Q. What is ColdFusion?
A: ColdFusion is a scripting language developed by Macromedia that allows web applications to connect to databases.
Q. We have our own web server. Can we host the database ourselves?
A: You can if your web server has ColdFusion Server 5 or later installed. If you have questions about purchasing or installing ColdFusion Server, contact Macromedia. We can also host the database portion of the site for you. Depending on volume, the cost starts at $50 per month. Or you can host the database with a third-party provider.
Q. How long does it take to get up and running?
A: Depending on how much customization your site will need, it can take only a few weeks to get your database online after we receive what we need from you to start.
Q. What do you need from me to get started?
A: We require an initial payment of 1/3 the purchase price up front. We also need a graphic of the school logo or mascot you would like on the header. We also like each institution to write their own "privacy policy."
Q. How does the pricing work?
A: We have our "base price" of $2000 which includes the basic site as you see in the samplesite. We will use your logo, and you can choose the background color and button color that you like. We will also set up (via FTP) the site on your server, or provide you with the application on CD-ROM. The basic site offers the functionality for alumni to register and search or contact others who have registered. The basic site also offers administrative tools to delete or edit records.
You can also customize the site as you like for an additional charge.
For example, if two schools merged in 1988, you can keep the pre-1988 classes separate if you like. See Maple River Schools site for an example. The class of '85 is separated into three schools, the class of '88 is sepated into two schools, while the class of '91is unified as one school. This added customization would probably cost around $200, depending on how complicated it was.
Another example would be if you wanted students to be able to upload pictures of themselves, or if you wanted additional information in their record like their current occupation or hobbies or family. If you have an idea, let us know and we will try to let you know what the additional costs would be.
Q. How do payments work?
A: We require an initial payment of 1/3 the purchase price up front. We require another third when the job is complete and approved, but before being transferred to your server or provided on disk. The final 1/3 is due 30 after that.
Q. How do we get information into the database?
A: The database comes empty, meaning there are no records initially. Placing a link in a prominant place on the school web site is a good way to get people to go there and register. Other ways are to ask class reunion organizers to put the URL on corespondence with alumni. From our experience, once people start to hear about it they email classmates they are in touch with to tell them about the site, and so on.
Q. Can current students also register?
A: We are concerned about minors placing personal information online where anyone could view it. Therefore we typically allow only graduated high school students to register. If you would like high school seniors to register prior to graduation, let us know.
Q. Who can register and view records?
A: We ask that only graduates register, however we have no way of verifying anyone's true identity online. Anyone could claim to be part of the class of '82, for example, and register. The administrative interface allows a quick and easy way to delete unwanted records. Anyone can also view the records, just like a phone book. When people register they are publishing their information online for anyone to see.
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