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It's possibly a bit late to join this thread but I just wanted to add that
we've just come through a fairly exhaustive selection process and ended up
opting for a customised 'open source' system.

We've found an agency that specialises in customising established open
source CMSs, intranets etc and who have already developed a number of their
own (open source) bolt-on extras. We're just going into the design stage
with them now and are feeling pretty confident that we'll get what we want
i.e. a robust system tailored to our needs but built on a tried and tested
software framework. And as it's based on both open source and open standards
it should be pretty easy to extend and modify in the future. And no ongoing
licence costs or big upfront development costs.

If anyone wants to know more let me know,

Dan Morrison
The Who Cares? Trust

  -----Original Message-----
  From: This list is for people who are receiving New Opportunities Fund
Digitisation funding. [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Chris
Meaney
  Sent: 11 April 2002 10:14
  To: [log in to unmask]
  Subject: Re: CMS off the shelf vs programming


  Actually there is also another issue to consider if undertaking bespoke
development. Under the terms of the contract for the grant, NOF states that
they own the IPR to "materials" generated using NOF funding. Whilst its easy
to see how this applies to images, text, etc it also applies to bespoke
software development.

  Quite reasonably, NOF are trying to ensure that public money is not being
used to develop systems which are then marketed on/used to generate revenue.
There is no such issue with packaged systems.

  I raise this only because you need to take this into consideration when
developing a system either internally or using a third party developer.
  Regards

  Chris Meaney (AIMC)
  Managing Director

  =========================================================================
  Harvard Consultancy Services Ltd, Bexin House, 2/3 St. Andrews Place
  Southover Road, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1UP
  Tel: 01273 897517, Fax: 01273 471929, E-Mail: [log in to unmask]

  Registered in England & Wales no. 3766540
  Registered Office: 50 Harvard Close, Malling, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2EJ.


  -----Original Message-----
  From: Nigel Rudyard [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
  Sent: 10 April 2002 22:11
  Subject: CMS off the shelf vs programming


  Hi Raj,

  Although I think developing one's own CMS is a laudable aim in the longer
run, the real issue with the NOF projects is timescales.

  In most cases it's not always possible to develop the sort of
functionality required unless the requisite IT development (and
troubleshooting / maintenance) skills are ready to hand.

  In our case we're going for a tried and trusted CMS which has a reasonable
licensing fee and is readily adaptable to future projects.

  Just my opinion, I'm sure others would disagree.  There's no right or
wrong way to approach these things as long as it's all thought through.

  I would be happy to supply details of CMS suppliers off-list if you would
like to contact me.

  Good luck!

  Regards,

  Nigel Rudyard
  Project Manager, Spinning the Web
  Central Library
  St. Peter's Square
  Manchester
  M2 5PD

  Tel: 0161 236 1995
  E-mail: [log in to unmask]