Web Associates — WebSuite FAQ

Technical

01. In regard to technologies, what is WebSuite built upon?: WebSuite comes in two different versions: Java and .NET. Based on industry standard technologies, the .NET version utilizes Microsoft’s .NET framework, is written in C# and utilizes IIS and a SQL Server database. The Java version utilizes the J2EE framework, is written in Java using Struts and uses BEA’s Weblogic application server and the Oracle database management system. Also available using open source technologies, WebSuite is offered in a Java version that utilizes the J2EE framework, is written in Java using Struts and uses the JBoss application server and Postgres database management system.
02. What is the technical infrastructure required to run WebSuite?: The infrastructure requirements for WebSuite vary depending on many factors, including size of site, traffic and content weight. WebSuite configurations can range from a single application server and a single database management system to multiple Web servers and multiple database systems. The application server and database system can reside on a single server, or the system can be configured to utilize many servers that are load balanced.
A typical configuration for the Web server is a server-class machine consisting of a 3GHz dual processor with 4GB of RAM. A typical configuration for the database server would consist of a 3GHz dual processor with 8GB of RAM.
03. Can WebSuite be applied to intranets and extranets?: Yes, WebSuite’s portal functionality allows administrators to set up both intranets and secure extranets for corporate environments.
04. How does WebSuite handle front-end technologies like Flash?: WebSuite allows virtually any type of front-end display technology, including Flash, HTML and XML/XSLT. WebSuite can provide XML or HTML output, which can be transformed by an appropriate display technology like Flash. Content can be static, CMS-supplied content or more dynamic, database-driven content, such as product information.
05. Is the WebSuite content management system a template-based system?: Yes, WebSuite uses a two layer approach to templates. Page templates define the general structure of the page and help ensure brand consistency across the site. Within page templates, you can utilize block templates, which define the formatting of page components (or blocks of content). The two layers allow more component-based reusability of the design styles within the site.

Integration

06. Can my company host WebSuite on our internal network?: Yes, WebSuite can be hosted on our clients’ internal networks. Web Associates also provides network services and a hosting facility to maintain your instance of WebSuite. .
07. What skills should my team have to operate successfully?: A basic understanding of Web sites and how they operate is helpful. HTML is required only if one is creating templates.
08. How does WebSuite share data with other applications in my system?: Because we can readily customize WebSuite, it can integrate at a number of different levels: the API level with other applications, and the database level with applications that utilize an RDBMS for data storage. WebSuite can also consume Web services from participating applications. .
09. Can the WebSuite application be customized to look like my company’s brand?: Yes, WebSuite was designed with the intention of incorporating client branding and styles into the administrative interface. To an average user, WebSuite is a company- branded Web application used to maintain the live site and associated intranets or extranets.
10. Is my company’s data secure in WebSuite?: Yes, WebSuite is as secure as the database and application servers it resides upon. Encryption and SSL functionality seamlessly integrate into the backend of WebSuite.
11. Will WebSuite still be relevant in 3 years?: Yes, WebSuite is built on open standard enterprise technologies, so that the application is both scalable and easily modified to accommodate client need. WebSuite has a product roadmap that defines the future vision and direction of the core software. This roadmap is created in conjunction with our partners and clients and shifts as market forces shift.
12. Will implementing WebSuite affect my search engine rankings?: No, WebSuite has the ability to manage keywords, description and other metatags as part of the CMS-managed content. A definitive SEO strategy should be defined to enhance and maintain your ranking, and WebSuite can provide the mechanism to manage that content.
13. How does WebSuite integrate with my Web site metrics software?: WebSuite managed content has been successfully tracked through products like WebTrends and HitBox. With customization to the page templates within WebSuite, custom metrics can be provided to help optimize your site based on your business needs. A definitive metrics strategy should be defined before site development begins.

Product Marketing

14. What companies currently use WebSuite?: WebSuite currently serves over 60 global brands in a variety of industries, and hundreds of Web site administrators use WebSuite to manage their Web properties. Some clients include: RIM, Quiksilver, Roxy, Linear Technology, California Closets, Semtech, Tennis Channel, Apple, Hewlett-Packard, Seminis, Philips and Marvell.
15. Does WebSuite have a product roadmap?: Yes, WebSuite has a product roadmap that describes enhancement opportunities up to 18 months into the future. WebSuite is built on open standard enterprise technologies, so that the application is both scalable and easily modified to accommodate client need. The roadmap is shared with clients and is impacted by feedback generated from WebSuite user forums.
16. What are the main functional components of WebSuite?: WebSuite is made up for three functional components: Publishing, Portal and Commerce. WebSuite Publishing provides the functionality needed to easily control both standard and specialized types of content through an easy to use interface. WebSuite consists of the Content Manager, Press Release Manager, Career Manager, Event Manager, Multi-site Manager and Template Manager. These modules work together to enable authoring, templating, localization and tagging. WebSuite Portal supplies the mechanisms to provide the functionality required for extranets, intranets and other types of portal-like sites. WebSuite includes a User Manager, Forms Manager and Asset Manager. These modules work together to enable personalization and privilege management. WebSuite Commerce presents the ability to manage products. WebSuite Commerce consists of the Product Manager, Shopping Cart and Search modules. These modules work together to enable cataloging and merchandising.
17. Can these functional components be deployed separately?: Yes, these modules are designed to fit clients’ online requirements, so that a company only installs modules essential to their business needs.
18. What third party products does WebSuite integrate with?: WebSuite can be integrated with any third party application based on a variety of methods. The modules have been customized for the needs of our clients by utilizing documented APIs, database sharing, XML feeds and other mechanisms. WebSuite has been integrated with multiple products, some of which include MapQuest, WebSideStory Search, AP News Feeds, UPS & FedEx fulfillment and various commerce and ERP systems.
19. Where can I get more detailed information on WebSuite?: For more detailed information, please view the WebSuite Product Overview document.
20. Does Web Associates support a dedicated R&D budget for WebSuite?: Yes, Web Associates has allocated funding and a dedicated developer group to contribute to the ongoing development of WebSuite outside of any given services project.

Business Model

21. Is WebSuite a hosted application?: No, WebSuite is an application that is licensed and can be hosted on our servers at Web Associates or hosted at a client facility. (Options are available for hosting the application in a variety of configurations based on your needs.)
22. What is the licensing model for WebSuite?: WebSuite provides an unlimited license for single site and multi-site instances of the software, which lets users manage multiple sites from one instance of WebSuite.
23. Can WebSuite be customized?: Yes, WebSuite was designed to address the most common Web site management needs “out-of the-box”; however our in-house technology team specializes in customizing WebSuite to meet the specific needs of our clients.
24. Why would I buy a Web application from an agency?: Enterprise software applications are often overloaded with features and typically fail around system implementation and associated training. A Web agency that provides a Web application allows for an easier integration between design and engineering, resulting in user adoption and a stronger final product with a quicker time-to-market. Additionally, the technology infrastructure ensures that future customization can be implemented by the same agency that guides the client’s overall Web strategy.
25. What is unique about WebSuite in comparison to similar products from other vendors?: WebSuite is backed by a full-service Web agency. Utilizing best practices learned from cross-industry experience, Web Associates offers in-house Strategy, Creative and Technology teams that serve as an online consultancy to contribute to client success. Providing “out-of-the-box” functionality that addresses the most common Web site management needs, WebSuite helps clients manage their Web properties with the added benefit of professional services that are wrapped around the core application. These services make WebSuite ideal for clients that need customized functionality and ensure that a client only pays for the functionality they need.