Technical Support Needs for a CMS

A CMS is a series of components/modules that we hope will help administer and augment teaching using online computer and communications technologies. We should think of this as a series of modules that integrate with each other like our administrative Datatel system or our workstation desktop of programs of word processor, web browser, spread sheet, presentation, statistics etc.

There are two ways to approach this. One is the “Suite” which tries to ease the integration of the modules. The other is the “best of breed” where the best modules are chosen at the possible cost of the ease of integration.

User Support

• formal classroom instruction
• special topic “one on one” instruction

Automated Data Injection into CMS

• Datatel data extraction for automated class setup

  System Support

• if required, dedicated machine requires operating system installation and support
• if required, 3^rd party database installation and support
• if required, 3^rd party web server installation and support
• Datatel data injection
• regular system and database maintenance to ensure continued data integrity
• institution specific customization and creation of graphics, templates, utilities
• ensuring the desktop browsers are maintained the standard required by the CMS

*** note ***

Many of the items above might appear to be one time projects/expenditures. In reality, components are constantly having to be upgraded and modified as the CMS, Datatel, operating system, and other related systems are upgraded by their suppliers.