CONTENS (Hall 3, Stand E08) will present the completely revamped version of CONTENS, 3.0, for the first time this year at CeBIT. Version 3.0 includes multiple new features such as Direct Edit, context-sensitive menus as well as an extensive API. Working with the newly designed user interface is now even more user friendly as each editor can determine his own personal settings. A new licensing option also offers the possibility to operate as many websites as desired under one license.
Adjustable Interface and Streamlined Operation
The most obvious change made to version 3.0 is the new, more clearly structured user interface. Editors work directly on the website and have access to a wide selection of functions in context-sensitive menus. Menus, page trees and properties windows can be called up and hidden as desired, while the Favorites system additionally allows frequently needed content and pages to be individually composed.
Next to the well-established work view with its overlayed editing functions, CONTENS 3.0 offers editors further displays, such as Direct Edit. This function enables content changes to be made directly on the browser interface, removing the need for an additional pop-up window. Direct Edit considerably cuts down on the time needed to edit existing content.
Administrators also stand to benefit from CONTENS 3.0. The new user administration enables the allocation of as many groups and role combinations as desired, which substantially simplifies the process of quickly assigning processing rights. Assigning rights can now take place not only centrally, as up until now, but also remotely: with appropriate authorization, administrators can adjust which editors or which roles may access each menu.
New System Architecture and complete API
The entire architecture of CONTENS 3.0, which consistently separates the processing of content from the layout (MVC model), is likewise new. The use of ColdFusion MX enables functionalities such as components, connections to external Java libraries and an XML gateway. Customer-specific modules can be easily integrated into CONTENS with an API, which can be used with all of the system functions in CONTENS 3.0. CONTENS 3.0 uses its own code generators for the production of object classes and forms; the same generators are available for personal applications.
Expanded License Model and Favourable Prices
CONTENS’ new version expands the license model to include an editor-based variant: customers with a CONTENS 3.0 Server License can administrate an unlimited number of websites on one server, whereby additional editor licenses can be purchased. As up until now, the site-based variant is still available, which includes an unlimited amount of editors and offers the option of further websites. Along with the new license model, CONTENS has also dropped the prices for server licenses by up to 20%.
Making a Date at CeBIT
Individual dates for the CeBIT convention can be made at the website www.contens.de/cebit.
03.02.2005, Alexander Friess, CONTENS Software GmbH
