Connect Showcase
Author: Ian Walker
Date: March 2007
Project Title: Vinspired
Client: The Russell Commission Implementation Body
Background:
An Web 2.0 experience to young people and is aimed at encouraging youth volunteering amongst 16-25 year olds. The content managed portal offers users a personalised view of information on volunteering opportunities, real-life experiences of volunteers including videos, blogs, and articles, online forums, and FAQs and online advice. Other features include automated alerts by email and SMS on volunteering opportunities based on the user’s expressed preferences. With the use of Web 2.0 technology supporting young people to use Web 2.0 services to communicate and build communities of interest amongst themselves.
Services used:
- Bespoke Design & Development
- Improved information architecture
- Integration of Wiki Software
- Integrated Bespoke Blogging system
- Integrated Media with Images, Videos, Podcasts and Audio.
- Folksonomy integration with Tag clouds
- User Personalisation
- SMS Integration
Development time: 3 months
Project Title: TALK (transferring across local knowledge)
Client: Tameside MBC / Leeds City Council / Manchester Business School
Background:
Connect was commissioned by a consortium of local authorities led by Leeds Council to develop the portal using the latest Web 2.0 technologies. The aim of the talk portal is to enable local authorities to share and disseminate knowledge and experience of implementing national ICT projects which address the ODPM’s transformational government agenda.
Services used:
- Bespoke Design & Development
- Improved information architecture
- Integration of Wiki Software
- Confluence API Development
- Web2.0 technologies: Blogs, Videos, Podcasts, and Tag clouds
Development time: 4 months
Project Title: Ireland.ie
Client: Failte Ireland
Background:
Connect has successfully delivered a new visual identity and enhanced functionality for the ireland.ie website, aimed at the Irish domestic holiday market. As a framework supplier to Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority for Ireland, Connect won the commission to redesign the website and to improve usability.
Services used:
- Content management system
- Improved information architecture
- Online accommodation booking
- Integration of mapping capability
- Personalized user registration system with ‘virtual suitcase’
Development time: 2 months
Project Title: Scottish Assessors’ Association
Client: Scottish Assessors’ Association
Background:
Creation of portal and content management system to collect and disseminate information on council tax bandings, non-domestic property valuations and electoral register data. Involving assessors from across Scotland, from 14 Joint Boards and Councils.
Services used:
- Bespoke Design & Development
- Improved Information Architecture
- Bespoke Content Management Software
- Integrated Google Maps API
Development time: 4 months
Project Title: Credu
Client: Canllaw Online
Background:
Credu Portal – design, development and management of Credu Portal providing services for the young people of Wales. Includes content management system, bilingual delivery, contribution tools for young people, web-based email and forums technology.
Services used:
- Bespoke Design & Development
- Improved Information Architecture
- Bespoke Content Management System
- Integrated Bespoke Blogging system
- Integrated Media with Images, Videos, Podcasts and Audio.
- User Personalisation
- SMS Integration
Development time: 5 months
Project Title: FCO Services
Client: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Background:
Design and development of a new website to support the business development of FCO. Includes implementation of content management system, development to WAI AA standard and conformity with FCO branding guidelines.
Services used:
- Bespoke Design & Development
- Content Management System (ConnectCMS)
- Web Accessibility to Level AAA
- Governmental Standards eGIF and eGMS
- Search Engine Optimisation service
Development time: 2 months
Project Title: Knowsley MBC
Client: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Background:
Large scale project. Knowsley’s website receives 6 million page requests per year and contains 11,000 pages of information. The new site contains information on all council services, ranging from Abandoned Vehicles to Zoo Licensing and content is kept up-to-date by council officers, using the easy-to- use web-based content management system. Working closely with the council, Connect has been successful in ensuring that the new website conforms to stringent e-government requirements including eGIF, eGMS and accessibility standards.
Services used:
- Content Management System (ConnectCMS)
- Web Accessibility to Level AAA
- Governmental Standards eGIF and eGMS
- Bespoke Design & Development
- Search Engine Optimisation service
- Print, Text and High Contrast versions of the website
Development time: 8 months