procedures• Identify who will do what• Plan for growth and
modifications
Training staff
● Created our own materialsavailable on the Web site
● Trained eight trainers● Multiple after school sessions● Half day during the day session● One-on-one sessions
So what are the cons?
• Power Web developers will feel confined• Workflow requires people in the workflow to
check in• Maintenance of servers and software a must• Requires more 'server horsepower‘
(Web and database) than static HTML Web site
Major Vendors?
● www.cmsmatrix.orgcompare major and minor players● 504 as of 1/14/06● 254 as of 2/3/05
● Some focus on education market ● Most 'tip their hat' to education with some
discounts / programs● Many open source solutions
(http://opensourcecms.com/)
Results?
● Before● Several addresses● No consistency
between sites● No standards
compliance / reviews● 1 author per site
● After● One address ● Branding / navigation
is enforced● Review / approval
process● 200 current authors
(50 active in any given month)
Results?Visits
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
35000
40000
45000
50000
SY Average Visitors / month
Average Visits / Month
SY03 1,532 3,310
SY04 6,026 20,843
SY05 10,112 24,340
SY06 16,220 33,943
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