What Does "Self-Service" Mean?

WebServices has developed a menu of self-service tools that enable clients to control their websites while eliminating the need for technical knowledge and complicated maintenance. A self-service tool exists for virtually any need: group collaboration, complex organizational materials, art gallery, quick and easy blogging, even hands-on development for the more adventurious.

Tools for Everyone

• BrownSites, which comprise the latest iteration of official Brown University websites. While BrownSites can be kept simple, they are the most powerful self-service tool available. BrownSites can be customized to do most anything, and even the standard features produce impressive, professional websites.
• BrownBlogs, a quick blog service that sets up rich-featured blogs that are so simple to use. They look just as good as a BrownSite but operate differently, catering to groups who wish to send out top-notch updates without hosting too much permanent content.
• Wikis, which bring the organizational and collaborative power found in websites like Wikipedia to use here at Brown. Wikis are ideal for multi-person projects or those collecting lots of interrelated information.
• Web Programming Accounts, the most hands-on option available through WebServices. Clients get hosting space on a Brown University server, a URL, and free reign! Intended primarily for clients with great web development expertise, WebServices recommends these to clients who know what they want and know how to get it.
• Short URLs, a simple tool that enables clients to obtain brief, memorable URLs, simplifying addresses from http://server.brown.edu/Complicated/Location/Of_Mine to http://brown.edu/go/easy.

Freedom & Control

These tools were chosen for their flexibility, robustness, and ease of maintenance. As such, they are relatively inexpensive to offer, which means that you get remarkable bang for their buck: full control, technical guidance, powerful features, and glossy presentation.