ColdFusion

ColdFusion enables creation of database-driven web sites and e-mail tools that empower users and simplify maintenance.

Need/Opportunity

• Link web sites to databases
• Empower users to select the information they want to see
• Improve the ability to keep information current
• Simplify changes to web sites

EVS project staff, sponsors, and other stakeholders who may be  geographically dispersed, often require access to databases for data entry and reporting. Many of these users do not have the skills or software required to use project databases, but nevertheless need convenient access to database tools and content. Managing web sites and databases can be time consuming and cumbersome.  Content quickly becomes outdated and inaccurate and users often cannot find the information they need.

Dynamic, database-driven web sites offer a solution to these problems by providing remote access to database capabilities through an easy-to-use web browser interface. Database-driven web sites can be used for customized reporting, data entry, or for remote administration of web sites and databases.

Approach

• Provide Web "front end" to project databases for data input/output
• Dynamically display information to users
• Enable remote web site administration through web-based forms

ColdFusion is a powerful and flexible application development tool for building database-driven web and e-mail applications. Maps, queries, and reports can be generated "on the fly" for near real-time display.  Cold Fusion also allows data and communications to be tailored to user needs, either automatically or by user choice.

ColdFusion web sites and e-mail tools can be developed and reused more quickly than traditional applications.  Cold Fusion simplifies web site and database administration by allowing users to modify web sites and data through simple forms.  News and calendar items can be updated instantly through the Web.

Results

• Used for 30+ web sites and e-mail applications
• Used to develop web site management tools
• Used by several EVS sponsors to maintain and update web sites

EVS has developed more than 30 Cold Fusion web sites and several Cold Fusion-based e-mail and web site management tools. Several sponsor organizations are successfully using dynamic Cold Fusion applications created by EVS to manage their web sites and data including document repositories, photo catalogs, and calendars.

Benefits

• Makes database capabilities available to remote users with common interface and minimal software requirements
• Allows customized delivery of web and e-mail content
• Reduces and simplifies maintenance effort

Cold Fusion enables the creation of extremely powerful web sites that provide global access to project databases and deliver customized web and e-mail content to project staff, sponsors, and stakeholders. It reduces and simplifies web site administration while facilitating remote site management. It is a powerful and flexible tool that has significantly enhanced EVS's Internet application development efforts.