Content Management System (CMS)

CMS is short for 'Content Management System'. As the name implies, it is an application for managing the content of University websites, including text, images, and downloadable files.

The CMS automatically generates finished web pages from plain text entered by business users. It allows users to submit these pages for review before they are published to the Web.

The University currently uses Interwoven's content management platform for its Content Management System.

The CMS empowers business users to manage their own website content, and ensures a standardised look and feel across University websites. In the context of the University's overall online strategy, usage of the CMS:

• enhances information quality
• reduces the time and effort required to maintain websites
• improves ease of information access for students, staff, and visitors
• provides a strong, integrated university image

The CMS helps the University manage websites in four ways:

1. Automatically generates web pages from plain text
   The CMS allows business users to create and update web pages without requiring technical skills such as HTML. Users can simply type text into a data entry form online. The CMS automatically generates a webpage with the University's standard look and feel.
2. Coordinates changes
   When someone edits a file, the system will prevent other users from editing the same file until the first user is finished. The CMS also allows people to submit their changes for review, so that others have a chance to evaluate the content before it goes live on the website.
3. Automatically sends reminders to update content
   The CMS will send periodic e-mails to the content authors, reminding them to review their content and make sure that it is up to date.
4. Keeps backups of previous versions
   The system keeps track of changes made (including an audit log of who made the changes and when), and stores previous versions of the site. It allows users to see what the site looked like on a given date, and to 'roll back' to a previous version of the site if needed.

Standard site hosting, consulting, support, and training services are provided free of charge to schools, faculties, departments, and administrative offices of the University.