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Claims  |
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What is claimed is:
1. A computer system comprising a tool for creating a Web site having user specified features, comprising:
means for storing a library of templates corresponding to a plurality of predefined features available in a Web site, wherein said plurality of predefined features further comprise one or more workflow options that permit collaborative and
distributed authoring of Web site content, wherein the one or more workflow options further comprise:
means for setting a number of approval levels that the Web site content is to receive prior to inclusion in the Web site;
means for designating an authorized content approver from which a predetermined level of approval must be granted before the Web site content can be included on the Web site;
means for assigning automatic routing rules for routing the Web site content according to a predetermined approval schedule;
means for assigning a time period for action by which the Web site content must be acted upon; and
means for requesting notification of whether a predetermined event has occurred;
means for enabling a web site creator using the tool to select the desired ones of said plurality of predefined features for a Web site, and to select one or more of said one or more workflow options;
means for automating workflow according to said one or more of said one or more workflow options selected wherein said means for automating workflow further comprises:
means for restricting the collaborative and distributed authoring according to the one or more workflow options selected;
means for enabling approval of the Web site content according to the one or more workflow options selected;
means for routing a Web page according to the one or more workflow options;
means for determining whether any said time period for action has expired;
means for notifying upon the occurrence of said predetermined event; and
consolidation means for collecting the Web page upon completion of the routing according to the one or more workflow options selected;
means for building a Web site based on the templates corresponding to the selected features and the collected Web page.
2. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein said templates comprise HTML code.
3. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein said templates comprise HTML, code, and one or more templates include predefined formatting for one of said predefined features.
4. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein said templates comprise HTML code, and one or more templates include predefined formatting for one of said predefined features, and fields that require input from the web site creator to
customize the feature for the web site being created by the web site creator.
5. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the means for building the web site generates a plurality of web pages based on the templates corresponding to the selected features, and further comprising means for enabling the web site
creator to customize the web pages with specific content without requiring the web site creator to write or modify software code.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the authorized content approver is assigned an access privilege and wherein the privilege is a create/edit/approve privilege.
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the privilege is a read only privilege.
8. A method of using a tool for creating a Web site, comprising:
storing a library of templates corresponding to a plurality of predefined features available in a web site, wherein said plurality of predefined features further comprise one or more workflow options that permit collaborative and distributed
authoring of Web site content, wherein the one or more workflow options further comprise:
means for setting a number of approval levels that the Web site content is to receive prior to inclusion in the Web site;
means for designating an authorized content approver from which a predetermined level of approval must be granted before the Web site content can be included on the Web site;
means for assigning automatic routing rules for routing the Web site content according to a predetermined approval schedule;
means for assigning a time period for action by which the Web site content must be acted upon; and
means for requesting notification of whether a predetermined event has occurred;
enabling a web site creator using the tool to select the desired ones of said plurality of predefined features for a Web site, and to select one or more of said one or more workflow options;
forwarding one or more Web pages to subsequent users for action wherein said step of forwarding is accomplished according to said one or more of said one or more workflow options selected;
collecting the Web pages; and, building a Web site based, at least, the Web pages collected and the templates corresponding to the selected features.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of notfying at least one of the plurality of users that an action In connection with the one or more Web paces is requested.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of providing each user with a predetermined time in which to take action.
11. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of consolidating a plurality of web pages based on templates corresponding to selected features, and further comprising the step of customizing the plurality of web pages with specific
content without requiring the web site creator to write or modify software code.
12. An electronic storage medium having code embodied therein for creating a Web site, said computer usable medium comprising:
code that causes a processor to store a library of templates corresponding to a plurality of predefined features available in a web site, wherein said plurality of predefined features further comprise one or more workflow options that permit
collaborative and distributed authoring of Web site content, wherein the one or more workflow options further comprise:
code for setting a number of approval levels that the Web site content is to receive prior to inclusion in the Web site;
code for designating an authorized content approver from which a predetermined level of approval must be granted before the Web site content can be included on the Web site;
code for assigning automatic routing rules for routing the Web site content according to a predetermined approval schedule;
code for assigning a time period for action by which the Web site content must be acted upon; and
code for requesting notification of whether a predetermined event has occurred;
code that causes a processor to enable a web site creator using the tool to select the desired ones of said plurality of predefined features for a Web site, and to select one or more of said one or more workflow options;
code that causes a processor to forward one or more Web pages to subsequent users for action by routing the Web pages to a plurality of users;
code that causes a processor to collect the Web pages; and
code that causes a processor to build a Web site based, at least, on the Web pages collected and the templates corresponding to the selected features.
