Benefits of using IU's supported WCMS

Cascade CMS, Indiana University's Web Content Management System (WCMS), is an optional service for creating and managing websites. The WCMS allows developers and designers to build modern, feature-rich websites. Site managers can structure environments where content contributors can create, maintain, and publish web content.

Websites created within and managed by the WCMS are intended to support the university's mission of research and creative activity, teaching and learning, and civic engagement. The WCMS is available at no cost to all IU campuses, departments, faculty, and staff.

The WCMS is a web application centrally maintained by Enterprise Web Technical Services of University Information Technology Services (UITS). The client does not need to install, maintain, or service software to utilize the WCMS. Websites and content within the WCMS are centrally stored and backed up.

The WCMS provides tiered support through Web Services Support (sct2@iu.edu). The Web Community of Practice connects users with interests in web design, development, and management. This includes many users who have the WCMS as a common interest. Paid development is available through the Creative and Web Studio.

Three options exist for creating sites in the WCMS. The WCMS can be used to create dynamic and feature-rich websites from scratch utilizing built-in development features such as Content Types, Templates, and Asset Factories. The IU Web Framework is available for those interested in a solution with prebuilt components and IU branding. You can also request copies of sites your unit already owns.

Developer benefits

• The IU Web Framework is available for rapid site creation and branding compliance.
• Content is separate from design.
• Web standards compliance and accessibility can be enforced.
• XHTML compliance can be enforced.
• Sites can leverage common templates for a consistent layout of pages.
• Dynamic menus, navigation, and breadcrumbs can be easily generated and reused.

Site manager benefits

• User and group access management.
• Workflows are available for approving content before going live.
• You can set workflows on a site or page-by-page basis.
• Version control and change history can be audited.
• Content creation is decoupled from content delivery.
• Content can be published to multiple locations and contexts.

Content contributor benefits

• Content contributors can focus on creating, editing, maintaining, and retiring content.
• Non-technical staff can make changes directly to content.
• Content Contributors can use form-based or WYSIWYG approaches; knowledge of programming languages or HTML is not necessary.
• Multi-formatted content is automatically generated.
• Reusable content snippets that you can create once and use in multiple locations.