Blogs - March 2009

Migrating from Serena Collage to Cascade Server - What are your Options?

By Blaine Herman

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 at 11:00am

Its been about a year since news first surfaced that Serena was putting their Collage product "out to pasture".  As one might imagine, this created a substantial opportunity in the installed-CMS market, as Collage users are realizing that they need to decide what is next.  During this past year, we've worked with many different organizations and institutions, discussing options for migrating from Collage to Cascade Server.  Even before the announcement was made, we were receiving inquiries from people interested in replacing their Collage CMS.  Over the past year and a half we've signed 6 new clients that previously worked with Collage, and we are seeing the potential for a lot more to come.

So, if you are considering a move to Cascade Server, what are your options?  Glad you asked.  Implementations are like snow flakes; no two are alike.  Of the six clients that we've signed, each of them has a different strategy:

• Hannon Hill has a services team, which can assist in the migration from Collage into Cascade Server.  We've written a script, which automates the migration of Collage's "Contribution Types" into Cascade Server's "Asset Factories", as well as from WYSIWYG to WYSIWYG.  Some more information about this can be found in one of our previous blog posts.
• Hannon Hill is not the only team that can assist in the migration from Collage to Cascade Server.  We're currently working with Duo Consulting on a migration for a mutual client.
• Some of our clients have decided that they would prefer to perform the migration from Serena Collage to Cascade Server themselves.  In this case, Hannon Hill is able to provide the migration script at no charge.  We're happy to provide tips on what we've learned.
• Making a CMS change does provide the opportunity to start completely over with a new system. Some of our clients are starting over with their content and design, with Cascade Server.

Cascade Server certainly isn't the only option that is out there when it comes to replacing your Serena Collage CMS system.  It is, however, a similar content management product.  What does this mean for Collage customers?  Thought you'd never ask:

• Cascade Server's architecture and publishing model is very similar to that of Collage.  Replacing Collage with Cascade Server would allow you to use the training that you've already received inside of the CMS.
• The user interface (UI) for the end user of Cascade Server is very similar to that of Serena Collage's.  This means that organizations do not have to spend the extra time and money in intensive end-user training on a new system.
• We utilize similar technology to Collage.  Cascade Server is also built in Java, and uses XSLT within the system.  We've also taken it a step further, introducing Velocity templates to the system
• There are a few key differences to note between the two systems--Collage's interface is Java applet-based, whereas Cascade Server has a HTML standards-based interface. This means there is no requirement to install the Java Virtual Machine or any proprietary software on machines used to access Cascade Server. Cascade Server works anywhere you have a web browser.
• We're creating a community of previous Collage users.  Customers that have already gone through migrations can certainly provide some "best practices" advice.
• We have an annual user conference held every September, and a very active (and quickly growing) user community.
• Cascade Server is upgraded on a regular basis.  In 2008, for example, Cascade Server had 4 major upgrades.  We're dedicated to our clients, and making Cascade Server a better product.

Hannon Hill encourages you to take a "test drive" of the system as a part of your evaluation process.  Further, we encourage you to have Cascade Server downloaded into your own environment.  We're happy to help you get Cascade Server trial for your evaluation, and we'll provide you with all the necessary documentation. 

Are you interested in downloading Cascade Server?  Let us know.

Category

• Commentary

2009 User's Conference Registration Now Open with Early Bird Rate!

By Morgan Griffith

Thursday, March 19th, 2009 at 12:00pm

The Cascade Server User's Conference is an annual event that we at Hannon Hill take a lot of pride in. It's the one time every year that our users can come together in one place and gain valuable insight into Cascade Server from our team and each other. This year, we've already spent a considerable amount of time planning the conference, and we're very excited about what we have in store.

First and foremost, we're adding a third conference track this year. This track of sessions will be geared towards new Cascade users, to aid them in early user adoption and understanding of the system. This addition to our typical two-track conference came directly from last year's attendee feedback! In an effort to incorporate even more of your feedback into this year's conference, we've also created an idea exchange, "2009 User's Conference Ideas", on our Success Community. This is a space for past and future attendees to share their ideas for conference session topics and general experience improvements or suggestions.

We'll be announcing more details related to the 2009 Cascade Server User's Conference in the coming weeks, including updates to the conference schedule, sessions, and conference theme. In the interim, take advantage of our early bird rate if you register now! Our early bird rate sign-up rates will be available until April 30th and apply to all registration types-- single, double, and day-rate. After April 30th, conference attendance rates will increase, so secure your registration now and make sure you get the best rate possible!

Category

• Events

Meet The Team: Jamie Price

By Sam Beresford

Thursday, March 5th, 2009 at 11:30am

SAM BERESFORD: Hey there folks, it's been pretty busy around here so we haven't had a chance to do one of these lately, but we're back with another edition of Meet The Team.  Today we're chatting with Jamie Price, Human Resource Manager.  How's it going, Jamie?

JAMIE PRICE: Pretty good, just came from my daily stand-up meeting with the rest of the Operations team.

SAM: So give us some quick background info on you....where you grew up, where you went to school, what part of Atlanta you live in now?

JAMIE: I was born and raised in Pensacola, FL, and I still miss the beach every day.  I came to Atlanta in ’99 to attend The Georgia Institute of Technology where I studied Business with an emphasis on Human Resource Management.   I currently reside in Inman Park...hands down the best part of Atlanta!

SAM: What kind of work (or what type of company) were you doing prior to coming on board at Hannon Hill?

JAMIE: I've spent my entire career in Human Resources.  I love interacting with employees and impacting all levels of an organization.  Before joining Hannon Hill, I worked as the Human Resource Manager for Davidson Education, a nationwide early childhood education company.

SAM: Since joining Hannon Hill, you've brought some real organization to our HR department.  What are some of the initiatives that you've implemented thus far?

JAMIE: Thank you!  It's been an exciting task to work with and for the employees of Hannon Hill.  Since joining the team, I've implemented a number of new initiatives.  I'm most proud of the career development program, the creation of a telecommute policy and our Employee Handbook, our Comprehensive Talent Recruitment and Retention Program, and a formalized annual salary review.  Most importantly though, I'm glad that Hannon Hill has a true open door policy with HR.

SAM: And what kind of things does the HR department have planned for Hannon Hill in the near future?

JAMIE: There are a lot of exciting initiatives planned for 2009!  Human Resources will really be focusing on the employee experience at Hannon Hill.  In addition to the execution of our Career Development program, a Continuing Education Fund is also in the works.  Our main goal is to keep Hannon Hill's most important assets - our employees - satisfied, motivated and rewarded.

SAM: So what do you think of the new office?

JAMIE: As I’m sure you'll agree, the new Hannon Hill office is amazing.  The views of Atlanta are unparalleled and the space is huge.  My favorite aspect of the office is the seven inclusive conference rooms.  We can always find space for a meeting now!

SAM: Well thanks so much for joining us today, Jamie.  It's great to know a little bit more about you and Hannon Hill's Human Resources department.

Category

• Commentary