13. The medium of claim 12, further comprising code that causes a processor to notifies at least one of the plurality of users that an action in connection with the one or more Web pages is requested.
14. The medium of claim 12, further comprising code that causes a processor to notify each user with a predetermined time in which to take action.
15. The medium of claim 12, further comprising code that causes a processor to enable the web site creator to customize the one or more web pages with specific content without requiring the web site creator to write or modify software code.
16. A computer system comprising a tool for creating a Web site, comprising:
at least one storage device that stores a library of templates corresponding to a plurality of predefined features available in a web site, wherein said plurality of predefined features further comprise one or more workflow options that permit
collaborative and distributed authoring of Web site content, wherein the one or more workflow options further comprise:
an approval level setter for setting a number of approval levels that the Web site content is to receive prior to inclusion in the Web site;
a content approver designator for designating an authorized content approver from which a predetermined level of approval must be granted before the Web site content can be included on the Web site;
a routing rules assignor for assigning automatic routing rules for routing the Web site content according to a predetermined approval schedule;
a time period assignor for assigning a time period for action by which the Web site content must be acted upon; and
a notifier for requesting notification of whether a predetermined event has occurred;
a selection module that enables a web site creator using the tool to select the desired ones of said plurality of predefined features for a Web site, and to select one or more of said one or more workflow options;
a workflow automation module that automates workflow according to said one or more of said one or more workflow options selected wherein said workflow automation module further comprises:
a restictor module for restricting the collaborative and distributed authoring according to the one or more workflow options selected;
an approval module for enabling approval of the Web site content according to the one or more workflow options selected;
a routing module for routing a Web page according to the one or more workflow options;
a time period module for determining whether any said time period for action has expired;
a notification module for notifying upon the occurrence of said predetermined event; and
a consolidation module for collecting the Web page upon completion of the routing according to the one or more workflow options selected;
a Web site assembler that builds a Web site based on the templates corresponding to the selected features.
17. The computer system according to claim 16, wherein the consolidation module consolidates a plurality of web pages based on templates corresponding to selected features, and further comprising a customizing module for enabling the web site
creator to customize the plurality of web pages with specific content without requiring the web site creator to write or modify software code. |
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Description |
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a Web site creation tool that enables automated, distributed work flow while creating a Web site or Web site contented.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With the proliferation of the Internet and intranets, there has been an increasing demand for the creation of Web sites. A Web site typically includes a collection of web pages in HTML. format. Each page includes content, such as text,
graphics, or other multimedia material. The page may also include links and buttons (e.g., "Submit").
Creating a web site typically requires generating a plurality of pages using HTML. Adding content to a web site once created or modifying the web site also involves using HTML. This makes it difficult for individuals without specific HTML
knowledge to create a web site or to create content for or modify an existing web site.
Another difficulty encountered in Web site creation and subsequent modification arises from the fact that often several individuals are involved in creating and authorizing the Web pages. Often, the format and content of Web pages involves the
collaboration of many individuals. For example, one or more persons may propose the text for a page another may be responsible for graphics, another may add appropriate legal notices (e.g., trademark or copyright notices), etc. In such cases,
coordinating the collaborative effort may be difficult and if done manually can cause delays. A manual approach also makes it difficult to adequately track development, or ensure that all contributions are timely and properly integrated in the Web site. Similar problems are posed in connection with ensuring that all requisite approvals are obtained by authorized content approvers prior to posting the final version of the content to the Web site.
Another drawback of known Web sites is the relatively inflexible security features. Typically, either a person trying to access a Web site or an area of a Web site has access or not. Additionally, all users authorized typically are provided the
same information. Existing Web sites are generally incapable of identifying a user and automatically providing information specific to the user. Thus, the host typically limits information provided on the site to that which can be made generally
available to all authorized users. This limits flexibility in customizing the types of information presented to different categories of users. Other drawbacks exist.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One object of the invention is to overcome these and other deficiencies and drawbacks of existing web site creation tools, systems and methods.
Another object of the invention is to provide a tool for creating a Web site that minimizes or eliminates the need for a Web site creator to know or use HTML, or other programming languages to create a Web site.
Another object of the invention is to provide a tool for facilitating the creation of Web sites and pages based on stored templates that enable personalization and customization of the Web site and pages without the need for a user to change or
write any software code.
