Glossary

Plug-ins?

A plug-in is used to provide a specific or uncommon function that is not available in the base product solution. For example, an MSD Information Technology client, Black and White Cabs in Brisbane, required specialised plug-ins for a Taxi Fare Calculator and an On-line Taxi Booking service for its website. These plug-ins were developed by MSD Information Technology, the creator of A4Web.

A4Web already includes several ‘standard’ plug-ins such as user name and user ID and email forms, etc.

Using plug-ins to implement special functions avoids modifications to the base system and enables special requests to be provided for quickly.

Plug-ins can be used to update a backend database with data collected from a web-based form, and send an email. Whatever your specific requirement, contact A Web for advise. We can create a plug-in that is tailored for each of your particular needs, for a one-time development charge.

Content Management System (CMS)?

This term indicates the ability to maintain your website content (words, images, illustrations etc.) using a web browser which is commonly an Internet-based application or website.

The range of CMSs available is large and just like pocket knives they vary greatly. You can have a simple pen knife right through to a top of the range Swiss army knife.

In developing our CMS we identified four main features that differentiate one CMS from another as follows:

1. Content can be managed on-line using a browser. The alternative is to transfer the content to a local PC where the content is maintained/updated and then copied back to the Internet using  FTP or a similar file transfer method.
2. Only content in existing, predefined areas or segments of a website can be maintained.
3. Content areas or segments can be added, removed and maintained on any page.
4. Content and structure is completely free to format. Add, change and maintain pages, menus and styles.