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
E-mail: [log in to unmask]