Another object of the invention is to provide a tool for facilitating the creation of Web sites and pages by taking a web site creator through a series of views, each having one or more options/features, to enable the site creator to select from
a plurality of options/features available for the web site layout, content and functionality.
Another object of the invention is to provide a tool for creating a Web site where the tool comprises a library of stored templates (including fields) associated with different options/features for a Web site, the tool prompts a user of the tool
to select desired options/features from a list of possible options/features. Based upon the option/features selected, the tool determines which of the stored templates (and fields) are to be used and the user is prompted to supply data to populate those
fields. The tool uses the templates and user supplied data to create the web pages that make up a Web site. The Web site may then be posted on a network, such as the Internet.
Another object of the invention is to provide a tool for facilitating the creation of Web pages with templates for predefined Web pages that enables personalization and customization of the Web pages without the need for the user to change or
write any software code, and facilitates the inclusion or modification of graphical and other multimedia objects.
Another object of the invention is to provide a tool for facilitating the posting of content to an already created Web site, where pages corresponding to the content are dynamically rendered on-the-fly.
Another object of the invention is to provide a tool for facilitating the creation of content for a Web site with an automated content approval feature whereby authorized content creators (specified during creation of the Web site) can create
proposed content for the Web site. Upon creation, the proposed content may be automatically, electronically routed to one or more content approvers specified during creation of the web site for authorization before posting the content on the Web site.
The approved web page may be automatically posted as appropriate.
Another object of the invention is to provide a tool that facilitates the modification of Web pages in a finished Web site including one or more of the above objects, without requiring a content creator to change or write any software code.
Another object of the invention is to provide a tool for facilitating the creation of a Web site based on stored templates whereby once the site is created, a content creator can selectively modify individual pages or groups of pages without
using HTML or other software programming code.
These and other objects are accomplished by various embodiments of the invention. According to one embodiment of the invention, a software tool is provided for use with a computer system for simplifying the creation of Web sites. The tool
comprises a plurality of prestored HTML templates, each having various fields. The templates preferably correspond to different types of Web pages and other features commonly found on or available to Web sites. Each feature may have various options.
To create a web site, a Web site creator (the person using the tool to create a web site) is prompted by the tool through a series of views stored in the tool to select the features and options desired for the Web site. Based on these selections, the
tool prompts the web site creator to supply data to populate fields of the templates determined by the tool to correspond to the selected features and options. Based on the identified templates and supplied data, the tool generates the customized Web
site without the web site creator writing any HTML or other programming code.
The features and options may include, for example, site areas, specific security features, enablement of distributed authorship with the ability to specify approved content authors and content approvers, the specification workflow/approval
procedures, enablement of automatic workflow routing, and a graphical design center with a plurality of predetermined user selectable features.
A Web site created with the tool has several advantageous features. For example, the system and method of this invention may include a workflow server which automatically routes proposed content created by authorized content creators through a
series of authorized content approvers for review, edit and approval. The users authorized content creators and content approvers preferably are specified during creation of the web site.
The invention also provides a tool for facilitating the creation of Web pages permits collaboration and distributed authoring. Different content creators can collaborate on the creation of content for Web pages at the same time.
According to another feature of the invention, the tool permits authorized content creators to preview proposed content as it is being created by rendering pages on-the-fly. Additionally, the tool enables a content creator to see how the
proposed content will look using various browsers and browser settings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an overall system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 1A depicts a schematic block diagram illustrating an overall system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an overall system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of the site creation process.
FIG. 4 is an illustration depicting a screen showing a selection menu.
FIG. 5 is an illustration depicting a screen showing a site area selection menu.
FIG. 6 is an illustration depicting a screen showing information input fields.
FIG. 7 is an illustration depicting a screen showing information input fields.
FIG. 8 is an illustration depicting a screen showing a selection menu.
FIG. 9 is an illustration depicting a screen showing a selection menu.
FIG. 10 is an illustration depicting a screen showing a selection menu.
FIG. 11 is an illustration depicting a screen showing information input fields.
FIG. 12 is an illustration depicting a screen showing information input fields.
FIG. 13 is an illustration depicting a screen showing message input fields.
FIG. 14 is an illustration depicting a screen showing a selection menu.
FIG. 15 is an illustration depicting a screen showing overview information.
FIG. 16 is an illustration depicting a screen showing various site information.
FIG. 17 is an illustration depicting a screen showing various site options.
FIG. 18 is an illustration depicting a screen showing a selection menu.
FIG. 19 is an illustration depicting a screen showing the contents of a computer desktop.
