Webinar: For those looking for a better way to manage documents and emails!</h1> <article> <h1>Webinar: For those looking for a better way to manage documents and emails!</h1> <p>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:50:42 GMT</p> <p>Join us as we demonstrate how <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=645F5A9DEE0040A3B52D2CA164F6D444&_z=z">Microsoft SharePoint Server (MOSS) 2007 </a>and <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=E7F6E54442DB48A4BF88A16C5E5A4D2C&_z=z">WISDOM Document Management Framework (DMF) Professional</a>, provide a highly effective and scalable solution for managing large document repositories. </p> <p> <strong>Webinar Overview: <br /></strong>Friday 28th November <br />10am - 11am (UK Time) <br /><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=B5AEAFC2A8174E7F9FB055956BE101AB&_z=z">Click here to register >></a></p> <p>WISDOM DMF Professional is an add-on for SharePoint that provides features required by professional services firms. WISDOM DMF Professional has the functionality of leading traditional DM systems as well as the flexibility and cost advantages of being based on SharePoint. </p> <p>The Webinar will deal directly with the challenges that face ClearPeople’s legal sector. </p> <p>WISDOM DMF Professional has recently been successfully implemented for by a top 'Magic Circle' law firm. The project concluded with the migration of over 2 million documents into a SharePoint repository capable of handling several Terabytes of data. </p> <p>We look forward to you joining us on the 28th November. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Is SharePoint the right tool for your website</h1> <p>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:59:04 GMT</p> <p>Websites have become much more than a collection of information moved online. They can be valuable assets that help organisations increase revenue, acquire global customers, improve customer satisfaction, reduce operating costs, and strengthen the brand. This makes the choice of technology for creating and operating a dynamic, full-featured Website a critical decision. <br /><br />When it comes to using Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS, or simply, SharePoint) for content management of public Websites, organisations may be tempted to skip product evaluations altogether. This may occur when SharePoint is being used behind the firewall as an effective intranet or collaboration tool. The assumption is made that SharePoint should be the de facto tool for the organization’s public-facing Website as well.</p> <p>This White Paper reviews the public-facing website needs of Marketing, IT, and sales executives. It identifies the inherent orientation and structure of a document-oriented WCM solution such as SharePoint, and compares that with the need to deliver a high level of flexibility and adaptability for non-linear navigation, granular content control, and rapid changes that characterize the most successful public-facing Websites today. The challenges SharePoint has when addressing Multiple Device support, Multiple languages, Multiple websites, Search Engine optimization and more are described, with suggestions for alternatives which are better suited for this. </p> <p> <a href="~/media/F9698B83B207407EA1F32B348F626935.ashx">View Whitepaper (view/download PDF)</a> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Using WISDOM Search for Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007</h1> <p>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:06:43 GMT</p> <p>WISDOM Search extends the user interface for MOSS Search, making it quick to create and deploy search solutions that are tailored to an organisation and which provide the sort of search experience that today’s business users expect. A solution based on WISDOM Search was selected as the worldwide winner of the Microsoft Innovative Search Solutions competition in June 2007.</p> <p>Read More <a href="~/media/EF46B364333B462CB8995AAF45518F44.ashx">>></a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Content management for Toshiba</h1> <p>Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:42:34 GMT</p> Toshiba Business Communications Division has recently implemented ClearPeople's bespoke content management solution for their customer and partner portals. <br /><br />Together with Madison York, ClearPeople succesfully re-launched the Toshiba Business Communications Division web site. <br /><br />The core feature of the new site is the full content management capability. It enables non-technical staff to share knowledge and easily update the content of all pages, as well as add new pages or sections to the site and so forth. </article> <article> <h1>GMR uses ClearControl</h1> <p>Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:39:28 GMT</p> Grundberg Mocatta Rakison is an international law firm based in central London and offers a broad spectrum of legal services. <br /><br />GMR understands the value of a well-presented and up-to-date web site. They therefore decided to re-launch their site with a new design and content management system using ClearPeople's product ClearControl. <br /><br />ClearControl offers a cost-effective solution to manage everything on your web site from adding and updating content, to adding new menu items, as well as uploading documents and images. <br /><br />See the website on <a href="http://www.gmrlaw.com/">www.gmrlaw.com </a> </article> <article> <h1>ClearControl behind Bid4raceparts</h1> <p>Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:36:41 GMT</p> Bid4raceparts.com is an online auction website that facilitates the purchase and selling of motorsport items from around the world. <br /><br />A solution similar to e-Bay was required that would allow sellers to easily upload information and pictures of the items to be sold, as well as set start and reserve prices. Buyers would have the facility to search for items and place bids. In addition, they should be able to view their bidding histories, as well as auctions that they may have created. <br /><br />The ClearControl framework was used to facilitate this advanced functionality. </article> <article> <h1>ClearPeople site in the Danish news</h1> <p>Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:32:51 GMT</p> ClearPeople was requested to quickly design and deliver a web site for a start-up company in Denmark called Engineeringagency. <br /><br />The managing director, Henrik Rosendahl, was to be interviewed by some of the largest national newspaper agencies and radio stations. He realised the urgency of using this opportunity to promote the web site and expand the applicant database. He therefore asked ClearPeople to create a professional site in a short time frame. </article> <article> <h1>ClearPeople builds legal sector presence</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:08:41 GMT</p> ClearPeople Ltd., a leading full-service provider of advanced web services and solutions for business and professional customers, today announced the release of its ClearControl Edition for the Legal Profession. ClearControl Edition for the Legal Profession is part of the ClearControl family of browser-based products incorporating Microsoft .Net technology. <br /><br />ClearPeople have created a package specifically for law firms and will work with their customers to build a solution tailored to meet their specific needs and business objectives. <br /> </article> <article> <h1>Advanced functionality for Howitt</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:06:28 GMT</p> <p>The Client <br />Howitt is much more than just a printing company. They provide a range of communication services that help their clients successfully market and sell to their customers and prospects. The company currently employs over 320 people and is one of the largest print and support businesses. </p> <p>The Challenge<br />Madison York required a flexible content management solution for their client that could be implemented in a short timescale. <br /><br />The Solution<br />The site was built by Madison York using ClearControl as the content management system to create and manage close to 100 pages and a large variety of design templates. The site facilities include full content management, user management, registration and authentication management, Extranet zone, custom modules and a number of custom alerting functions. <br /><br />Once the web site was live, the client also requested an Intranet facility. ClearPeople was able to deliver this instantly (literally within 24 hours) due to the flexibility of the ClearControl solution. </p> </article> <article> <h1>ClearPeople sponsor Charity ball</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:04:21 GMT</p> <p>ClearPeople have supported the RM Cancer Campaign Ball event by sponsoring the hosting and development of their web site using ClearControl, a full featured web Content Management Solution. The content for all the pages was added and edited by the committee members themselves, who found ClearControl to be an intuitive and easy-to-use tool.