1.2: Web Resources Management
Ensure that Agency-wide web resources are managed efficiently. Other Information:
How does your agency currently ensure that Agency-wide web resources are managed efficiently (e.g. governance, technology/infrastructure,
hosting, staffing, operations, etc.)? Governance -- The Department’s Internet Steering Committee (ISC) is the authoritative
governing board for all Department websites. The ISC considers, recommends, and manages policies, procedures, and functions
related to control of the Internet presence, use and services. The overall goal of the ISC is to achieve balance among: 1)
Information strategy and policy; 2) Mission related uses of the Internet, including content management; 3) Management of security
risks; and 4) Technology challenges and issues. The Department websites comply with Departmental information standards, as
reflected in the Department’s Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) and Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH). The Department of State Content
Management System (CMS) Policy (US Department of State Telegraphic Message Reference Number (MRN): 132990) mandates that all
overseas websites will use CMS. CMS is a secure Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) delivery platform in a cloud computing
environment that facilitates the development, hosting, and maintenance of a centralized multilingual content management system
to streamline the creation and delivery of high quality information for web content. Migrating domestic internet sites under
the CMS is proposed for 2012. Upon adoption by domestic sites, the Department-wide CMS policy will be fully implemented. This
permits the website owners to focus on the content instead of platform support or compliance issues. CMS is carefully managed
and tracked through the Capital Planning and Investment Control (CPIC) process and monitored by Senior Department officials
and the Office of Management and Budget. Overlapping services are integrated and migrated under CMS. Technology/infrastructure
-- CMS is implemented as a cloud computing service IaaS. This IaaS environment facilitates the development, maintenance, and
hosting of a centralized multilingual content management system to streamline the creation and delivery of high quality information
for web content (text, video, audio, etc.). It provides a secure delivery platform and infrastructure for website owners,
freeing them from concerns about platform support and compliance with laws, mandates, and executive orders. Hosting -- CMS
supports Really Smiple Syndication (RSS) enabled and Extensible Markup Language (XML)based Content Syndication, which allow
for the seamless repurposing of content across multiple Department websites. It also provides an integrated search engine
using taxonomies, automated submission of new content to the Internet Google Search Engine, and Web log analysis and reporting.
CMS offers a commenting feature that allows individuals from the International public to provide feedback on articles. In
addition, CMS customers are surveyed annually regarding CMS features, emerging technologies, and their business needs. CMS
hosting is delivered through a cloud computing Software as a Service (SaaS) Application Services Model. Staffing -- CMS is
a 24/7 operation including Continuity Of Operations (COOP). This policy projected a $4.4 million cost avoidance in website
personnel support costs for just 58 posts in 2007. In 2011, 430 posts are supported by CMS. Operations -- CMS provides all
operational support, including training and new technology development. As new software components and services are added,
these packages are available for use by all CMS customers. Best of breed emerging technologies to support growing business
needs, such as expanding social media tools, are integrated into a single platform as part of the standard CMS package.
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