FIG. 20 is an illustration depicting a screen showing various source documents.
FIG. 21 is an illustration depicting a screen showing various source documents.
FIG. 22 is an illustration depicting a screen showing information input fields.
FIG. 23 is an illustration depicting a screen showing information input fields.
FIG. 24 is an illustration depicting a screen showing information input fields.
FIG. 25 is an schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the system.
FIG. 26 is an illustration depicting a screen showing a template form.
FIG. 27 is an illustration depicting a screen showing information input fields.
FIG. 28 is an illustration depicting a screen showing options.
FIG. 29 is an illustration depicting a screen showing options.
FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating the AppAssembler.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
One embodiment of the invention provides a tool, system and method for creating Web sites. The tool facilitates the creation of a customized Web site without requiring a Web site creator to write or edit HTML code. A Web site created with the
tool has several advantages that can be exploited after the Web site is created. The tool also enables various advantages in connection with modifying a Web site created using the tool.
As schematically illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 1, one aspect of the invention relates to a client/server network system 110 enabling access to both HTML objects 150a-150n (e.g., HTML documents) and non-HTML objects 118a-118n using a
web browser 128 residing on a terminal 126. Preferably, web browser 128 supports Internet and Web protocols (e.g., HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and TCP/IP). The system may further comprise a client 112 to enable a non-browser client access to
non-HTML server module 124 to retrieve non-HTML objects 118a-118n from non-HTML, database 116.
A server 114 preferably comprises a HTTP server module 130, interface module 132 and non-HTML server module 124. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the server side of system 110 may comprise a non-HTML database 116 in communication with server
114. Preferably, non-HTML database 116 stores one or more non-HTML objects 118a-118n, each at least some of which having one or more non-HTML fields 162a-162n, and a user directory 120. User directory 120 includes one or more user objects 122a-122n.
User objects 122a-122n may include information about a user (e.g., electronic mail address, role, profile, etc.). Terminal 126 and server 114 can be in communication via a network 154 (e.g., Internet, Intranet or other network).
According to one aspect of the invention, a user submits a URL-based request for an object via browser 128. The request is passed to server 114 using HTTP (or other protocol). Server 114 receives the request via HTTP server module 130 and
passes object location information to interface module 132 via URL interface 146. URL interface 146 transmits that information to non-HTML, server module 124. Non-HTML, server module 124 retrieves the requested object and passes it to interface module
132. A HTML translator portion 144 of interface module 132 translates the non-HTML object to a HTML representation of the requested object and the HTML, representation is returned to browser 128 via HTTP server module 130.
System 110 also enables browser 128 to access HTML objects 150a-150n using HTTP server 130 or a conventional web server 156 in a known mamuer. A conventional editor may be used to edit HTML objects within the system. A conventional technique
(e.g., a computer gateway interface (CGI)) may be used to store the edited HTML, objects in the HTML database.
Thus, one advantage of the invention is that server 114 enables a browser 128 to request both HTML objects 150a-150n and non-HTML objects 118a-118n. Additional advantages derive from this capability. For example, one significant advantage is
that the invention exposes powerful resources available in non-HTML, databases 116 to a web browser 128 according to one embodiment of the invention.
According to one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2, the tool may be installed on a server 30. Installation of the tool on other types computer systems is also possible. Server 30 may be connected to various client terminals 34.
Typically, client terminal 34 may include a display 101 capable of presenting views 102. Terminal 34 may also preferably include an input device 106. The tool preferably is able to access a database 40 wherein a library of templates, views, and fields
may be stored.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the tool enables a Web site creator to select from among a plurality of features and options to include within a Web site. The tool further comprises a library of templates (eg., text, fields, HTML
code and formulas) that correspond to the available features and options. The templates comprise databases which may include fields, forms, views, text, formulas and profiles that enable customization of the features. A profile may comprise fields,
some of which may be designated as required fields. For example, one feature of a Web site may be a list of site areas. One area may be "Company Information." A template corresponding to this feature may include certain text and HTML formatting
components for a Web page for this area, with fields for company name, address, contact person, etc. Based on input supplied by the Web site creator, this information may be included in the finished Web site without requiring the Web site creator to
write or edit HTML code. The tool provides several stored views to present the various options/features to the Web site creator so that the site creator may select the options/features desired for inclusion in the Web site. The tool has an application
assembler module that combines the templates for the selected features/options with data input by the site creator to generate Web pages to thereby construct a complete Web site. The tool preferably comprises a software program for use on a computer
network. The tool may be accessed through a suitable network interface. For example, a network browser may be used to access the tool. According to a preferred embodiment, the software tool runs on a Lotus Domino Server platform.
