What is ViaForce.NET?
Web Sites Using ViaForce.NET
Benefits for the Enterprise
Organization of ViaForce.NET
ViaForce.NET Elements
Global Configuration
ViaForce.NET Licensing
ViaForce.NET System Specifications
What is ViaForce.NET?
ViaForce.NET is a platform enabling companies of any size to distribute and immediately publish content on the Internet or via a private Intranet. The system saves businesses time and money by utilizing a Web browser interface to allow anyone with the appropriate privileges to publish content to the corporate Web site, bypassing the need to hand off content to a Web programmer. This easy to use, yet sophisticated Web enabled software package is a perfect fit for managing and publishing information through a systematic process. The software is developed using open-source technologies so companies which require customization or additional features can have their internal development staff do so at will. The ViaForce.NET platform can be internally maintained, or BannerView.com can provide the content management system as a hosted service.
Web Sites Using ViaForce.NET
AerobicMouse.com (Also utilizes the Enterprise E-commerce System Module)
GamingToday.com
BannerView.com
RITRO.com
YardSaleNet.net (Also utilizes Classified Advertising Module)
Benefits for the Enterprise
Reduced production costs - No need to hand content off to Web designer/developer
All Data is dynamically produced - less disk space, smaller database, central data management, immediate distribution.
Scalable Infrastructure
Administration section is independent of client side section.
Based on Open-Source Technology - meaning internal development staff can enhance features and immediately solve problems.
The ViaForce.NET platform is organized into the following sections:
Content -- Manage, assign, and submit web site content
Members -- Manage and browse current and temporary web site members
Categories -- Manage web site categories, and maintain virtual directory structure
Statistics -- View various level statistics on members, message boards, and voting polls
Configuration -- Global web site configuration
Interactive -- Manage interactive Web site content such as voting polls, message boards, and banner ad management. Additional modules such as classified ads, employee calendaring and e-commerce are available but are SOLD SEPARATELY.
Image Library -- Browse and manage current images in library or upload new images
Newsletter -- Manage newsletter lists and send newsletters to lists
Staff List -- List web site staff members by title/position with e-mail addresses
Error Log -- Detailed list of SQL database errors as reported to administrators
ViaForce.NET Elements Business-critical Features: Secure Remote Access --- The system is accessible through the Apache Web server which can utilize industry standard server SSL encryption.
Global Configuration Options --- The system can be configured through the Web interface. Changes affect entire site.
Indexed Search --- Content is instantly indexed upon publishing and is immediately searchable.
Dynamic Content Publishing --- Content is published through the Web interface and is immediately available through the Web site.
Dynamic Content Updating --- All instances of content and associated search index can be updated dynamically through the Web based interface.
Content Scheduling --- Content can be published immediately or at predetermined dates and times through the Web interface. Content scheduled for future publication will be indexed, but will not be returned in searches until the publish date has passed.
Customizable Layouts --- Ability to use multiple HTML layouts. Changes made to each layout are instantly used throughout the site by utilizing server based templating.
Server Templating --- Ability to choose which layout to use when creating content. Changes made to layout are immediately available in all content utilizing the layout.
Virtual Category Management --- Through the use of virtual category management, content can appear as if it was organized into a hierarchical category structure which will increase site ease of use. Content is categorized into user customizable sections or subsections which then determine the appropriate way to view the content. Access to categories can be restricted based upon membership level.
User management and permission based access privileges --- User information can be viewed by employees with appropriate privileges. Privileges can be granted or removed for individual employees by a supervisor with appropriate privileges. Membership levels and expiration of membership levels can be determined.
Workflow Management --- Workflow can be handled through the use of Tasks. Tasks can be assigned to subordinate employees, then passed to employee supervisors or editors. Content must be passed up the hierarchical structure of employee positions to an employee who has been granted publish privileges for the desired section. Notification of a task submission via email is available when submitting tasks that require immediate action.
Task Assignment --- Tasks can be assigned to employees with instructions and requirements. After tasks are completed, they can then be submitted to a supervisor for review. The supervisor has the option of passing content back to employee or proceeding to the next stage of the publishing process.
Task Management --- Tasks can be viewed, revised, completed or deleted by supervisors to ensure that the tasks are handled in the appropriate manner.
Task Flow Tracking --- As tasks are revised, a time-stamped comment log is maintained.
Open and Modular Architecture --- Ability to add and remove independent features from the core platform.
E-mail Newsletter Management --- Newsletter can be sent to either all Web site members, opt-in subscribers, employees or to custom created distribution list. Newsletters have the ability to be archived for the purpose of being browsed on the site and being returned in appropriate search queries. HTML/plain text formats supported. Newsletters can also be scheduled for later distribution. If requested, newsletter system can be customized to allow for demographically targeted email distributions. These demographics are retrieved from the information contained in the membership database.
Image Library with Browse Feature --- Images can be uploaded, replaced and deleted through the Web interface and be viewed by employees with appropriate privileges.
Banner Ad Management --- A tool for managing banner ads displayed on the Web site, the system includes markers which can be placed on the template for administrators to specify ads to be rotated within the marker. Statistics on impressions and click-throughs are tracked.
Message Boards --- A tool for idea exchanges and topic discussions to promote an interactive user experience.
Voting Polls --- A tool to allow users to voice their opinions pertaining to particular issues.
Error Logging and Reporting --- Database queries are checked for errors. When an error is encountered the Database Administrator is notified via e-mail and the error is stored in the system.
Global Configuration:
General Configuration --- site title, site URL, Default meta keywords
Manage Content --- Make Changes to manage content section
Database --- Change database or system defined password database access
Styles --- View, create, change or delete CSS styles
Positions --- View, create, change or delete employee positions
Message Board --- Specify default message board listings per page
Voting Polls --- Choose the number of vote options, whether to limit votes to unique IP addresses
Newsletter --- View, update HTML and plain footer contents, subscribe page options, unsubscribe page options
ViaForce.NET Licensing:
Self Managed License:
Software License is per Web Site, regardless of how company CPUs or Servers the software spans. There are no per user limitations on the license. The Self Managed license includes initial software setup and configuration.
Hosted Service:
Includes the purchase of a software license and minimum 12 month hosting contract. We provide the hardware, bandwidth and complete site monitoring, backups, and troubleshooting.
Support:
We can provide client specific customized development solutions for additional features you may need on a per project basis whether you host the ViaForce.NET platform yourself or are purchasing it as a hosted service. If you need technical assistance with maintaining ViaForce.NET because you purchased a Self Managed License we can provide ongoing technical support via a service contract or on a per incident basis.
ViaForce.NET System Specifications:
Client:
Standard web browser which supports javascript, cookies, and cascading style sheets including Internet Explorer 4.0/Netscape 4.0 or higher running on any Operating System.
Server:
Software:
Any *Nix variant including Solaris, Linux, BSD, etc. running Cron, Apache 1.3 with Modular Install of PHP 4, Perl 5, SendMail 8 and MySQL 3.23.
Hardware:
Minimum - Pentium 100MHz class* system or greater with 32MB RAM, 10MB free disk space for initial ViaForce.NET software installation.
Recommended - Pentium 233MHz class* system with 128MB RAM and enough disk space to accommodate a growing database.
*Will run on any processor that can operate a UNIX distribution including PowerPC, Mips, Alpha, etc.
Contact BannerView.com, to request a live demo of a web site running the ViaForce.NET Content Management and Publishing Platform.
