What is a Web Content Management System?
Web Content Management Systems (WCMS) greatly improve the way in which web sites are created, updated, and maintained. Northwestern University's Office of Web Communications maintains a Web Content Management System that serves two purposes:
- Serve as the official tool and platform for Web Communications to deploy redesigned sites to clients that are easy to maintain and update
- Operate as a service to other units within the University that have skilled developers who also wish to use this tool
Web Content Management Systems allow nearly anyone to edit web pages as easily as they can edit other documents. WCMS is the next generation of tools for empowering distributed management of website information. Unlike desktop software suites like Dreamweaver and Contribute, these systems are centrally run and provided – there is no computer setup necessary to begin using these systems and no software versions or upgrades to worry about. For the end-user, they run entirely within the web browser and provide an intuitive interface for finding, editing, and publishing web pages.
The WCMS in place at Northwestern from 2005-2009 is Serena Collage. Serena Collage is enabling over thirty content administrators to keep their site content up to date without any special HTML or web training.
Beginning in Spring 2009, Web Communications is deploying Hannon Hill Cascade Server as the official platform.
Who is involved right now?
- University Relations
- Northwestern University Information Technology/Communications
- School of Law
- Feinberg School of Medicine
- McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- The School of Education and Social Policy
- The Office for Research
- Weinberg Technical Services
- Web Communications' clients:
http://www.northwestern.edu/univ-relations/web_comm/examples/beforeafter/index.html
How can I be involved?
There are two ways to use the NU WCMS:
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Through a site redesign/project initiation with the Office of Web Communications
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Through application to service-level usage (wherein your developers or consultants are working within the system to build your site)
How much will it cost me to use WCMS?
University Relations has secured central funding for the project and intends to provide it free of charge to all interested campus groups. A one-time cost may be associated with startup and training, please contact Web Communications to discuss your situation in detail.