</p> </article> <article> <h1>ClearPeople appoints Navisite</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:01:40 GMT</p> <p>September 9, 2004 -- Web development and content management firm ClearPeople Ltd. has selected UK-based Web hosting firm NaviSite Europe to provide managed Web hosting, back-up and security services. </p> <p>ClearPeople recently launched a packaged solution for professional service companies, such as law firms, which tend to under-use Web sites as a serious communications channel. ClearPeople aims to simplify and automate the process of creating, managing and delivering content on the Web. </p> <p>"Our Web solutions enable clients to leverage the power of the internet to proactively communicate and interface with existing and prospective customers," says Gabriel Karawani, Technical Director at ClearPeople. "NaviSite provides us with a cost-effective and professional solution that enables us to host our customers' sites in a secure and reliable environment, while still giving them the ability to control their own Web content on a day-to-day basis." </p> <p>ClearPeople joins a growing portfolio of NaviSite customers including organizations such as Hyundai, UKTV, Virgin Travelstore, Frost & Sullivan, Interflora and The Savoy group. <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Danish-UK Chamber launch with ClearControl</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:43:41 GMT</p> The Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce (DUCC) needed to provide a forum for members to network and communicate with each other. The site needed to be easily maintained especially with regards to adding new events. <br /><br />ClearControl Edition for Business Clubs and Associations provides DUCC with a simple online tool to create and manage events, members, sponsor information and more. </article> <article> <h1>Dream site for DreamCompetition</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:15:19 GMT</p> <strong>The Client <br /></strong>DreamCompetition was established in 2004 to provide their customers with a unique opportunity to win exclusive prizes that most people can only dream of. The prizes can only be purchased online. <br /><br /><strong>Solution</strong> <br />The site was built using ClearControl with full content management, user management, e-commerce functionality, as well as registration and authentication management. A custom built competition functionality was also created for the site. </article> <article> <h1>ClearControl for the Legal Profession</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:12:01 GMT</p> <p>ClearPeople are pleased to announce the launch of ClearControl™ For The Legal Profession as an addition to its range of cost-effective and easy maintenance web solutions and services for professional service firms. <br /><br />The new ClearControl™ For The Legal Profession package provides all the specific web-related tools required by legal firms. Commenting on the development of ClearControl™, Katya Linossi, Managing Director of ClearPeople said “gives legal firms the opportunity to have an easily managed website. As well as providing information this enables them to attract new business and manage their existing clientelle, whilst staying in control” . <br /><br /><strong>The main features of ClearControl™ include: <br /></strong>• Elements required to build a professional law firm website, including web design, copywriting and photography of staff members <br />• A comprehensive website management tool, aiding the development of solicitor information, practice areas, client lists, articles, contact details, and other information <br />• Web promotion: Driving traffic towards the website E-newsletter templates: Keeping clients and prospects up-to-date with developments within the firm <br />• Extranet: Secure areas for sharing information and documents</p> <p>Once a web development project has been completed, ClearPeople take full responsibility for website hosting, training and ongoing support. Gabriel Karawani, Technical Director of ClearPeople comments “I am delighted that through ClearControl™ For The Legal Profession we are able legal firms the opportunity to receive the high-quality professional help”. </p> <p>ClearPeople are pleased to announce the launch of ClearControl™ For The Legal Profession as an addition to its range of cost-effective and easy maintenance web solutions and services for professional service firms. The new ClearControl™ For The Legal Profession package provides all the specific web-related tools required by legal firms. Commenting on the development of ClearControl™, Katya Linossi, Managing Director of ClearPeople said “gives legal firms the opportunity to have an easily managed website. As well as providing information this enables them to attract new business and manage their existing clientelle, whilst staying in control”.</p> <p> <strong>The main features of ClearControl™ include: </strong> <br />ClearPeople are pleased to announce the launch of ClearControl™ For The Legal Profession as an addition to its range of cost-effective and easy maintenance web solutions and services for professional service firms. The new ClearControl™ For The Legal Profession package provides all the specific web-related tools required by legal firms. Commenting on the development of ClearControl™, Katya Linossi, Managing Director of ClearPeople said “gives legal firms the opportunity to have an easily managed website. As well as providing information this enables them to attract new business and manage their existing clientelle, whilst staying in control” .</p> <p>Press Release available on: <a href="http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=20741">Sourcewire </a></p> </article> <article> <h1>ClearPeople ensures compliance with DDA</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:06:34 GMT</p> Websites have to be accessible to all, by law. ClearPeople's "web accessibility" service adapts existing websites to meet the recently updated Disability Discrimination Act Standards. Thousands of businesses may already be in breach of the law. The DDA have stated that it's "the legal duty of businesses providing services to the public, whatever their size, to make 'reasonable adjustments' to remove barriers to accessibility". <br /><br />ClearPeople's "web accessibility" service will ensure the one in seven people in the UK who have some form of disability, can do business online. