Web site development, hosting & maintenance
Forapolis can create a new site including the design work, or host any already existing site (including migration).
We can also maintain the content of both static pages and any dynamic pages (i.e. database fed), based on input from the forum.
We can manage user accounts for any password protected areas, based on forum membership rules. Hosting can be based on a dedicated server or a shared server (i.e. used for several fora). |  |
Mailing list hostingForapolis offers the use of Listserv™ e-mail lists, hosted on our own shared server. This includes threaded and searchable email archives, with web-based site and list management. Lists can be managed according to a variety of criteria, e.g.: - Each group has its own mailing list.
- It is possible to configure a list so that mail requires approval before dissemination.
- Mailing lists can be open or closed (i.e. public or member only).
- Any member can join any open list while closed list membership is maintained by an administrator.
IT Services management
Forapolis has access to the ETSI IT department (approx. 25 persons) including IT developers and this department is also hosting the Forapolis' customer's helpdesk when required. IT services are provided under a detailed SLA (Service Level Agreement).
Electronic toolsETSI has long been in the forefront in terms of effective use of electronic tools for the standards making process, and has in many cases been first to implement services such as on-line electronic voting, on-line automatic document numbering, and has developed a variety of web portals, both for itself and for Forapolis clients (see below for the Forapolis Portal Platform). Forapolis can offer this know-how to assist in ensuring the effectiveness of a forum by providing tools for management of the forum processes.
Forapolis offers to their customers a choice of electronic tools relying on two different IT solutions:
- The Forapolis Portal Platform (FPP)
- and the Kavi Application
The Forapolis Portal Platform (FPP) has been designed in-house as a powerful, easy-to-use tool that allows customersto manage their web sites and web applications through a web interface. It has a flexible architecture with a high degree of customisation possible to satisfy the needs of different clients, without the need to rewrite code. Many application parameters can be changed via a simple administrative interface. In addition, the architecture is multi-tier in order to ease development and maintenance and to allow rapid integration of updates (bug fixes, enhancements). It also benefits from latest web technology (.NET 2.0, SQL Server 2005).The FPP consists of a Framework and a series of individual applications integrated into the Framework.
The Kavi Application is a third party off-the-shelf product that provides standardised modules that can be combined depending on the customers' needs. It provides an easy setup, a fixed pricing scheme and can be characterized as follows:
- Hosting outsourced
- US based
- Linux based
- Scaleable
- High degree of securityProblem reporting
As a first point of contact, problem reports and enquiries are to be sent by email to the Forapolis staff providing support to the forum.
The Forapolis staff will deal with the reported issue and, in the event that an IT problem is identified, will transfer it to the ETSI IT Helpdesk for resolution.
Operational matters normally handled by (e.g.) forum members or third parties will be transferred accordingly and tracked for completion.
WLAN support for meetings
Forapolis can provide portable Wireless LAN solutions, including equipment and personnel. For small meetings (40-50 delegates), we can offer a portable WLAN pack consisting of one laptop server and one wireless base station. The equipment can be setup and managed by the forum support staff and each pack will provide:
- DHCP - to make the connection to the local server easy.
- Local website (http), to publish information.
- Local document repository (ftp), to exchange documents.
- Chat rooms server - to facilitate the communication between the participants.
For larger meetings (up to 500 attendees), we can also offer a more robust and powerful set of equipment, setup and managed by dedicated IT staff. This may include a permanent connection to the Internet (subject to availability).