Fig Leaf Software proposed and built a custom channel management system using Macromedia Flash, Generator, ColdFusion and Spectra. The system enabled non-technical members of the ALO.com staff to easily update channels within the site. Since the channels, essentially electronic magazines within the site, employed Flash technology to engage the visitor using animation and sound, keeping the channels up-to-date was a time-consuming task. Before the portal/channel management system, content authors were required to have Flash development skills in order to keep their sites current.
The portal/content management system facilitates content production and allows content authors to quickly and easily update channels within the site without using Flash. The channel management system interface and supporting database automate the author, editor, and manager workflows. No longer do content managers have to call for all content at 2:00 every afternoon – instead managers and editors receive emails notifying them content is ready for review and approval.
The portal/channel management system to update Flash templates required a careful development methodology to support the expected growth and features of the site. The first steps in developing the system included a detailed requirements and specifications phase followed by the creation of a proof of concept prototype. Fig Leaf Software was able to minimize risk and client exposure, demonstrate the business benefits that the solution would deliver and eliminate the need for the client to invest in the required hardware and software until demonstrating proven benefits of the system.