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) applies to all sizes of business and includes websites as well as premises. In force since October 2004, businesses could be prosecuted if they don't comply with the DDA's accessibility standards. Penalties of a non-accessible website may include paying compensation and a court order to change the website, as well as legal costs. The case against the Sydney Olympics committee in 2000 led to payment of $20,000 damages and $millions in legal costs and web development. <br /><br />ClearPeople can assess a company's web site accessibility and design and implement changes to meet the new DDA requirements, as well as bringing in extra business. A compliant site will also be more accessible to PDAs and mobile phones and an estimated "743 million people accessing the net through these devices" (Cahners In-stat Group). ClearPeople are working to government best practices largely building on the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), who's level A accreditation "gives basic access to most groups of disabled users", and a logo to advertise the company's commitment to equality. Good practice ideas from the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) include ensuring text is easily distinguished from background images, giving text captions as well as sound for the deaf or hard of hearing and allowing users to avoid content which could trigger photo-sensitive epilepsy. <br /><br />Making a website more accessible needn't mean a completely new look for the site. "ClearPeople have a solution where there may be no need to fundamentally re-design the user interface, so a company can retain it's corporate image” comments Gabriel Karawani, Technical Director of ClearPeople. ClearPeople will be pleased to speak to businesses to arrange an overview of their websites, external and internal, and discuss improvements to meet the Disability Discrimination Act requirements. </article> <article> <h1>New site for SA Business Club</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:03:50 GMT</p> <p>The South African Business Club was launched in September 1993 to provide a meeting point and networking framework for South African business people living and working in the United Kingdom, and for people who have an interest in, or business connection with South Africa. <br /><br />SOLUTION <br />ClearControl Edition for Business Clubs and Associations provides SA Business Club with a simple online tool to create and manage events, members, sponsor information and more. </p> <p>The website can be found on <a href="http://www.sabusinessclub.com/">www.sabusinessclub.com </a><br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Absencecare successfully launched</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:01:19 GMT</p> <p>Absencecare provides a fully managed service for measuring, monitoring, and minimising absence. Therefore, absencecare's management technology systemises company absentee data and objectively measures and communicates absenteeism. <br /><br />The web solution is a vital part of absencecare's business and the solution is used on a daily basis by both absencare and their clients.</p> <p>Some of the features of the solution include: <br />• Centralised absence registration <br />• Absence tracking and reporting <br />• Simple interface for non-technical users such as call centre agents to register absences <br />• Automatic alerts and reminders Ability for managers to subscribe to daily reports <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>EFAA choose ClearControl content management system</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:58:53 GMT</p> European Federation of Accountants and Auditors (EFAA) serves the specific interests of accountants and auditors within Europe who are in the SME sector. <br /><br />The EFAA wanted to launch a new website but most importantly wanted an easy way to update the website with newsletters and issues on a regular basis. They also wanted to communicate more frequently with members and with ClearControl they can easily add news items and other relevant information. </article> <article> <h1>Accessibility compliance for top law firm</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:56:27 GMT</p> ClearPeople are delighted to announce the launch of the new website which they have developed for RadcliffesLeBrasseur, in response to the updated Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Standards. ClearPeople, the specialist web solution provider, updated the site using its web accessibility service to ensure full compliancy. <br /><br />In October 2004 the DDA stated that it is “the legal duty of businesses providing services to the public, whatever their size, to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to remove barriers to accessibility”. ClearPeople’s “web accessibility” service adapts existing websites to meet the updated DDA Standards. ClearPeople’s specially adapted Content Management System, ClearControl, was chosen as it automates the greatest possible number of processes to avoid the publishing of inaccessible pages. Furthermore, it also includes features designed to increase the accessibility of content published within it. <br /><br />ClearPeople has also redesigned and updated the RadcliffesLeBrasseur website to include the necessary tools to make advanced updates to all content areas of their website, whilst adhering to the existing branding of RadcliffesLeBrasseur. ClearControl has provided RadcliffesLeBrasseur with a strong marketing tool and communication channel, and has greatly facilitated their ability to quickly publish their press releases and publications online. <br /><br />Roland Gillott, Managing Partner of RadcliffesLeBrasseur commented “We are very pleased with our new website that is now greatly enhanced in terms of its functionality. The structure provided by ClearControl enables us to update the content on the site more easily than before. This helps us to keep it topical. Clearpeople have been very easy to work with in relation to this. They have been reliable and professional throughout, from the initial meeting through to the launch.” <br /><br />Gabriel Karawani, Technical Director of ClearPeople commented “We are pleased to have been chosen by RadcliffesLeBrasseur to transform their old site, not only to become compliant with the DDA but also to provide them with a new look and feel that they are proud of. Our greatest contribution seems to have been ClearControl, our content management solution. They now have an easy-to-use tool, enabling them to publish content onto the website and also allowing their marketing staff members to contribute to the site on a regular basis. </article> <article> <h1>ClearPeople accepted as Microsoft Certified Partner</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:46:44 GMT</p> ClearPeople have now been accepted into the Microsoft Certified Partner Program with competency as an ISV Software Solutions. <br /><br />ISV Software Solutions are designed for technology partners with proven expertise in developing and marketing packaged software applications based on Microsoft technologies. In addition, Certified Partners represent a high degree of competence and expertise with Microsoft technologies. <br /> </article> <article> <h1>ClearPeople partners with Sitecore for Enterprise CMS</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:43:27 GMT</p> <p>ClearPeople Ltd., a London based leading web development company, has become a Certified Solution Partner for Sitecore, a world-renowned content management system (CMS) provider. </p> <p>ClearPeople’s primary focus is on the legal sector and they can now offer the larger law firms an enterprise grade CMS solution with integration directly into both Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft CRM. For firms that have invested heavily in these and other back-end systems (including InterAction), ClearPeople is sending a strong signal to the market: CMS systems need to be part of the corporate IT and marketing strategy and should therefore be able to integrate to, and communicate with, existing back-end systems. </p> <p>Gabriel Karawani, Technical Director at ClearPeople comments: “Partnering with Sitecore fits into our strategy of serving the Legal and Professional Service sectors with the best possible solutions that provide real value for money. For firms with enterprise level requirements, there is no better solution than Sitecore and we are able to address requirements such as integration to CRM and KMS systems with limited overhead for additional development and integration.” </p> <p>“We are delighted to have ClearPeople as a Sitecore Solution Partner and are looking forward to a strong relationship. We believe that ClearPeople is the right partner to choose within the Legal and Professional Service sectors and with their strong background in ASP.NET it is perfect match with Sitecore.” Gert Bach MD of Sitecore UK.