15th September 2008 – EIBS Ltd is pleased to announce that EasySite CMS has been chosen to power 12 sites for the South West Observatory.
The South West Observatory (SWO) is a regional information gateway giving access to a network of analysts and information across a broad range of demographic, environmental and economic services. Made up of six Thematic Modules, seven sub-regional Local Intelligence Networks and a co-ordinating core unit, the network is working to a common vision; that policy making in, and about, the south west region should be based on sound evidence. It is the Observatory's aim to be the automatic first port of call for intelligence about the South West region and its parts, with any one of the constituent bodies being a portal to their entire network of experts and resources.
Following a review of many CMS providers, EasySite Community has been chosen to power 12 sites previously managed with basic CMS tools and Dreamweaver. Using EasySite multiple authors will be able to manage content within a non-technical environment, whilst the overall control of the branding will be managed centrally.
Providing such a wealth of information, the ability to search site content is imperative, including any documents held in web pages such as pdfs and MS office documents. EasySite’s integrated search engine is able to index various content including web pages, documents and information held in EasySite plug-in modules such as Directory builder, Events calendar and Discussion forum, ensuring that visitors to the site will be able to easily find the specific information they need.
To further ensure that site visitors can gain access to pertinent information the EasySite personal portal module will allow visitors to create their own homepage and to subscribe to the pages, news feeds and categories they are most interested in. EasySite Personal portal also features an automated email digest facility which can email users when content has been updated or added based on their preferences.
An important part of SWO’s site is the annual ‘State of the South West Report’ a comprehensive review of the South West of England's economic, social, environmental and cultural life. Using EasySite’s content import facility and some additional bespoke development, the report, which is to be updated on an annual basis, will be imported as EasySite pages and indexed by the EasySite search engine ensuring that the most up to date information is available and searchable.
Bruce Groves, Head of Business Development for EIBS, commented on the project “We are extremely pleased to be developing the new sites for SWO. EasySite’s core features will allow SWO to manage content in a non-technical environment over 12 sites whilst maintaining overall control centrally. EasySite’s enhanced search facilities will ensure that site visitors will be able to find relevant site content easily.”
