The larger the organisation, the more likely it is that publications will be spread across your website and other related domains. It can sometimes be difficult for users to get a single view your publications output. Moreover, if you are working with partner organisations and agencies the problems of getting a joined-up view become even more difficult. The publications could all be copied from their original locations to a centralised location, but this requires co-ordination and may lead to problems in determining who holds the definitive version.
The Directory of Publications makes it easy create and maintain the whole organisation view of publications. It holds localised records on each publication (such as metadata and abstracts) but links the user back to the original publication source in situ. It provides detailed search and browse functions to enable users to find the exact publication they require. By taking this distributed approach the Directory leaves ownership of each publication in the hands of those who published it, and avoids the process problems of versioning. The Directory can be automatically populated using a ConnectDiscover data harvesting process. It can also be manually updated via the built-in web-based administration console. Publications are checked daily by an automated process to ensure that they are still available online and the administrators can chose to receive email alerts of any changes.
The Directory can be presented in any style or ‘look and feel’, so that it fits seamlessly into your website and, by choice, the websites of your partners.
For more information on the Directory of Publications solution, please email us at sales@openobjects.com or call us on +44 1223 422200.
Legacy Databases
Datastore provides an ideal solution as a modern replacement for legacy text database and information retrieval systems, housing online catalogues and directories.
Many of the old information retrieval systems were built around the client/server architectures that originally pre-date the expansion of the World Wide Web. These old systems have been web-enabled over time but the underlying design is steeped in older technology and does not transfer easily to provide flexible web presentation and administration. These systems have served well but in many cases they are due for replacement and the data and content that they hold needs to be housed in a new generation of online tools.
Datastore offers a database designed for the web from the ground up. It can be configured to support all forms of record structure, including the easy inclusion of all types of multimedia object. The database uses standard SQL (structured query language) for access requests and seamless integration with full text search capabilities. It supports all type of metadata associated with the content records. The database includes functionality for the full use and management of controlled vocabularies, thesauri and all types of hierarchical classification scheme that are so often a vital part of these semi-structured information repositories.
Datastore can ease migration from your old database, using automated data harvesting to pull the contents across to the new database. It will even manage record synchronisation, if you continue updating the old database in the back office but use Datastore for your online presentation.
Datastore offers full and secure web-enabled administration, allowing you to update the database from wherever you are. It also provides an e-form interface so that end-users can provide feedback and submit material for moderated inclusion (if required). At all times, the administrator has full ultimate control over the records in the database.
Datastore integrates fully with a flexible web presentation layer, so the online ‘look and feel’ of the database can be styled exactly as you require it. It can be surfaced in as many different styles as you require (for example for seamless inclusion into multiple websites). In addition, the database provides XML/RSS and webservice interfaces for accessing records and sharing with other organisations.
Datastore can be used to update a wide variety of legacy databases, including the examples listed below;
- Public Records and Archives
- Library and Museum Collections
- Research and Publications Directories
- Online Bibliographies, Journals and Scientific Reviews
- Planning Decisions
- Committee Minutes and Agenda systems
- Staff and Personnel Directories
- Product Catalogues
For more information on using Datastore for legacy database and information retrieval projects, please email us at sales@openobjects.com or call us on +44 1223 422200.