</p> <p>Gabriel adds that “it is all about avoiding heavy re-investment and showing a healthy ROI, while limiting the administration burden of maintaining disparate systems.” </p> <p>The Sitecore CMS fits into ClearPeople’s technology strategy by being developed in ASP.NET, and offering an extensible API for further customisation and integration. <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Internet newsletter for lawyers article</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:38:22 GMT</p> <p>ClearPeople recently had an article published in Delia Venables' Internet newsletter for lawyers. <br />The theme of the article is based on “making money while you sleep” and whether ecommerce can be a way of selling relatively simple legal services, while saving internal and often limited resources? </p> <p>To read more, go to <a href="http://www.venables.co.uk/n0607ecommerce.htm">http://www.venables.co.uk/n0607ecommerce.htm <br /></a><br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Web accessibility article in Law management e-alertLaw Management e-alert</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:10:05 GMT</p> <p> <strong>The e-newsletter of the Law Management Section (Law Society) - Issue 15 – July 2006 </strong> </p> <p> <strong>Web accessibility</strong> <br />According to a Disability Rights Commission study in 2004, less than one in five UK businesses meet government legislation to make websites accessible to people with disabilities. More recent studies indicate that the level of compliance has not improved much since then. Certainly, according to recent research conducted by ClearPeople, nearly two thirds of the top 100 law firm websites are not compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Instead, it appears that law firms are focusing on business functionality and design rather than DDA compliance, with marketing messages often taking precedence over providing simple messages in plain English. <br /><br />The fact is that all sites should be compliant, not just because it has been a legal requirement for some years, but because it is a reflection of the way a firm positions itself. A non-compliant site could be a symptom of further issues; the site is not updated regularly, the firm does not take their website seriously; or the wider issue that the site does not comply with Web standards in general. <br />So what has happened to Web accessibility since 2004? What is about to happen? Who is responsible for making your web site accessible? <br /><br />DDA, W3C, WCAG, WAI… confused? The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) of 1995 has, since 1999, included parts related to website accessibility. These parts rely on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as set out by the World Wide Web Consortium (the W3C) under the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). The WAI released WCAG 1.0 in 1999 and the web community is currently awaiting the second release. <br /><br /><u>Web accessibility since 2004 </u><br />Since October 2004, there has been a lot more focus on website accessibility. The DDA effectively came into full force from this date and this has been a driving factor for many websites, especially within the public sector. <br /><br />However, the DDA is not based on any new standards as such. Instead, the awareness has grown within the Web developer community, as well as an increased demand for accessible websites from companies engaging in new Web projects. In addition, many developer platforms and frameworks have improved their accessibility features to allow developers to create compliant websites. <br />Furthermore, several organisations, suppliers and industry bodies have been releasing guidelines and best practice to address the issues highlighted by DDA compliance. The most recent and important being PAS 78 from the British Standards Institution (BSI), which is useful reading for anyone considering a new Web project. <br /><br />The other interesting development, in terms of Web accessibility, is that the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) may finally be releasing WCAG version 2.0. This is the next version of the current WCAG guidelines that form the basis of DDA website compliance. Version 2.0 has been met with mixed reviews, which is not a surprise, as this is a recommendation which will affect a very large community of Web developers and website owners. The new guidelines are organised around four design principles which are very different to the old ones. There are guidelines for each principle and each principle has three levels of “success criteria”. <br /><br />While it will take a while before these recommendations are released, and even longer before any of this will become mandatory for DDA compliance, it is important to understand the direction of the new version. You can read more about the changes and differences at www.w3.org/WAI/intro/wcag20.php#differs. <br /><br /><u>The perfectly compliant site <br /></u>The best time to plan for a perfectly compliant website is before the actual website is created. Too often Web projects are started with little or no planning and may deliver some immediate results, but often result in long-term challenges. <br /><br />Typically, management gets heavily involved in the initial “look and feel” decisions for the firm’s new website. Once this decision has been made, the rest will often be left to the “techies”. While it is true that the design is crucial, the design should also follow best practice when it comes to usability and accessibility. Thinking about this from the outset will save headaches and redesign issues at a later date. <br /><br />The next item that should be given more focus and management attention is that the developers of the website should understand and follow Web standards, as well as best practice from the outset. Standards are there for a reason and if followed then browsers will know (or should know) what to do with the content. This means that a browser such as a screen reader can interpret the site more accurately, and it will also make the site more index friendly for search engine robots. In technical speak; a compliant site should start by delivering content as valid xHTML 1.0, using valid Level 2 Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) for styling and using best practice such as “DIV” for layout rather than an “HTML table”. Such a website is likely to pass the mandatory accessibility checkpoints with little or no additional extra effort. <br /><br />The final step is to ensure that the content on the site makes sense and can be easily read. This should be true for the initial launch and for subsequent content updates to the site. This is the hardest part, especially with regards to sites that use Content Management Systems (CMS) due to the fact that the site can be easily changed. Web editors must, therefore, understand what to do to ensure continuous compliancy. This means that practical website guidelines and policies need to be created and adhered to. In addition, the CMS tool must provide a good framework and set of tools to allow the Web editors to achieve these goals. For example, if an editor places a content image (that is, it conveys some information of relevance) into a content area, then he or she should understand the importance of placing the appropriate alternative text (description) for that image, so that a visually impaired reader will understand the meaning of that image in the context. <br /><br />In summary, to achieve a perfectly compliant site you must ensure that: <br />• management understands that the site is not just about how it looks; <br />• Web developers understand how to use appropriate standards to implement the website; <br />• Web editors understand how to write and update content whilst still ensuring that the content is complying with the DDA; and <br />• the site is regularly tested against the relevant standards; including the WCAG checkpoints (see below). <br /><br /><u>How to check and test your site <br /></u>There are a number of tools available to assist you with testing your site: <br />1. Automated/semi-automated testing: using a desktop tool such as “Bobby”, or online tools such as http://webxact.watchfire.com or www.wave.webaim.org. These automate reports on one or multiple pages and will, amongst other things, check for accessibility compliance. They