The webteam is constructing a new version of the NSRCA website using Joomla! 1.5, an open-source content management system (CMS) that uses PHP and MySQL. nsrca.us is running on a linux server at NXS.net.
Building the website on a Content Management System provides many advantages over the old static system:
- uniform style for pages controlled by Cascading Style Sheets (css). To see the difference, compare these two pages:
- the potential to link PayPal transactions directly to the member database so that folks may join online and get access to the K-Factor as soon as the PayPal transaction is complete
- automated re-mailing of lost passwords so that paid members may retrieve their passwords quickly
- expanded opportunities for members to contribute content to the site
- Forum privileges for members of the NSRCA
- better management of the website--less dependent on any one person
Timeline for the transition
The software was installed on December 28, 2007.
The first draft of the site was completed on January 27, 2008.
Much remains to be done.
When all of the elements of the system have been brought over to the linux server, nsrca.org (our original domain name) will be redirected to the new server. That is D-day. Before we can set a date for the final transition, we must:
- move the database from Access to MySQL
- write the necessary scripts to maintain the database and produce reports
- integrate the PayPal system with the MySQL database
- move all of the contest calendar information into Thyme
Comments and corrections most welcome. Please contact us through the About > Contact us link in the top menu.
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