Hannon Hill Cascade Server selected as CMS

As recommended by the Web Advisory Committee, a RFP was issued to secure a Content Management System (CMS) that could be used in developing and maintaining the central site. Among the key considerations:

1. the selected system (and pricing model) be scalable to allow for additional campus users
2. integration with the university portal system and server environment

The RFP was posted through the state purchasing system on Aug 31. Five vendors replied to the RFP and those responses were reviewed by members of the committee's technology subcommittee. This group included staff from Public Affairs, ITD and RMIS. Following discussion and a product demo, the subcommittee selected Hannon Hill Cascade Server. Cascade Server has been a popular choice among colleges and universities. According to a July 17 press release, more than 19 new higher education institutions have opted for Hannon Hill this year including Clemson, Brandeis, Missouri-Columbia and others. The product was also favorably reviewed by references at Duke, Carnegie-Mellon and Gonzaga.

In addition to aiding in development and updating of sites, a CMS will play a critical role in ensuring that sites are compliant with HTML/XHTML Web standards recommended by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). This is key in light of the fact that only 14 percent of U.S. News & World Report's top-ranked colleges are considered to be compliant.

Though being finalized, initial plans are for the system to be installed within the next 3-6 weeks. The CMS will be used in development of the central site and in testing on select sites developed by ITD and Creative Services. A larger-scale roll-out for other campus users is intended after initial testing at a date to be determined. ITD staff and the Help Desk will be trained to support campus users and developers interested in using the CMS system.