are a great way to do quick tests, but should only serve as a guideline as they can only test a small subset of the WCAG guidelines. <br />2. Simulation testing: you can manually test your site by using various types of browsers, as well as turning features on and off. For example, using FireFox and the Developer toolkit, it is easy to turn CSS and JavaScript off to see how this affects your navigation system or other critical parts of the website. Web Accessibility Toolbar is a similar and very useful tool in Internet Explorer. This contains links to a number of tools, including simulators, which can be used to simulate colour blindness and so forth. <br />3. Assistive technology tools testing: go a step further and use browsers or tools commonly used by disabled users, such as text-only browsers (for example, the Lynx browser) or even IBM’s Home Page Reader. <br />4. Real users: Get your site tested by users that really do require the site to be accessible. There are now many companies offering these “real-life” tests as a service. <br />You may also want to review the British Standards Institution PAS 78, which outlines a number of good practices for testing a site (www.bsi-global.com/ICT/PAS78/index.xalter). <br />Make sure that you have a well-defined and long-term service agreement in place with any external developers, so that any issues can be resolved quickly. <br /><br /><u>Checklist to develop an accessible website <br /></u>• Buy a copy of PAS 78 from BSI (£30 + VAT). <br />• Include an accessibility statement, even if your site does not currently comply. This statement reflects that your firm is taking accessibility seriously and explains what has been done to the site to make it accessible (or that you have plans to make your site compliant). Include details on how to contact you (or your Webmaster). See example at <a href="http://www.bsi-global.com/about_this_site/accessibility.xalter">www.bsi-global.com/about_this_site/accessibility.xalter <br /></a>• Assess your resources and capabilities. Ensure that your Web developers (internal or external) are up-to-speed with the latest standards. <br />• Secure sign-off from stakeholders, as well as a reasonable budget for a well-planned and well-built website. <br />• If you don’t have the experience internally to create a website brief, consider using a third party. This may also be a good time to document your site usage, compliance and accessibility policies. <br />• Double-check that from the outset you are clear about the “must-have” and “nice-to-have” features for the site. Must-have features should include that the site is tested and validated against key standards (including WCAG for DDA compliance) before project sign-off. <br />• Set-up an internal pilot and test group who will be responsible for usability testing. Consider using a third party for external testing. Remember to re-test the site when changes have been made. <br /><br /><u>Suggested links and references <br /></u>• .net magazine: July 2006 <br />• BSI’s PAS 78: <a href="http://www.bsi-global.com/ICT/PAS78/index.xalter">www.bsi-global.com/ICT/PAS78/index.xalter <br /></a>• Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI): www.w3.org/WAI which has links to guidelines including the new, draft WCAG 2.0. <br />• IE Web accessibility tool: <a href="http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=614">www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=614 </a><br />• FireFox Web developer tool: <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/60">https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/60/ </a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Top Firms 'Fail Web Test'</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:06:00 GMT</p> According to a recent article in the Gazette (July 15, 2006), a number of Top 100 firms are failing to meet basic accessibility tests. <br />The tests were based on results from ClearPeople's automated tests, as well as further manual checks by RNIB. <br /><br />Click to read the article. <br /><br /> </article> <article> <h1>New ID Distribution website using Sitecore</h1> <p>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:59:07 GMT</p> ID Distribution are an independent distributor specialising in the international distribution of formats and completed programming in factual & light entertainment, reality, lifestyle, documentaries and current affairs. <br /><br />Therefore ID Distribution regularly need to update their website with new programmes and news items. However, their old website was difficult to update and maintain. <br /><br />Together with the Button Group, ClearPeople were able to successfully launch the new website using Sitecore CMS as well as Flash video player and Extranet functionality. The new website was also launched in time for the mipcom event that took place in Cannes, France. The website was made available to the event participants so that they could browse through the available list of programmes. </article> <article> <h1>Toshiba Business Communications use Sitecore</h1> <p>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:02:21 GMT</p> In 2003, Toshiba’s Business Communications Division (BCD) enlisted the help of ClearPeople Ltd to redevelop the division’s web presence, and create a partner extranet using a bespoke content management solution. <br />Three years later, and with even greater importance being placed on the partner extranet, Toshiba BCD required that their website have further advanced functionality. Given the complexity of the requirements, ClearPeople recommended Sitecore as the preferred enterprise-class Content Management System (CMS). <br />The challenge consisted of implementing a system that could handle the vastly increased content load the site had to deal with, as well as simplifying the content management procedure so that also non-technical staff could perform the updates. In addition, large emphasis was put on the system’s scalability for future needs. <br /><br /><strong>Some of the features of the Sitecore system implemented are: <br /></strong>• A highly efficient publishing tool <br />• Adherence to Toshiba global web and security guidelines, including: <br />• Fully protected staging and intranet environment <br />• Separate (web-farm server) public facing internet/extranet environment <br />• Preview and Publishing control <br />• Workflow control <br />• World class adherence to web standards <br />• Clean, elegant and flexible user interface <br />• Password protected areas (Extranet) for Toshiba partners <br />• Flexible form control <br />• Flexible brochure download form controls <br /><br />After only ten weeks of intense development work, the site was launched on Monday the 15th of January. The ease of usability surpassed every expectation of responsible Toshiba team, and they are now managing the content on a day to day basis. The procedure went without any significant glitches, and can now be seen online <a href="http://telecoms.toshiba.co.uk/">here. </a><br /> </article> <article> <h1>Companies slow to catch on to change in law</h1> <p>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:58:44 GMT</p> A recent update to the Companies Act of 1985 sets out some important changes to the information companies have to include, both in all electronic communication, as well as on their website. <br /><br />As of the 1st of January 2007, the following information has to be included: company registration number, place of registration and registered office address. This is essentially an extension of the requirements already in place for ‘business letters’, to also encompass email and Web communications. <br /><br />Recent research, however, has revealed that many companies seem to be late in adopting these new guidelines, something that could potentially land them with a fine. <br /><br />For more information on how you can make sure you are in the clear, please visit <a href="http://www.out-law.com/page-5536">OUT-LAW.com </a>or read the full document on the <a href="http://www.dti.gov.uk/bbf/co-act-2006/">DTI website </a> </article> <article> <h1>So what exactly is SharePoint?