Observe, a division of Obsidian Systems, has launched a locally developed Web content management system that offers South African companies a cost-effective alternative to expensive imported software.
The product, named i2i, allows organisations to take charge of maintaining and updating content on their Web sites, decreasing their dependence on external Web site designers. This in turn helps them to create a richer and more dynamic Web environment and drive down the costs of running the site.
i2i is available in two editions: i2i lite, which is aimed at the needs of small to medium-sized businesses, and i2i enterprise, designed to meet the demands of large corporate customers. The i2i system was built using open source development tools, and can run on any operating system platform that supports the Apache Web server.
Says Pieter Nel, development manager at Observe: "In the past, South African companies that wanted to keep their Web sites current have needed to pay external companies for changing Web content, place the burden on their IT departments, or buy an expensive imported content management system.
"i2i lite puts the benefits of content management systems within the price range of even the smallest of companies. i2i Enterprise, on the other hand, offers corporate customers a cost-effective, scalable and customisable alternative to imported software."
The i2i content management system allows editors and Web site administrators with no knowledge of HTML to edit, add or delete content on a Web site without affecting the design. Text can be cut and pasted directly from most word processors into the Web site via a browser interface across any Internet connection.
i2i lite is built on PostgreSQL, the most advanced open-source database available. Because the database is open source, there are no yearly licensing fees.
i2i enterprise features a three-tier modular system that separates the presentation layer, the business layer and the data layer of the Web site from each other. Companies can independently customise the look and feel, functionality and back-end of the Web site.
Observe can tailor the engine to suit the specific needs of an organisation and seamlessly integrate it with Enterprise Applications and Legacy Systems. The modular approach also allows companies to plug in new features and functionality as and when required.
The i2i product allows companies to build database-driven Web sites that offer a number of advantages over static Web sites. Data is generated in real-time from the database, ensuring that the information on the site is always relevant and up-to-date.
A range of plug-in features and modules for i2i cater for more sophisticated Web site needs such as personalisation engines, site searching, permission marketing, traffic monitoring and analysis, and bulletin boards.
Observe also offers i2i customers a range of consulting, implementation, custom software development and support skills to help them build and run Web sites that exceed their business needs.
Share
Editorial contacts