Ektron Server Makes Content Management Easier

Ektron is a leader in content management and imaging products and reinforces that reputation with its CMS400.Net server, a template-based content management system built on Microsoft technologies.

CMS400.Net allows users to set up different workflow approval processes and task management processes. The system can assign tasks and also provide alerts when content changes. The server includes a native .Net API that is compatible with Microsoft Visual Studio 2003. A group of about 14 ASP.Net functions are available, allowing developers to modify logins, content searches, menus, and even calendar functions. The server also includes an XML Web services client that runs inside the .Net framework and allows content to be delivered to multiple devices.

CMS400.Net's security features are tightly integrated with Windows. When users log into the system, their identity is authenticated by either the content management server itself or by Active Directory. Administrators can grant or deny permissions based on a user's specific needs. Permissions can allow users to modify content, add library assets, insert hyperlinks and manage folders and collections of content, including menus.

CMS400.Net's work area emulates Microsoft's Outlook user interface. Tasks, folders and content items on the server are listed to the left and separated by tabs, making navigation easy. In addition to separating content into folders, CMS400.Net provides content aggregation using a Collection button that links content into a Modules folder. This folder can be used to display all collections on one screen, allowing users to perform tasks on entire collections of data. Through the interface, users can manage online forms, site navigation and, as with Outlook, workgroup calendars. CMS400.Net separates information into blocks, which allows users to manage content separately from workflow processes. The content work areas are used for editing, approval and publishing of content. The system also provides multiple content views, including a WYSIWYG view or a text version through eWebEditPro.

For complex workflows, users can create tasks that separate business-process steps for easier management. Creating tasks allows users to assign content to groups of users simultaneously and automatically push approved content in and out of a workflow process.

In a separate CMS400.Net library folder, users can work with files and images directly to manipulate content. Users do not need sophisticated editors such as Photoshop to work with images in CMS400.Net. Files from Word or other word-processing programs can be filtered to maintain a Web site's look and feel. CMS400.Net also allows users to add stylesheets to further enhance a site.

During the installation process, administrators can switch from the default language, English, to another language through a simple software development kit. The SDK uses text files to provide a list of English strings and their foreign-language counterpart. These strings are then used dynamically by CMS400.Net.

E-mail messages can also be customized during the install process, and administrators can automate e-mail messaging within workflows, various user activities and during the server's administration.

PRODUCT SNAPSHOTS
>Ektron CMS400.Net
COMPANY: Ektron
Amherst, N.H.
(866) 4-EKTRON
www.ektron.com
DISTRIBUTORS: BGT Partners, Ciber, Portent Interactive, Square Root Solutions, Stamats
PRICE: Standard license with 10 users, $7,200; standard license with unlimited users, $29,999