According to one embodiment of the invention, a site creator may construct a Web site in a manner represented in FIG. 3. A site creator may start the process, for example, by directing a network browser to access a server, or other network node,
on which the tool is loaded. The tool identifies the interface the site creator is using (step 4). Preferably, the tool automatically identifies the browser type being used and may present different views for different browser types. For example, the
tool may present views that have certain common codes for all browsers and some browser-specific code based on the specific browser type identified.
At step 6 a site creator is presented with one or more views. The view(s) preferably presents a screen containing a menu of features and/or options for creating and customizing the Web site. For example, FIG. 4 depicts an example of one view
presented to a site creator. As shown, a view may include certain command initiators (e.g., buttons to click on), explanatory text fields to explain the objective or function of various aspects of the view and one or more feature(s) or option(s) to be
selected. As shown, the user may be prompted to select whether to create a new site or edit an existing one. Assuming the new site option is selected, the next view(s) may comprise features/options from which the site creator can select to customize
the features/options appearing on the Web site. The features/options may pertain to those found on Web sites or other features/options. For example, the features/options may include a list of site areas, Web pages to include in a Web site, Web page
formatting options, security links, colors, borders, buttons, workflow commands, graphics, backgrounds, text and other items. Some features or options may be required and some may be discretionary.
For example, FIG. 5 depicts the feature of Web site areas. As shown in FIG. 5, the site area options may include a list of predefined site areas such as Company Forms Area, Contact Management Area, Customer Tracking Area, Discussion Area,
Document Library Area, Employee Phone Book Area, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Area, Home Page Area, Job Postings Area, Products/Services Area, Project Management Area and Registration Area. Other areas may be created based on templates for these
areas, without requiring the Web site creator to write or edit software code.
At step 8, a site creator may select the desired features/options. Selection may be accomplished in any suitable manner. For example, selection may be accomplished by using a graphic interface and selection device (e.g., by pointing a cursor at
the selection and clicking on it), by entering text, or by other techniques. As shown in FIG. 5, desired site areas may be selected by entering an "X" in a check box. At step 10 it may be determined whether all selections have been made. If additional
features/options are to be presented, the process returns to step 6 and repeats until all selections have been made and the process proceeds to step 12.
At step 12, the tool identifies which templates in a library of stored templates are associated with the features/options selected in step(s) 8. Upon identification of the associated templates, the tool may determine certain fields (required or
desired) relevant to completing each template. At step 14, the site creator may be prompted for certain data to complete the template fields. For example, FIG. 6 shows an example of a view requesting data input from the site creator. The requested
data may include fields such as company name contact information, e-mail addresses and other information. Some fields may be required (e.g., marked by an * and others may be optional). At step 16, the site creator may input the data for the requested
fields and other data needed or desired to include within the Web site. At step 18 a site creator may signal the tool to finish the creation of the Web site. Signaling may be accomplished in any suitable fashion. For example, a creator may use a
graphic interface and selection device to select an object (e.g., a button) to signal the tool to finish.
At step 20 the tool may populate template profile fields with the collected data. The database templates may preferably be constructed using an applicagtion assembly engine, for example, AppAseembler (see, FIG. 30). The database preferably
stores the various templates. profiles, forms and views. Initiating the tool to finish the Web site may cause input data to populate the profiles and fields. Some fields, preferably optional fields, contain default data. Upon population of the fields
and profiles the Web pages may be constructed. As shown at step 22, the tool may create Web pages from the templates corresponding to the selected features and the input data. The created Web site may then be forwarded to server 30. Server 30 may
comprise an approving module which may use a routing module to route the proposed Web site (or pages thereof) to predetermined users for review, edit, and approval. Approving module may include a notifying module which may notify certain predetermined
users of various events. For example, certain users may be notified of a received request for approval, the amount time in which action must be taken, or other information. Routing module may send the Web site/pages to each of the predetermined users
(which may be designated in a particular order) for completing the approval process. Once the approval process is complete, routing module may, at step 24, send the approved (and possibly revised) Web site/pages to server 30 for posting on a network.
