Official Google Enterprise Blog: Enterprise developers: See you at Google I/O!

Official Google Enterprise Blog: Enterprise developers: See you at Google I/O!

New WCM community Web site

We are launching a new community site dedicated to users of IBM WCM (aka WWCM or LWWCM or even Aptrix if you have an old version of the application). http://www.wcmportal.org

It is operated by my firm, Web Presence Architects.

WebRadar update

We're getting great feedback from WebRadar. The portlet for users of the IBM WCM (aka WWCM or LWWCM) was officially launched at Lotusphere in January 2008. We're working hard in incorporating new ideas for future release, but in the mean time you can download the latest version at the WebRadar Web site: http://www.webradarwcm.com

Editorial Content Management

You've heard of Web Content Management, which has to do with tools and processes to manage the creation, approval and publishing of Web content, now Id like to introduce a new term for an old problem: Editorial Content Management. This has to do with managing the quality of the Web content as it goes through its life cycle. Once content is published, its often left to its own demise. I'm arguing that Web managers need to create processes to ensure that editors and writers are focusing their time on managing the content life cycle very efficiently. WCM tools have some features that provide some editorial management capabilities, but there are few of them.

I generally do not plug my own stuff, but we've just launched "WebRadar", a portlet for IBM Websphere that provides Web teams with the tools necessary to manage their Web content and their Web project. Let us know what you think: http://www.wpaconsulting.com/webradar

WPM: Web Project Management

Let me start by saying that I'm not trying to get credit for adding a new acronym to our vocabulary, but I think WPM is important enough to at least address it in this space. WPM is a new(er) way of looking at managing your Web site. There's a lot of emphasis on Web Content Management (WCM), but Web managers need to look further at the big picture and acknowledge the relationship that exists between managing content, satisfying your user needs (or tasks) and the obvious (but sad reality) need to satisfy whoever signs your check at the end of the day (be it your boss or client). Over the next few weeks, I'll explain the importance of WPM and why I believe you should all consider your Web sites as true business projects.

Web 2.0

There is a conference going on in San Francisco about Web 2.0. Very interesting technologies are being discussed. Sometimes I look at this and think that this is another Internet bubble. Lots of young entrepreneurs, with grand ideas, and lots of VC ready to invest in the next Google (remember when we said the "next Microsoft?"). I think this is different this time. Many have learned that the world is not different because of the Web: Financial statements are still relevant, business processes are still important and you do not need to "destroy your business" to benefit from the Internet. Also, noone is taking about the "New economy." What's different with Web 2.0 is the way we collectively share information: The wisdom of crowds takes on a whole new meaning... More to come after the conference.

To podcast or not?

Podcasting is a great way to ensure you keep your radio (or tv in the case of video podcasts) audience interested in your program. Afteall, does it really matter to NPR that you listen to their news a few hours later? But can you say the same for corporatations? Before you start a podcasting initiative, you must look at the cost-benefit very closely. In fact, this is an exercise you should do before starting any Web-related project. Ask yourself what is your business goals and whether podcasting or any of the new Web technologies help you accomplish those goals. Do not think that because blogs are popular, that you ought to thave one too. The same applies to podcasts. It takes alot of time and effort to maintain a blog and even more to maintain a podcast. Look at your audience needs, and see if podcasting is the right way to serve them. If you're not sure, ask them. Check your competition. Do some research before investing in this project. You will find that only in a few cases is it beneficial to podcast.