September 1, 2005
WEF (www.wef.org), the Water Environment Federation is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization with members from varied disciplines who work toward the WEF vision of preservation and enhancement of the global water environment. The WEF network includes water quality professionals from 76 member associations in 30 countries.
In early 2005 the WEF web site was in a critical state. It was overflowing with content that was placed into an architecture that was not adequate. Members were complaining that the only way they could find the content they were interested was through the very limited search tool. WEF needed a complete web site redesign, information architecture overhaul, a better way for staff to update content and a more robust search tool. They were looking for a web site search that could return relevant results from all of their web sites.
After an extensive vendor selection process, WEF chose Cobalt, on the basis that, Cobalt proposed the most flexible and robust solution. Cobalt's solution was to implement Microsoft Content Management Server (www.microsoft.com/cms), an enterprise-grade web site content management toolset, along with Mondosearch (www.mondosoft.com), a sophisticated web site search tool. Cobalt then developed custom code for integration with WEF's TIMSS association management software (www.tmaresources.com), including a full permission structure for web site content based on member data stored within the AMS. Cobalt also implemented banner advertising throughout the site, customizable based on site section, integration with a syndicated content provider Yellowbrix (www.yellowbrix.com), online quizzes technical forums and an exhibitor directory.
About Cobalt
Cobalt (www.cobalt.net) is an Alexandria-based software development firm focused on work with associations, non-profits, certification boards and mid-sized corporate clients. Founded in 1996, Cobalt has worked with over 100 customers to help drive revenue, increase internal efficiency and offer value-added services through customized, database-driven web sites, software applications, systems integration and web site content management solutions.
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