Feature Details

APLAWS+ includes various features which specifically support authoring and maintenance of public administration web sites.
Database:
  • Two database options:
    • Oracle (commercial, high volume)
    • PostgreSQL (open source, high perfocmance and standard compliant)
Templates:
  • Accessible UK Local Authority XSL web templates provided
  • Improved template management system built into APLAWS
Information Centric:
  • Whereas other content management systems are built as a managed set of web pages, APLAWS is designed as a pool of information upon which different views can be set up to build a specific website.
Strong Categorization System:
  • APLAWS+ allows for poly-hierarchic categorization, which enable complex content to be available to website visitors with varying interests and perspectives.
Open Source:
  • APLAWS+ is freely available through open source, which means there is no cost for the software and no ongoing license cost.
Standards:
  • National standards built into the system (accessibility, Government Metadata Standard, etc.)
  • Please see the standards section for more information
  • Supports RDF/RSS standards for syndicating content
Content creation:
  • System bundled with specific local authority content types
  • Allows for the development of many separate subsites
  • APLAWS provides role-based permissions at multiple levels
  • A user-based and tested forms-based back end interface for developing
  • structured content consisting of text, images, etc.
  • APLAWS+ contains a WYSIWYG editor for custom content, including interaction with Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) classes
  • Integrates with numerous file formats;
  • Content is archived, which means previous versions of content are available for users to refer to
Active User Group:
  • Live implementations of APLAWS have led to the formation of an active APLAWS User Group and there is a growing community to support new adopters.
  • Recent APLAWS+ back-end authoring improvements were undertaken in direct consultation and involvement of the APLAWS User Group
  • A growing number of suppliers are gaining experience in developing APLAWS+ components or offering implementation support or consultancy.
Workflow:
  • Content moves through a series of steps during the creation process. Each step
  • can be assigned to a customized role or user.
  • Content is routed, email notification sent and tasks assigned, documented by a full audit trail
  • Enables routing, email notification, task assignments, etc.
  • Includes reporting capabilities to determine content state and user assigned task status.
Life-cycles:
  • A flexible publishing model manages content life-cycles, enabling scheduling of publishing and removing content items;
  • Automatic email notifications for workflows and life-cycles are sent when tasks are complete or content is about to expire.
Publishing:
  • Schedule content for publication and removal (manage content life-cycle);
  • Users can preview content items as they appear in all associated templates.