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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

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-----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
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