Dilema
I have a client whom I will be redesigning their main site along with their 27 departments (they are a local rural government). They want a simple CMS. My proposal is due Thursday. I have tested, researched and read many documentations on various CMS's, including PowerCMS (PCMS) over the past several months. PCMS looks very similar to Website Baker (WB). I have tested WB on a local XAMPP and it runs great.
However, I am considering PCMS because of the many DW extensions that are included with membership which I'll be able to use with all other clients, and lastly, because the forum appears to be pretty active, which is very important to me.
For this major project, I will be using a DW template (from justdreamweaver, which templates I find easy to use, professionally eye-pleasing and has clean CSS).
DILEMA:
I'm concerned about having to incorporate PCMS when I have not had the opportunity to test.
1.) My client is running Windows2003 server and I'm not quite sure how I can test PowerCMS at the same time I'll be redesigning the sites.
2.) I know I can install XAMPP for Windows as my test server, but how will I make the transition to clients server without their site being interrupted if there are connectivity issues, etc?
3.) I'm concerned because I could have the entire local government's site down while trying to wait on support or while trying to figure out myself. I'm PHP novice, but fluent in CSS/HTML and design.
4.) Should I get them up/running with their new redesign first, then incorporate PowerCMS?
Would this be feasible If I will be creating a Master Template and Nested Templates?
Sorry, for the extensive amount of information. I figure the more you knew, the better position you'd be in to answer with clarity.
Oh, one more thing, I'm hoping to use WA extensions as add-ons to accomplish these tasks:
a.) incorporating more registered users as editors to pages in PowerCMS
b.) site search and sitemap
c.) their HR department would like an easier way to post job openings. Specifically, the same job openings from time-to-time without having to re-enter
Any WA extensions/scripts on the above would be helpful.
Thank you,
Monica
