Week 13 – IA Tools and Software

Several tools come in handy to the development and management of IA and web content. These tools, however can also lead to chaos given their varied nature and classification for various functions. To the IA, choosing the right tool or software can sometimes be a challenge because various factors come into play in determining the right choice(s). Some of the various tools and categories available to the IA include software for Automated Categorization, Search Engines, Thesaurus Management Tools, Portal or Enterprise knowledge Platform, Content Management Systems, Web Analysis/Tracking, Diagramming Software, Prototyping Tools, User Research and testing tools.

Automated Categorization Software are also known as automated classification, automated indexing, automated tagging and clustering software. Examples are Interwoven’s Metatagger and Vivisimo’s Clustering Engine. These tools use human-defined rules or pattern matching algorithms to automatically assign controlled vocabulary metadata to documents.

Search Engines provide full-text indexing and searching capabilities. Examples include Google Enterprise Solutions and Fast.

Thesaurus Management tools provide support for the development and management of controlled vocabularies and thesauri. Examples include Factiva Synaptica and WebChoir.

Portals or Enterprise Knowledge Platforms provide completely integrated enterprise portal solutions. Examples are MS SharePoint Portal Server, IBM’s WebSphere Portal and Oracle Portal.

Content management Systems manage workflow from content authoring to editing and publishing. They make it easier and more efficient to create, edit and publish web content and can range from small applications to huge enterprise-wide solutions. Examples include WordPress, Drupal and Documentum.

Analytics Software analyzes the usage and statistical performance of web sites, providing valuable metrics about user behavior and characteristics. Examples are Google Analytics and WebTrends

Diagramming Software are visual communication tools that IAs use to create diagrams, charts, blueprints and wireframes. Examples include MS Visio, PowerPoint and OmniGraffle.

Prototyping tools are web development software that enables IAs and web designers to create interactive wireframes and clickable prototypes. Examples include Dreamweaver, Visio and Flash.

Whatever categories or software/tools you the IA might choose to use, there’s still a lot of research and questions to be asked here so as to make the right decision in order to provide a balance between technology and price, as well as appropriate functionality. The most important advice from experts is to know your needs, your process and the end-users’ abilities before making your choice. CMSwatch.com is a fee-based consulting service that publishes reports on CMS-s and can help you select a CMS. Be realistic about your needs, devote extra time to information architecture and don’t neglect the content in favor of flashy/sexier IA and technology.

Also, prior to choosing any particular tool or software suite or package from a particular vendor, always get an Engineer from within the vendor’s firm who will answer you the most intriguing questions about the tool like what it does well, what it does poorly and what they wish it could do.