Customization without Scripting (WCMS Part 1)

Since version 5, Webcrossing has had a suite of tools you can use to customize your site without scripting. Collectively these tools are called the WCMS, which is an acronym for Webcrossing Customization Management Suite.



The WCMS allows you to:

• Choose and customize a theme for your site, or build your own theme.
  
  • You can customize the layout, including turning on and off left and right columns and setting their widths.
  • You can place widgets or other content in any of 6 blocks on the page.
  • You can customize the theme colors, which carry through the entire site.
• Choose the particular folder layout, message layout, and toolbar layout you want.
• Turn on "Folder Item" plugins, which are things that live in a folder.  For example, calendars or blogs.
• Turn on "User Item" plugins, which provide extra functionality to an individual user.  For example, the Message Center to help people track new messages and bookmarks.
• Turn on Extension plugins, which provide extra functionality that doesn't fall under any of the previously-mentioned umbrellas. For example, Register Plus for enhanced profiles.
• Access various localizations tools which allow you to either translate the interface into another language or simply change some terminology.  Like perhaps you prefer to use "topics" to the standard word, "discussions."
• Access some optional developer tools.
• Set WCMS permissions for host-level administrators

We have said that WCMS doesn't require any scripting, and that is true. But it doesn't preclude scripting. Administrators can use WCTL in most WCMS fields and control who else has that privilege.

The WCMS is a powerful suite of tools for the non-developer to use to customize their site.  We will talk in more detail about each of these in future posts.