</h1> <p>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:50:19 GMT</p> <p>There’s been much speculation as to whether Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) 2007 will become a de facto standard in the legal sector. One of the reasons is SharePoint is being hailed as one of the most cost-effective portal solutions on the market and that it is able to address a wide range of needs. </p> <p>However an obstacle to its success is people generally do not know exactly what SharePoint is, nor what it can do and how it can be used. Interestingly, there is little information available on Microsoft’s own website demonstrating SharePoint’s capabilities and the available information can be rather confusing. Given the importance of this product, it is a shame that more is not done to convey its true potential. Another obstacle is SharePoint’s first releases had a bad reputation. The fact is SharePoint 2007 is more user-friendly and stable compared to previous versions. Substantial enhancements have been made to all aspects of SharePoint, but especially to document and records management, business process integration, forms and business intelligence. </p> <p>One of the most popular uses for SharePoint is as an intranet solution, whereby SharePoint can potentially provide a single portal for solicitors to access all information held on existing disparate systems. This portal can also be extended to include a know-how section, encompassing knowledge and document management.</p> <p>This makes SharePoint an interesting value proposition to firms of all sizes, specially since some of the well-known portal solutions are often over-priced and too complex for most firms. They also require specialised knowledge to implement and support them which calls for a dedicated IT department or expensive consulting fees. <br /><br />Maintaining a Windows/Office environment is, all things being equal, a lot more cost efficient. Although SharePoint is inexpensive compared to other portal solutions, the cost of set-up and customisation should not be forgotten when agreeing a budget. However, firms operating an IT budget on a shoe-string will quickly learn that a large proportion of requirements can actually be covered by standard SharePoint features. For these reasons it is not surprising many firms are already planning or in the midst of SharePoint implementation projects. <br /><br />So, despite the lack of information from Microsoft, SharePoint may very well find its way into many law firms. <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Finers Stephens Innocent LLP launches new website</h1> <p>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:40:00 GMT</p> <p>Finers Stephens Innocent LLP (FSI) launches a new website – with a pledge to donate up to £2,000 to the firm’s two chosen charities at the same time. <br /><br />The new website, which reflects FSI’s partner-led service and the firm’s forward thinking and unstuffy approach to the law, uses the latest technology to give clients easy access to the areas of law most relevant to them. <br /><br />Additionally, FSI will donate 10p for every click made to the website before 1 July (up to total of £2,000). The funds will be shared equally between FSI’s two chosen charities, Helen House and Douglas House and the NSPCC. <br /><br />Visitors to the new website’s home page will be greeted by a “Look Closer at FSI This Week” video news-clip, where every week a different staff member from partner to secretary will adopt the role of ‘news-reader’ by providing the headlines on the latest developments at the firm. <br /><br />Individual practice and sector area pages include video bulletins on the latest legislative developments in an easy to digest format. The ‘Order Here’ section of the site allows clients to download or order FSI publications and subscribe to email alerts. <br /><br />The look of the new website builds on FSI’s distinctive orange corporate colour, with many of the staff members sporting orange dress items in their photos, blending with other bright colours throughout the site to give it a more vibrant feel. FSI’s ‘blinking eye’ and ‘Look Closer’ slogan are also given greater prominence, encouraging visitors to delve further into FSI’s broad service offering. <br /><br />The content of FSI’s new site reflects the firm’s approachable and collegiate culture. For example, secretaries’ photos and contact details appear alongside those of partners, photos of partners for the press are available to download in EPS and JPEG formats, and details and photos of support departments are also included. <br /><br />Commenting on the new website Paul Millett, FSI’s managing partner, said: <br />“We’re delighted to be launching the new website and raising money for our charities at the same time. The new website better reflects the range of advice we offer our clients and our modern approach to legal services. It also underlines the value we place on all our staff and the fact that we don’t take ourselves too seriously as a law firm.” <br /><br />Gabriel Karawani of ClearPeople Ltd., the company that designed and developed the website, commented that: <br />“this project was exciting and challenging from both a creative and technical viewpoint. Our team thoroughly enjoyed working with FSI’s marketing team who are very forward thinking and creative, and they certainly think “out of the box”. <br /><br /><strong>Look Closer - Finers Stephens Innocent LLP have</strong>: </p> <ul> <li>36 partners </li> <li>eight areas of practice: real estate, corporate and commercial, litigation, IP & media, private client, family, employment and personal injury and sector expertise in relation to the retail and leisure, education, property, fashion, media and art markets</li> <li>a client list including the owners of the Daily Telegraph, Ultimate Leisure, X-Leisure, Pizza Hut, Monsoon, Top Ten Holdings, Fairview New Homes, Aspers and the Wall Street Journal </li> <li>A partner led, vibrant, unstuffy, friendly, forward thinking, business-like, entrepreneurial, approachable and ambitious culture </li> </ul> <p>For further information on this or any other Finers Stephens Innocent press release, please contact: <br /><br /><strong>Judith Prime, Business Development Director <br /></strong>T: +44 (0)20 7344 5578 <br />E: judith.prime@fsilaw.com <br /><br /><strong>Notes to editors <br />Helen House and Douglas House</strong> <br />Who provide respite for parent carers and end of life support for families and their ill children <br /><a href="http://www.helenanddouglas.org.uk/">www.helenanddouglas.org.uk</a> <br /><strong>NSPCC </strong><br />Who provide a better life for children in their care <br />http://<a href="http://www.nspcc.org.uk/">www.nspcc.org.uk </a><br /><br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Award Winning SharePoint Add-ons</h1> <p>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:32:07 GMT</p> ClearPeople Ltd. recently announced its partnership with MacroView as the priority partner for the award-winning <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=AC3151ABFD164520AF200F3A8B43B31B&_z=z">WISDOM range </a>of software components to the UK legal sector. <br /><br />ClearPeople are a leading specialist web development company with a primary focus on the legal sector. By partnering with MacroView, ClearPeople can now offer further add-ons for <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=645F5A9DEE0040A3B52D2CA164F6D444&_z=z">Microsoft SharePoint </a>that is specifically tailored to law firms’ requirements. The WISDOM product range includes: - <br /><br /><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=E7F6E54442DB48A4BF88A16C5E5A4D2C&_z=z">WISDOM Document Management Framework </a>enables the creation of easy-to-use and highly functional document management solutions in Microsoft SharePoint. WISDOM DMF provides users of Microsoft Office and Windows with an intuitive tree-view of their SharePoint environment. <br /><br /><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=4D1352F638B941DEA0EB1A6C06AFF508&_z=z">WISDOM Message </a>improves the integration of Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft SharePoint so that users can easily manage and share Outlook email messages. <br /><br /><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=EE73C434B71046EE9BE1CE6B7ACBD341&_z=z">WISDOM