EM3 iOn features overview

Modular architecture
EM3 iOn is the core Web content management engine, and its functionality can be extended through "plug-ins" that provide a pre-packaged way to add common site functionality. Customers can pick and choose from functionality that best fits their needs and extend capabilities in the future by adding from an ever-growing list of plug-ins.

Non-proprietary content repository
Information stored in EM3 iOn is contained in an open relational database structure that can be accessed directly via SQL from other applications that want to make use of the information. However, information is also accessible via XML over standard HTTP for ultimate flexibility.

Content separated from presentation
All dynamically generated content is rendered through industry standard XSL templates. Global design changes can be made instantly by changing a template or template component. The XSL templates can be designed to translate the XML content into HTML, WML, or future presentation standards for any browsing device.

Dynamic delivery
Rather than pre-building static HTML pages, EM3 iOn builds pages and site navigation dynamically in real time as they are requested by site visitors. Not only does this ensure the very latest information is presented, but it allows content to be personalized on a per-user basis.

High-performance page delivery
Dynamic pages are served quickly because of multi-stage caching – at the database, in XML, and at the Web server level.

Highly scalable architecture
EM3 iOn can be deployed on a single- or multi-CPU shared server, dedicated server, or across a load-balanced Web farm or cluster.

Centralized browser-based administration
All administrative tasks (not just content editing) are handled from a Web browser. There are no separate client applications to install and no need to jump from site to site or between different interfaces to make content or other changes.

Non-technical administration
With the exception of template creation, all management tasks (not just content updates) can be handled by non-technical business users. Administrators with knowledge of HTML can modify templates, and those with limited XML/XSL experience can create templates (no traditional programming or proprietary scripting languages required).

Multi-site management
An unlimited number of sites can be managed with a single installation of EM3 iOn. All sites managed can share content, templates, users and user groups, metadata, and workflows.

Content repurposing
Content objects can be reused across sites and pages, and each will display appropriately even if the sites use different design templates. A change made to an object will instantly be available in all places where that object is used.

Real time updates
Changes may be viewed instantly on live Web site(s) or be scheduled for future release.

Revision control
Industry standard publishing model allows administrators to make changes to staging versions of content only. When staging versions move into production, an archive backup is made that can be rolled back into production if necessary.

Customizable workflow
Any number of workflow processes can be easily defined with permissions and notification. Personal workspaces let contributors know what they need to work on.

Multi-language support
Full UNICODE support facilitates all popular single- and double-byte character sets.

Information object model
This publishing model provides content administrators a predefined method for publishing information – one that incorporates best practices in information architecture. Administrators do not need library science expertise to build well-formed content architectures.