Web Content Management Systems (WCMS) greatly improve the way in which web sites are created, updated, and maintained. After a thorough selection process lasting over a year, Northwestern University has selected Serena Collage for use by administrative departments, schools, and units who wish to take advantage of this technology.
The WCMS team is installing in September/October 2006. Three pilots will run through the end of the year. Web Communications (Department of University Relations), Technology Support Services (Division of Information Technology), and Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences are involved in the pilot phase.
Northwestern's selection of a WCMS began with 36 WCMS vendors receiving a general Request for Information (RFI) in May 2005. Nineteen vendors submitted responses indicating their desire to participate.
The RFI contained more than 50 detailed specifications in the areas of:
A task force of technical representatives from academic and administrative units across the University was assembled, and the group evaluated and scored responses systematically on a 1-5 scale. Vendors that received a score of 3.5 and above were discussed in detail; several were eliminated for non-technical reasons.
Five vendors received an invitation to bid (ITB) in the summer of 2005. One dropped out for unknown reasons, and one was removed because of limited financial stability. The remaining three vendors were invited to present to the Northwestern community. Each vendor gave a 3-plus hour presentation to a group of 20-30 attendees from a number of schools and units on campus, and responded to detailed requirements analysis.
The selection sub-committee members examined and discussed the final two vendors in great detail and ultimately chose Serena Collage.