ClauseBank</a> makes it easy to browse, preview and retrieve standard or 'boiler plate' text and graphics into Microsoft Word documents. Whether users generate sales proposals, financial plans, legal documents or general correspondence, WISDOM ClauseBank makes Microsoft Word more productive. <br /><br /><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=26EF7F06E99B4201A379BAA9CE55437A&_z=z">WISDOM Precedent </a>uses Microsoft SharePoint as a business-user-friendly store for the variable content required for document generation. With WISDOM Precedent you can automate the generation of documents without programming, but also handle the most complex documents and document packages. <br /><br />ClearPeople’s Technical Director, Gabriel Karawani, believes that “Partnering with MacroView fits into our strategy of providing the Legal and Professional Service sectors with the best possible solutions based on Microsoft technologies such as ASP.NET and SharePoint. The WISDOM components provide an opportunity for law firms to use SharePoint with a direct return on investment.” <br /><br />Noel Williams of MacroView comments that “MacroView has appointed ClearPeople as a WISDOM Business Partner for the UK market, with a specific focus on the legal sector. We have been impressed by their energy and also by the customer project successes that they have achieved in working with another SharePoint add-on in the content management space “. <br /><br /><strong>About ClearPeople Ltd <br /></strong>ClearPeople is a leading provider of advanced web and information management solutions. We mainly work with knowledge intensive organisations in the legal and professional service sectors. Our core services are web consulting, design and development of web-based technology. This includes content managed websites, extranets, intranets or work portals, document management and accessible sites. <br /><br /><strong>About MacroView </strong><br />MacroView is an IT solutions consultancy that focuses on solutions based around Microsoft Office and Microsoft SharePoint. MacroView has developed and licenses the WISDOM range of software components. MacroView is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and has won a number of awards for their WISDOM software. <br /><br /> </article> <article> <h1>Think Differently Campaign - Site is launched</h1> <p>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:26:56 GMT</p> The National Autistic Society has launched a new campaign to raise awareness and understanding of autism. The campaign aims to encourage the public to see the world from the point of view of people affected by autism. The campaign’s "think differently" microsite was developed by ClearPeople, a Sitecore certified solution partner, and designed by Mystic Monkey. <br /><br />“We are very proud to have been involved in launching the ‘think differently about autism’ campaign. It has been really interesting and great fun to work closely with NAS and Mystic Monkey on the project to deliver what we think is an outstanding campaign site. The fact that the site is addressing real issues for real people makes it so much more interesting and rewarding to work on. From a technical perspective, Sitecore once again proves to be an effective platform to deliver a range of challenging requirements ranging from complex creative designs to advanced flash video streaming managed centrally via Sitecore CMS.” Gabriel Karawani, Technical Director - ClearPeople <br /><br />ClearPeople are experts at providing advanced web solutions and services. They also support a number of large marketing agencies, as technology experts, delivering “digital marketing” solutions to their clients. <br /><br />Links: BBC News - <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7067517.stm">Campaign tackles autism ignorance</a> <br /> </article> <article> <h1>ClearPeople Ltd. further distinguishes itself by earning Gold Certified Partner status in Microsoft Partner Program.</h1> <p>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:06:42 GMT</p> <p>ClearPeople Ltd, a leading London based web development and consulting company, today announced that it has achieved the distinction of membership in the Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Program. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners are elite Microsoft Business Partners who earn the highest customer endorsement. ClearPeople have previously demonstrated robust, efficient and scalable implementations of Microsoft .NET technologies but now ClearPeople also deliver enterprise-class features, knowledge and skills for the Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) 2007 platform. </p> <p>ClearPeople continue to build on its long-standing relationship with Microsoft," said Katya Linossi, consultant and director of ClearPeople Ltd. "This Gold Certification indicates Microsoft's faith in ClearPeople and signals to end users that they can expect a high level of reliability as well as easy integration and administration." </p> <p>The Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Program provides a way for customers to identify companies that have proven their commitment and expertise in one or more specialised areas when delivering Microsoft Technologies. Microsoft Certified Partners need to meet a higher set of criteria for each category, including enhanced certification and a portfolio of real-world customer references, and are thus identified as the most skilled partners in specific solution areas. </p> <p>As a Gold Certified Partner, ClearPeople will receive a number of benefits including privileged access to resources, training, software and most importantly, direct support from Microsoft. </p> <p>“Given the number of choices of vendors in the market today, customers need to quickly learn who is committed to providing expert and specialised solutions” said Gabriel Karawani, Technical Director of ClearPeople Ltd. “They need to be assured that a software provider is committed to the Microsoft Windows and .NET platforms, and have clearly demonstrated that our software products are robust and credible. We are very pleased to have been accredited as a Gold Certified Partner.” </p> </article> <article> <h1>ClearPeople launches their new website - Powered by Sitecore 6.0 -</h1> <p>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:46:13 GMT</p> <p>ClearPeople Ltd, a leading London based Web development company are pleased to announce the launch of its new website. As ClearPeople has continued to grow in terms of experience, capabilities, personel and sector scope, so it has been necessary to redesign the website to fully demonstrate the many ways that ClearPeople can add value.</p> <p>The site offers many of the same great features, but now includes a section titled "Showcase". This section includes white papers and case studies profiling ClearPeople's successful involvement in various projects. The website provides its users with easy navigation to the company's solutions and services as well as the latest industry news through the "Off the Press" page.</p> <p>Katya Linossi, ClearPeople Director says: "The launch of our new website will act as a key marketing tool for our business and helto to reinforce our strategic marketing objectives. Our aim was to redesign a site that communicated ClearPeople's ethos of being a people driven company with a vast array of technical web experience and capability."</p> <p>Being one of ClearPeople's preferred solutions, Sitecore's (CMS) has enabled ClearPeople to deliever a new and compelling web experience. Sitecore's award-winning CMS software has given ClearPeople's developers and marketers, the tools to create and keep up-to-date a dynamic, full featured website. Sitecore's industry leading flexibility and scalability has allowed ClearPeople to better leverage their content to improve customer experience and drive business growth.</p> <p> <strong>More about Sitecore 6.0</strong> </p> <p>Thousands of public and private organisations, including national goverments and Fortune 500 companies utilize Sitecore solutions for their websites. These organisations have created and now manage over 5000 dynamic websites with Sitecore including Microsoft, National Autistic Society (NAS), Clarke Willmott, Toshiba and Lanyon Bowdler.