I-Metrics CMS v1.12

Version 1.12 includes new plugins for content management among them banner management, a download system, custom boxes on the left and right columns, a complete newsletter system and direct management of the overall content on the front end. The framework was also modified to support multiple languages.

This release is available to download here:

http://demos.asymmetrics.com/pub/i-metrics-cms-v112.zip

There are 16 Plugins included with I-Metrics CMS v1.12. Plugins can be compressed and be installed after decompression, they can be downloaded as zip archives and can be language aware.

Here is the main highlights for version 1.12.

1. Multiple Languages support

Using fully automated and dynamic system the I-Metrics CMS can manage multiple languages. Language database tables and language strings are created with a click of a button from the language section on the administration end. The integration of this new multilingual system is virtually transparent to core code and hence to developers. The administrator has the ability to edit the associated language content where applicable, by selecting the proper language icon and he can define what database tables of the CMS should be language aware from the synchronization script on the back end. For plugin development addons with language dependent records require information exchange with the core code to define the language strings and multilingual database tables whenever applicable.

2. Direct Content Management Plugin

One of the most challenging aspects of content management is the ability to modify quickly and effectively the overall content. The direct management allows the administrator to edit content of text pages and collections on the web-front directly. Once this plugin is installed, the administrator can activate it from the back-end edit content directly on the web-front. The direct management uses a javascript lightbox to edit content. With a click of a button the system generates a totally secure session for the administrator on the website. An edit icon allows the administrator to modify the site's content.

3. Advanced Banner Management Plugin

A complete banners management system is integrated with version 1.12. Banner groups and banner resources can be created and presented on the web-front completely altering the website's layout. Each banner can be assigned to a group of banners. Banner groups have special properties including dimensions, display positioning and sequence. Banners can then be grouped to be presented in a specific page or can be individually setup to be displayed on every page. Each banner may optionally record clicks and impressions and may contain different types of resources including flash, videos, regular images or other active scripts. The administrator can directly enter html code in a banner edit box or specify a URL for the image to be displayed.

4. Newsletter System Plugin

I-Metrics CMS 1.12 includes newsletter management. Newsletters can be created with the aid of a template manager and then send to subscribers with the use of the built-in email system. The I-Metrics CMS can record whether the subscriber read the newsletter, remove subscriptions automatically and list subscribers. The newsletter system combines the list of subscribers with the master list of website customers.

5. Download Manager Plugin

A Download Manager allows the website administrator to specify files to be downloaded for specific text pages or collections of pages. Multiple downloads may be specified for the same page. Each download can have a separate title or description or can be grouped under the same set of downloads with a common title/description.

6. Right and Left Column plugin

This plugin can significantly alter the web-page layout of text pages and collections. These entries can now have dedicated content on the left and right sides of the front end. Optionally the administrator can specify with the use of boxes, associated HTML content for each page viewed. Multiple boxes can be assigned to the same page on the website.

Other new plugins are also included with this version including code tags and alternative content display. The new version of CMS further utilizes the jQuery framework having a popup help for various pages.

SEO-G modifications

The SEO-G component of version 1.12 now includes support for extensionless URLs and page requests can be decoded with virtually any extension. New configuration options are available when editing content to instantly generate URLs from the back-end and the site owner can specify different types of redirection easing framework transition.

Database Monitoring

To assist further development the CMS includes a database monitoring system that reports timings for database transactions and enhanced server information for the web server, database and PHP language.

Global Templates Management

A templates manager is integrated with the main system components. Templates can be created for emails, content or plugins and loaded instantly when needed. Plugins can create new groups of templates insert records and then allow the administrator to edit or create new ones. The newsletter plugin uses this template method. The popup help utilizes the templates manager retrieve associated content from the database to assist users with the functionality of the CMS.

Forms Control System

A forms controller is also included with this version for custom script or plugins to utilize. The forms controller includes 3 different levels for the HTML generated forms and various HTML input tags to select from. The first level is the form layout and description. The second level refers to the HTML input tags. The third level refers to the HTML input options for certain HTML tags.

Helpdesk modifications

The helpdesk component was improved with 1.12. It now includes an address book and separate mail server connections for each account. Helpdesk departments may point to different mail servers. Email retrieval now supports different character sets. The helpdesk ticket system is now optional for a department and ticket references became independent of the helpdesk database tables.

Various security enhancements as well as validation involving the sessions, database and validator components of I-Metrics CMS. Compatibility between different PHP versions was improved and the CMS can be also installed on servers with different configurations.

Bug fixes regarding this release will be posted in this section. Resolved issues will be included with the next release.

• Comments system percentage calculation can be incorrect on display (fixed)

Enhancements and changes to be included with the next version will be posted here:

• Optional Progress bar for plugin installation functionality (done)
• Added word processor interface with the direct management (done)