Synthenet Corporation Online Management System Version 6.0 Released!

Northborough, MA  December 9, 2003 - Synthenet Corporation, a full service web development firm, has completed the development of the newest version of their comprehensive, customizable Online Management System - v6.0.

The Online Management System was developed in early 2001 and has undergone substantial changes and enhancements since its inception almost three years ago.  Over 60% of Synthenet's clients are using the Online Management System in its various versions. 

In this extremely user-friendly application, clients (including non-technical staff), have complete control over their web site content through a web browser interface.  Although the Online Management System is a stand-alone application, it is customized to each client's specific web site needs. 

In addition to the existing functions of the Content Module (The site's sections, pages and content are created, edited, moved and deleted within a collapsible/expandable “tree” environment), Synthenet has enhanced the following functionality:

• Site Administration Security Model has been expanded to break down User permissions to allow/deny access to menu items (Content/Messaging/Events/Surveys/Accounts/System Settings, etc.), Image Tree, Document Tree, Messages Tree, Events Tree and Products Tree.
• Various overall stability and performance enhancements, as well as bug fixes to previous version functions.
• Improvements in Search Engine Optimization functionality.  The way in which the URL displays has been changed to accommodate search engine "spiders".
• Pages Tree:  Items may be moved (appended or inserted) to any level or branch in the Pages tree in one step, without having to use the "move up" or "move down" function.
• "Duplicate Item" functionality has been added.  Pages may be duplicated (including any forms on the page), saved and then edited.  This would save substantial time in a situation where there were several similar pages on the site that just required minor modifications.  Only one page would need to be created and then could be duplicated as many times as needed.  Pages (this would work particularly well for forms) could also be set up, left as unpublished and used as templates to be duplicated whenever they are needed.
• "Preview Revision" has been added to preview changes made when editing an approved page, before saving changes to live site.
• "View Images" is a function that allows the user to view and edit all of the images contained in the content area of any given page, without having to switch to the image tree, locate the images, edit and save them.
• Enhancements to the Content Editor include:  Increased functionality for tables, text styles and incorporation of "spellchecker.net" into the Editor.
• Link Management functionality has been expanded to include Products, Events, Images and Documents.
• The Image Tree and Document Tree have been configured to display images and documents in alphabetical order within categories.  Images and documents may be moved from one category to another.
• Pages may be set up as Pop-Up's.  The size of the Pop-Up can be also be designated when setting up the page.
• Enhancements have also been made to Index functionality:  Indexes may be defined in columns and line spacing between Index items may be adjusted at the discretion of the Administrator.

Version 5.0 of the Online Management System marked the introduction of the Form/Survey Module and Events Modules.  The following are new enhancements to these modules:

Form/Survey Module:

• Forms may be designated as secure and submitted through a secure key (secure key must be installed on site in order for forms to be submitted securely).
• Additional field types have been added (i.e. Zip Code field), as well as credit card validation functionality.
• Survey Results may be viewed in pie chart format and printed from the Administration in "Printer Friendly" format.
• The new "Duplicate Page" function allows forms contained on pages to be duplicated, along with the page, eliminating the need to create a new form from scratch each time a similar form is needed.
• Page Collection Selector allows the Administrator to choose pages from the Page Tree to appear in a dropdown on the form.

Events Module:

• A new feature has been built in to allow the Administrator to create Recurring Events.  This eliminates the need to create an event multiple times if the event is scheduled on a recurring basis.
• The ability to build forms on Events pages has been added.
• Administrators may now create Indexes on Event pages.  These Index pages will not show up in the Pages Tree, but will be tied specifically to an event.
• Tabs have been added in the Events section to view Unapproved/Deleted and Revised Events.
• Events may be structured in Event categories (this must be designated as part of the Events Structure at the time of design).

Enhancements to Message Module (formerly E-Communications):

• The Message Module has been moved to a tree environment (like Pages, Events, Images, Documents and Products).
• Functionality has been enhanced to allow the ability to link to documents, other messages, pages, event and products within a "message".
• Tabs have been added in the Message section to view Unapproved/Deleted and Revised Messages.
• Revision control (like that in the Pages section) has been added to the Message Module.
• Elements can be set up as part of a Message design (outside the Content Area) and may be controlled by the Administrator.
• Enhanced reporting has been added:  Clickthrough tracking by user and link, as well as subscription reporting (how many recipients opened the message, etc.).
• The ability to create forms on Messages has been added.

Enhancements to Commerce Module:

(Note: There may be additional charges associated with implementing these enhancments on a site utilizing the existing Commerce Module, depending upon the structure of that site).

• Availability of integration of real-time credit card processing.
• Ability to issue refunds and credits in real-time.
• UPS Integration with tracking numbers.
• Affiliates Clickthrough Tracking and commission reports.
• Promotions, Discounts (flat dollar amount or percentage) and option to offer Free Shipping.
• E-Mail and Printer Friendly options for Product pages.
• Ability to offer product options with one price associated (i.e. color selection, size selection, etc.).
• Product Configuration has been enhanced to include the ability to set up base items (which are combined to create products), packaging configurations and cost of goods, as well as vendors for each item.
• Cross-selling of products (product relationships).
• Image Groups for products may be predefined and selected.
• Ability to offer Gift Card Messages as part of the Shopping Cart check-out process.
• One-time purchase option in Shopping Cart (user is not required to create a user account and retain their information for future visits).
• Single shipment version of Shoping Cart is now available.
• The ability to define invoices, packing lists, fulfillment lists and production reports.

Three new Modules have been incorporated into the Online Management System and are now available.  Please call for further details.

• E-Cards Module - An interface where site visitors may send E-Cards.  Card categories, designs and "stamps" are implemented by the site Administrator to complement the site/company theme.  Reporting is generated for how many cards were opened, etc.
  
• Contacts Module - A simple web-based Contact Management System where Administrators may set up contacts, assign tasks, apply notes, schedule follow up calls, etc.
  
• Order Entry Module - Mirrors the front-end functionality of an E-Commerce web site and used as a Customer Service interface.

About Synthenet Corporation:

Synthenet has developed over 160 business solutions, bringing to each its core philosophy that with the proper methodology, technology can be instrumental in furthering an organization's business objectives.  The integration of custom web-based applications can vastly improve a business process and increase an organization's overall efficiency.  Synthenet has extensive experience with ColdFusion, HTML, DHTML, FLASH, FLASH MX, Java, XML, JavaScript, and other client scripting languages.

Clients include:

Geoff and Drew's (www.geoffanddrews.com)
School for Field Studies (www.fieldstudies.org)
Northshore YMCA (www.northshoreymca.org)
The Trustees of Reservations (www.thetrustees.org)
Working Advantage (www.workingadvantage.com)
Jessica's Biscuit Cookboks (www.ecookbooks.com)