</p> <p> <a href="http://www.sitecore.net/">www.sitecore.net</a> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Another powerful difference that sets us apart in the Market Place.</h1> <p>Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:08:00 GMT</p> ISO 9001 certification is your guarantee that ClearPeople operates under quality procedures and systems that meet the highest standards of excellence and service. This international standard recognises and validates ClearPeople’s dedication to customer satisfaction, which has always been central to the company’s philosophy and way of working. <br /><br />ISO 9001 is accepted worldwide as the international standard that endorses a company’s internal Quality Management, confirms its products and services satisfy customers’ quality requirements. <br /><br />In order to perfect our Quality Management system and achieve certification, ClearPeople underwent a stringent evaluation process. This included a pre-audit assessment, a review of documentation, and clearance of non-conformances. <br /><br />The certification of compliance with ISO 9001 recognises that the policies, practices and procedures of our company ensure consistent quality in the products and services we provide to our customers. With this certification, they can be confident that ClearPeople is more than ever, dedicated to maintaining the highest effectiveness and responsiveness in achieving our goal of total customer satisfaction. <br /><br /><br /><strong>About ISO Standards <br /></strong><br />The International Organisation for Standardisation has been developing standards over almost all sectors of business, industry and technology since 1947. For many decades, the standards applied mainly to engineering and manufacturing and were highly specific. For instance, ISO standards for bolts, nuts and screws literally helped stop much of the world from falling apart. The format of credit cards and phone cards were developed according to ISO standards (such as defining thickness) so they could be used worldwide. <br /><br />In 2000, ISO 9001 standards were developed, expanding their scope to all organisations by focusing on quality, customers and continuous improvement. <br /><br /> </article> <article> <h1>Latest Technology showcase and Bill</h1> <p>Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:58:00 GMT</p> <p> <strong>ClearPeople attended a very interesting Microsoft conference on the 30th January 2008.<br /></strong> <br />The conference showcased some of the the latest Microsoft technology and to end the day, Bill Gates presented as well.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>WISDOM Document Management a hit at Legal IT</h1> <p>Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:57:00 GMT</p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt"> <strong>ClearPeople launch WISDOM DMF Professional - the award-winning range of add-ons for Microsoft SharePoint.</strong> </p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt"> <br />WISDOM Document Management Framework (DMF) Professional for SharePoint was recently launched by ClearPeople Ltd. at the Legal IT Show 2008, held at London‟s Business Design Centre, and drew considerable interest from visitors to their stand. <br /><br />WISDOM DMF is an add-on for Microsoft SharePoint – a very popular solution for business professionals. WISDOM DMF has now been extended with specific features that are highly compatible with Legal and Accounting Practices and other professional service providers, which makes it an extremely viable alternative to traditional Document Management (DM) systems. <br /><br />Some of the features include: </p> <ul> <li> <div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt">Convenient access to Microsoft SharePoint directly from Microsoft Office and Windows </div> </li> <li> <div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt">Minimal clicks to „save’ and „profile’ Client / Matter related documents, email and other files </div> </li> <li> <div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt">Smart Templates for Client and Project / Matter / Job </div> </li> <li> <div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt">Unique document numbering </div> </li> <li> <div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt">Extended SharePoint search capabilities </div> </li> <li> <div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt">Client / Matter web service </div> </li> <li> <div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt">Saving of PDFs to SharePoint directly from Adobe Acrobat </div> </li> </ul> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt"> <br />WISDOM DMF Professional provides an opportunity for professional services firms to gain a direct return on investment. This is achieved by enabling superior document management functionality while avoiding the usage changes and large costs associated with conventional DM systems. <br /><br />WISDOM add-ons for Microsoft SharePoint are used by mid-to-large sized organisations in over ten countries around the world. Clients include Baker & McKenzie, Cushman & Wakefield, Sony, EDS and more. </p> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Sitecore Named Cool Vendor by Leading Analyst Firm</h1> <p>Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:56:00 GMT</p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt"> <strong>Vendors Selected for the “Cool Vendor Report” are innovative, impactful and intriguing <br /></strong> <br />San Francisco, April 8, 2008 – Sitecore, the leading provider of .NET Web Content Management System (CMS) software, today announced that top analyst firm Gartner, Inc. has included Sitecore in the “Cool Vendors in Content Management, 2008” report by Toby Bell, Mark R. Gilbert, and Rita E. Knox published on April 4, 2008. <br /><br />The report stated, “Cool vendors in content management are establishing new directions for established technologies which can benefit professionals engaged in valuable content-focused business processes. Making their lives simpler, and the content itself smarter, yields extremely rewarding results.” <br /><br />“We are honored to be named a ‘cool vendor’ by Gartner,” said Darren Guarnaccia, VP of Product Marketing for Sitecore. “Our customers are establishing competitive advantage by driving more value from their websites for both their marketing and operations initiatives. Their success in using our software to automate their compelling websites, and saving development time and dollars in the process, we think has helped create this inclusion and recognition.” <br /><br />Sitecore’s Web CMS makes it effortless to create content and experience rich websites. It helps enterprises achieve business goals such as increasing sales and search engine visibility, while being straightforward to integrate and administer. Sitecore lets businesses deliver sites that are highly scalable, robust and secure, and is built to simplify website deployment, automate processes, and deliver results faster. <br /><br /><b>About Gartner’s Cool Vendors Selection Process </b><br /><br />Gartner’s listing does not constitute an exhaustive list of vendors in any given technology area, but rather is designed to highlight interesting, new and innovative vendors, products and services. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed and implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness of a particular purpose. <br /><br />Gartner defined a cool vendor as a company that offers technologies or solutions that are: innovative, enable users to do things they couldn’t do before; impactful, have, or will have, business impact (not just technology for the sake of technology); intriguing, have caught Gartner’s interest or curiosity in approximately the past six months. <br /><br />The complete Gartner report is available to Gartner clients at www.Gartner.com. <br /><br />ClearPeople are a certified Sitecore solution partner. Read more information on <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=F56F42B0628043148E31D1085656ACDE&_z=z">Sitecore CMS.</a></p> <p> </p> </article> </main></body></html>