Now serving: 18 websites in one
Rainbow Media, the Cablevision owned company that brings you AMC, IFC, WE, Fuse and many more cable stations, asked AREA 17 to help create a file management system — similar to our file browser — that allows them to distribute their many network and programming assets to their affiliates. At the time, they had 18 semi-content managed websites that were out of date in all aspects. Difficult to use in all aspects, both admins and end-users found themselves frustrated and reverted to email for their file exchanges — not so timely or cost effective.
AREA 17 worked with the Rainbow Media team to come up with a solution that allowed them to easily create a network affiliate website that distributed and promoted their assets in simple and relavant ways. The back-office system allows for ‘push-button’ network creation, permissions-based access, really simple file uploads and content management, section specific or site-wide promotional tools, website usage stats, and a whole lot more.
The front-end allows users to log-in without a password to the network of their choice and be remembered. Smart URL’s allow for easy sharing of files, and users are able to switch networks in a jiffy. Just like our file browser, the website is organized in a folder structure with a breadcrumb that keeps you on track. But it goes further to introduce site-wide search, network topics (keywords) and relational content. Users can stay tuned-in through custom email alerts and RSS. And of course the little things have been thought of such as send to a friend, printable views and the ability to download multiple files in one-click through an on-the-fly zip compression function.
Last but definitely not least, the website itself has different file access, based on the URL you enter through. Instead of making a separate website for more secure internal sales content, the system automatically publishes a second version of each network website that is secure. It includes the same structure and content of the public one, but has additional content securely and privately available just for internal sales users. This not only makes it so that the website admin can publish a file once and make it available many times, but it also allows us to update the system engines once with new features and every network website — public or private — instantly benefits.
The website had gotten rave reviews from our client and also their end-users. Traffic has been steadily increasing from launch and retention is at an all-time high. We are proudest of the work we do that really makes a difference and most thankful and dedicated to our clients that allow us to do just that.