Web Content Management Services

Description
	The Web Content Management System (WCMS) is a tool for State of Vermont Web developers to much more easily and quickly design and implement Web sites. The infrastructure created for the CMS is designed in such a way that it is a tool available across the enterprise for managing Web resources. For individuals or programs that own online content the WCMS will allow non-technical staff of individual state government organizations to manage their own Web content on a remote server using only their current Web browser as a development tool. With this system Web site creation, hosting and maintenance will no longer be issues that state staff members need to consider. Web hosting will be a service rather than project based. Just as email addresses are now requested for new staff members, organizations will now be able to request new Web sites. Within a few weeks of receiving the requirements for a new site the site will be created and ready for content to be added. Where today a new Web site can take months to get launched, with the Web portal this time could be cut to a few weeks for a small site. In September, 2007 the state launched the Web Portal Project. This project embodies the state’s initiative to bring efficiency and standardization to common processes within state government. It also represented an opportunity to bring the state fully into the digital age. The project was initiated to benefit all state branches, organization, partners, and citizens. It was intended to improve customer satisfaction and greatly reduce transaction costs. Before this initiative a wide variety of independent systems using divergent technologies provided Web services for the various organizations in state government. The Web Portal Project now provides a common solution, development environment, and Web hosting environment available to the entire state. The WCMS also is intended to provide a stimulus to state organizations to improve the usability and integration of state Web sites. In the first six years of the project we have progressed from being a technically inferior eGovernment State with little or no enterprise strategy to a point today where we can count several significant successes, including being recognized as one of the top ten state Web Portals in two consecutive years. This time of success has also been a time of learning as this new business model was tested. During the initial stages of our work we discovered several areas where there was opportunity for improvement in our eGovernment strategy. The State Web Portal at Vermont.gov is supported through the Web Portal Project. Any technical issues with the portal are managed by the Director of Web Services and VIC. Any editorial issues with the State Web Portal are managed by the Chief Marketing Officer. Domain Name Approval Service New Web Projects Vermont Information Consortium
Benefits
	This service provides a one-stop location on the Web for anyone seeking information about Vermont State Government. The Web Portal represents a large cost savings for agencies and departments. There will be no hosting cost, no development cost, no creation of RFPs to alter old or create new Web sites, no waiting for the RFP process to conclude, and no involvement of technical staff in content creation or maintenance. There are a great many positive aspects to hosting a site on the new system. Non-technical staff can substantially maintain the site. The site structure can be built and activated in a matter of days. There will be no need for creating an RFP or contracting with a vendor to create a new Web site. A site will not require the purchase or maintenance of any hardware. A site will have no ongoing maintenance costs. All new sites built in the ECMS automatically comply with ADA Web requirements. All new sites built in the ECMS automatically comply with all state Web standards. A site is hosted in a guaranteed 24/7 facility with redundant power and telecommunication infrastructure. Support will be available from experienced Web developers on ways to improve a site's performance. The actual server hosting the sites will be in a secure location with advanced site and electronic security. The hosting facility will be able to provide 24/7 availability due to redundant power sources.
Availability
	Normal Hours of Operation: Monday –Friday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 pm Staff on hand to resolve issues immediately. After Hours Operation: Monday –Friday 4:30 pm – 7:45 am Friday 4:30 pm –Monday 7:45 am Staff on call to resolve issues as soon as possible.
Contact/Order Inquiries
	For all service and support inquiries: For Technical Issues: During normal business hours Use the Service Desk Ticketing System: https://ent-footprints.state.vt.us Or Call 802-828-3544 After hours call 802-318-7799 or 802-917-1974 For Editorial and Content Issues: Contact the CMO’s Office (cmo.vermont.gov/contact)
More Information
	ECMS Manual Accessibility Testing SSL Certificates Web Policies and Standards Web Portal Project Frequently Asked Questions Web Portal Project Memo If you are interested in more information about getting involved with the Web Portal Project please contact the State Webmaster, Harry Bell, at 802-828-5338.
Price Model
	The State Web Portal is provided as an aspect of the Web Portal Project at no additional cost to the state.