The University of Southern California&singlequot;s Information Sciences Institute (ISI) consists of more than 300 researchers, graduate students and staffers devoted to researching breakthroughs in technology. ISI’s research includes such complex fields as artificial intelligence, computational science and computer architecture, computer security, e-commerce, human-centered support systems, integrated circuit design and fabrication, Internet communications and advanced networking, natural language technology, parallel and grid computing, robotics and systems integration.

As any good researcher will tell you, however, no results come from research in a vacuum. The give and take between scientists and technologists tackling similar problems often leads to breakthroughs and new technologies that wouldn’t be possible if those same people worked alone. ISI’s researchers, however, were finding it difficult to communicate with their peers to share findings or communicate results. They were forced to rely on e-mail or static Web pages built by the researchers themselves, neither of which provided a seamless way to interact.

The group decided to investigate a Web content management system that would help ease the process, but was stymied by the fact that its internal systems were so diverse.

"We work with Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux and Unix platforms, so our Web content management system had to be platform-independent and product-agnostic," said Richard Nelson, ISI&singlequot;s IT director. "After reviewing 20 different Web content management solutions, we were surprised to find that the more expensive offerings aren’t necessarily the best."

ISI decided to implement Open Text&singlequot;s LiveLink Web Content Management Server due to its ability to handle the environment, its ease of use, flexibility and scalability, he said. "It’s simple to install, has an outstanding editing tool, and leads the way in flexibility, scalability and ease of use," he said.

For example, with Livelink Web Content Management Server, ISI&singlequot;s IT department can set up template structures to ensure all Web content adheres to USC’s brand identity, including logos, format and fonts.  The Webmaster can quickly code these templates in HTML or any other native language. Once templates have been established, ISI researchers can use the tool’s wizard to post or update information about their projects, without writing a single line of code.

"ISI researchers are passionate about their research projects, and may not have much time to publicize their work or work on internal communications for the Institute as a whole," Nelson said. "Our solution makes it easy to log on to a portal to edit content, preview any changes or create a project description or personal Web page. We expect that the solution will significantly improve the way ISI researchers use the Web to collaborate and share information."