By way of example, one embodiment of the invention may be implemented as follows. FIG. 4 shows a portion of a view (e.g., view 102) prompting a user to choose the option (e.g., option 104) for creating a new Web site or updating an existing
site. The choice is made, for example, by using a computer mouse and clicking on one of the radio buttons adjacent the desired choice, although other methods may also be used. A text box on the view may be provided to explain each of the options
available to the user. A similar dialog box may be provided on subsequent screens as well.
If the option to create a new site is selected, the user may be presented with another view, such as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows the types of site area options which a user can choose to have included in a Web site. Some of these site areas
may be designated as required areas. The user may select the desired options. Next, the user may be presented with a view presenting options for entry of information based on the selected site areas and/or other information. FIG. 6 shows the view
displaying the options for input fields for basic information about a company or business. FIG. 7 shows a view presenting a users options to designate certain individuals as authorized content composers, authorized readers (described below), and the
number of steps involved in the content approval process. These settings may determine a portion of the security workflow and approval features for the site. Other features may be presented once the features are selected and data requested the user
activates a "finish" button to cause the Web site to be created.
FIG. 8 illustrates another aspect of the web site development module. This design center feature provides a screen from which the user is prompted to decide on the options for the design of the web page, for example, by selecting colors,
background images, frame styles, and logos. Once selections have been made, the user can preview the design and then make changes as desired. The module essentially provides simple-to-use graphic design tools allowing a site creator to have a preferred
layout and design, without writing or editing HTML or other code.
Once the site is created an authorized user (e.g., a web master) may make changes to the Web site using the tool. As shown in FIG. 9, an authorized user may be presented a view requesting the selection of the option to modify an individual area
of the web site or to modify all of the site areas. This allows an authorized user the flexibility to change a specified page or area (e.g., changing a look to a product in the Products area) or to modify the entire site (e.g., incorporating a new
company logo onto all of the relevant site pages). This feature is enabled by storing the "logo" field data as an object and linking to that object from each page that includes the logo. The linking is part of the template so that no code needs to be
written by the Web site creator or content composer.
When modifying content, it may be preferable to use a pre-designed workflow process. For example, the content composer may create a proposed new Web page for inclusion in the site. Prior to posting the created Web page on a network (e.g., the
Internet or an intranet), the proposed Web page may be contributed to, reviewed, edited, and approved by a number of other authorized users. A workflow module may be used to route the proposed content to other users. Once content has been approved for
posting, the workflow module may post the content on the Web site via a network.
FIG. 1A is a schematic block diagram illustrating a web server in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Web server 114 may comprise a HTTP server 130 in communication with an interface module 132, which in turn is in communication
with a non-HTML server module 124. HTTP server 130 may comprise a mail application module 134 and a schedule and calendar application module 136. Interface module 132 may comprise a workflow module 138, security module 140 and command cache 142.
Workflow module 138 is used to automate various tasks upon the occurrence of predetermined events. Security module 140 enables access control to non-HTML objects using role-based multi-level security. Command cache is used to store commands input by a
user.
In operation server 114 receives a URL-based request for a non-HTML object from a web browser via HTTP server module 130. HTTP server module 130 receives the request and extracts object information from the URL. HTTP server module 130 passes
the information to interface module 132. Interface module 132 converts the URL-based request to a format supported by non-HTML server module 124 and communicates the request to non-HTML server module 124. Non-HTML server module 124 then locates and
retrieves the object requested.
To facilitate modifying the site the content composer may be presented various views by the tool to add or modify pages. The view may be any type of graphical or text arrangement that provides a user with several options. For example, view may
include a drop down or pop up menu, a list of options to be selected using a radio button selector, a text entry box, or other suitable graphical selection interface. Options present a user with various choices regarding the creation of a Web site and
can be based on stored templates. For example, options may include choices regarding editing of text, colors, graphics or other objects, as well as, choices regarding positioning of objects, creation of new objects, deleting objects, adding links to
other sites, security provisions and other choices. For example, FIG. 10 depicts a view that enables a content composer to add site images or to view/update site images. As illustrated the content composer selected the "add site images."
FIG. 11 shows selection of a source document from which object images may be added to a Web site. The content creator may be presented this type of view when adding images stored elsewhere on a network. FIG. 11 depicts various selections/inputs
to be made. Based on a template for adding an image and the users input, images may be added without writing or editing code.
Some embodiments of the invention may include a preview function. A preview function may enable the user to view the Web page as it is created. For example as various options are selected, a preview of the option(s) selected may be displayed
for a user to observe. This ability is provided by the tool based on the templates without requiring the user to close the file and reopen it with a browser as would be the case if the user were writing HTML code. Th | | |
