Getting Help with Site Development
Launching New Sites
Recommended Tools for Web Development And Maintenance
Additional Tools and Considerations
Tools NOT to Use

Individual departments and programs are responsible for the development and maintenance of their own sites using the AAES/ACES/COAG site standards and templates in consultation with the communications departments. Each department or program area should designate one person to be the Web contact person for their site.

Whether you are experienced or inexperienced with Web site development, be sure you are familiar with the principles and guidelines in this document.

Department heads and unit leaders

If you have someone, either faculty, staff or student, who is or will be responsible for developing your site, refer this person to your communications department for consultation and information.

If you do not have faculty, staff or students who will be responsible for Web development, your communications departments (Extension Communications or Ag Communications) can recommend students who are qualified and trained to help you develop and maintain your site.

Those needing training

Training opportunities are publicized on the ACES/AG IT Web development site (see training)

1. Before you begin an official AAES/ACES/COAG Web development project, make sure you have approval for the Web site’s content from your dean, director, department head or program leader and that you have access to the ACES/AG network. (Complete the Web Development/Hosting Request Form.)

2. If you have questions about the scope, process and plant for your work, contact your communications department.

3. If your site will include specialized features or server applications or if it will require a custom domain name, contact the ACES/AG IT department.

4. Download Contribute 3 software, which will contain templates for your pages within the program.

5. Develop a few pages of your site using the templates and this online standards guide. Contact the communications department to review your work in progress.

6. Finalize your site; inform the communications department that it is ready to be launched. The Web Standards Group will review your site and suggest any necessary revisions. If the site is ready to launch, the Webmaster will move it to the server or give you instructions for doing so. You must designate a site administrator to maintain your site.

If your site is already completed, notify your communications office that your site is ready for review. Please be aware that developers of official AAES/ACES/COAG Web sites will be asked to bring their sites into compliance with the official AAES/ACES/COAG Web site template standards and guidelines. For this reason, we strongly recommend communicating with your communications office before beginning your project.

Web development requires certain essential tools. However, even the best tools are no substitute for certain basic knowledge of Web design and structures, protocols and development. If you are undertaking significant Web projects, we strongly recommend that you invest the time to acquire proficiency for site development with the tools you select. If you require application development capabilities or training, refer to the ACES/AG IT Web development site (see additional resources and training).

Web design/site management software

Current versions of Macromedia Dreamweaver and Contribute. The AAES/ACES/COAG templates are designed to be used with Dreamweaver and Contribute. Contact the ACES/AG IT department for information about purchasing software. Dreamweaver is recommended for advanced users only.

Image editing software

Macromedia Fireworks, Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements

Current browsers

Internet Explorer 5.x/6; Netscape Communicator/Navigator 4.x and 7. Note that many other browsers will also work fine and are often superior in speed and functionality. Due to high-volume use, Explorer and Navigator are our "supported" browsers, and AAES/ACES/COAG sites must be coded to work in these browsers.

Common browser plug-ins

The Flash plug-in, Quicktime / Windows Media, RealAudio and Acrobat Reader

The following tools are available for Web page development. For further information about using these tools, visit the ACES/AG IT Web development site (see Web development tools)

Database development

The MySQL database application is available on the AAES/ACES/COAG Web servers. Microsoft SQL and Microsoft Access are NOT supported on the AAES/ACES/COAG Web servers. Individuals using MySQL must be proficient with database development and security practices. Please discuss your plans and needs with the ACES/AG IT department BEFORE working on database development.

Scripting

PHP, CGI and Perl scripting are all supported on the AAES/ACES/COAG Web servers. PHP is the preferred application, but most commonly used scripts are already on file. Contact the ACES/AG IT department for assistance.

Server-based applications

In addition to database applications, other applications such as message boards and blogs must be centrally installed and managed by the ACES/AG IT department to ensure proper implementation, integration, security and ongoing maintenance. Contact the ACES/AG IT department for assistance. Java Applets are not supported.

Data Security

AAES/ACES/COAG Web policy states that all Web pages that pass confidential or secure data such as passwords or personnel information MUST use a secure connection. An SSL certificate is provided for this purpose. As per the Auburn University E-Commerce Management Policy, transactions involving credit cards are expressly prohibited on the AAES/ACES/COAG servers and must instead use the Auburn University credit card transaction server. Contact the ACES/AG IT department for assistance.

Not all available software programs are good Web development tools. We request in the strongest possible terms that you NOT use the following tools for Web development. In addition, many of the following programs will not work with the AAES/ACES/COAG templates.

Microsoft FrontPage

This program is not supported by AAES/ACES/COAG Web servers. We strongly recommend that you obtain and use Macromedia Dreamweaver for your continued work.

Word Processing Programs

Traditional word processing programs such as Word and WordPerfect are neither Web development nor design programs. Documents created in Word are best published via PDF or FlashPaper.

Netscape Composer

This program will not work with the AAES/ACES/COAG templates.

Microsoft Publisher

This program is not a Web development program but rather a design program for print publications. Items created in Publisher do not convert to Web safe colors for viewing.

Technologies that require additional plug-ins

We recommend that you carefully consider the consequences for usability if you choose to create Web sites that require plug-ins that are not standard components of browsers. Shockwave is (arguably) such a technology. Be aware that if your site requires a non-standard plug-in, you will be automatically excluding a portion of your potential audience.

Database structures WITHOUT TALKING TO ACES/AG IT DEPARTMENT FIRST

Many people wish to develop dynamic, database-driven Web sites. We DO support this type of application development within specific parameters. We require a pre-existing proficiency with database administration and the sustainability of site development. Please discuss your plans and needs with your communications department and ACES/AG IT department BEFORE working on database site development.