The Overview

The term Content Management System (or CMS) is used to describe two related, yet very different, types of software.

• Web CMS describes a content management system whose primary purpose is to manage the content of an organization's web site or sites. Web content management systems generally allow authorized users to alter or add Web pages, downloadable documents, or images.

• Generic CMS (also known as Enterprise CMS) describes enterprise-class systems used to digitize, store, and retrieve electronic copies of an organization's documents. The hallmark of an Enterprise CMS is an installed hardware base of document scanners.

Web Content Management

GraySail is one of the most active open source content management service providers in North America, specializing in OpenCms development and related services.

The world's premier open source Web content management system, OpenCms is supported by open source developers across the globe. This system is GraySail's first choice for Web site content management because of its well constructed framework, extensive feature list, and easy-to-use tools. Many GraySail clients already enjoy the benefits of the OpenCms content management system.

Features

• Based on Java/XML technologies
• Browser-enabled work environment
  
• Integrated user and permission management
  
• Project-based publishing
  
• Workflow and task management
  
• WYSIWYG editor for unstructured content
  
• Form-based editors for structured content
  
• Internationalization support
  
• JSP integration
• Application server integration/ EJB support
• Integrated Lucene search engine
  

OpenCms will allow you to run multiple Web site projects simultaneously, and delegate Web site content creation and editing to individuals throughout your organization while ensuring that all site changes are vetted through the proper chain of command. dLife.com and the Moore School of Business are just two of GraySails clients currently using OpenCms.

Services

GraySail has developed and supports more OpenCms web sites than any other service provider in North America. GraySail offers the following OpenCms services:

• OpenCms installation and configuration
• Template development
• Dynamic application development
• Integration with existing applications or enterprise frameworks
  
• User training (coming soon: online web-based training/certification program for OpenCms 6.2)
  
• General technical assistance

Other Content Management Systems
For clients looking for a less feature-rich Web CMS, GraySail has experience working with these other content managers:

• Drupal
• Plone
• Zope

Generic CMS Services

GraySail offers database configuration and application development services related to Enterprise CMS projects, and has significant experience with IBM Content Manager.

IBM Content Manager
Both large and small organizations benefit from efficiently managed content. It's easier to share, integrate, and deliver - which means saving time and money. IBM's DB2 software allows companies to manage critical business information like images, web content, and other digital assets.

GraySail offers a variety of programming and implementation services associated with IBM Content Manager migrations and integrations, including:

• Extraction and conversion of documents from third-party document management systems
• Migration of documents into a new or existing Content Manager repository
• Development of specialty conversion or indexing utilities
• Development or extension of web interfaces to Content Manager repositories
• Programming against the Content Manager API

GraySail can work with your company's data management or applications developers to help plan and evaluate a prospective Content Manager project.

As always, GraySail service engagements focus on transferring knowledge and enabling our clients. In addition to getting a valuable solution, you'll have the knowledge you need to manage it.