Kickstart CMS Features

This is a list of the features of Kickstart-based applications for Content Management of public websites, extranets and intranets. It is assumed that there are many authors contributing to content and involved in the publish process.

Architecture

• Everything except graphic images, movies etc is held in the database.
• The system builds pages on the fly using templates and variable content.
• Multi-level templates allow flexibility in design for different parts of the site.
• Content, templates, style and special code are editable using a web browser.
• Graphics may be freely uploaded and included anywhere.
• Published pages are usually not built on the fly.They are held separately from pages in preview (the process of update and approval).

Flexibility

• Multiple applications are supported, each with its own main template+styles.
• Each page can have any mix of fixed and dynamic content.
• Each page can have its own inner template
• Content reuse and/or cloning is facilitated at every level
• Code elements such as for fancy menus or rotating content are easily plugged-in and be customised without the need for coding.
• Data capture can be managed internally or integrated with external CRM.
• Downloadable content is easily managed.

Integration

• CRM and eMarketing functions can be easily incorporated if required.
• External CRM is easily supported.
• Incoming syndication feeds can easily be integrated.
• Web services support (client and server)

Ease of use

• Developers and editors use the same toolset.
• There is no separate navigation system for content editors; just go to the page, log in, edit it and publish.
• Thanks to a WYSIWYG editor, content authors do not need technical skills such as HTML.
• Code is separated from content so developers and content authors can work independently.

Accessibility

• Finished pages work on any browser (within reason)
• WAI compatibility is easily achieved

Access management

• Access to editing and administrative facilities is by username and password.
• Roles define which areas for the site can be edited by whom.
• Controls access within and without the company.
• Simple online tools for creating users, amending rights etc.
• Can be devolved.
• All changes to content are stamped with date and author.

Optional features

• FAQ system
• Case tracking for online help requests
• Personalisation
• Link to proprietary traffic analysis tools
• Silent visitor tracking that feeds the above
• Fully-automated backup

Platform requirements

• The same platform can host content management and production.
• Low-traffic applications can run on shared hosting services.
• Low-end: Linux, Apache, PHP/ perl/ Java, MySQL
• High-end: UNIX, DB2 or Oracle
• A Win2K version could be produced if required

Packaging

• Can be delivered as software with installation or as an ASP service.
• Custom support package available.