MySource Matrix Evaluations

MySource Matrix White-brand

The Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO), users of the Open Source CMS MySource Matrix, decided to create the White-branding suite in order to make powerful content management functionality available to Government with less complexity and cost to those agencies.

The package uses the MySource Matrix Open Source content management system but comes bundled with:

• Pre-configured government approved design including a W3C XHTML and WAI compliance
• The AGLS metadata schema and harvest control list
• Tools for simplified Government standards compliant publishing
• Information from third party assessments comparing the system to content management requirements for government
• Tools to simplify the procurement process for support services such as installation, training, development and content migration.

For more information about White-branding download this report

Background

AGIMO embarked on a project to replace its web sites in early 2003 and selected an Open Source solution to provide Content Management System (CMS) functionality. MySource was chosen as the preferred option and subsequently underwent development and enhancement to meet AGIMO requirements.

Following a successful proof of concept launch for the site, MySource Matrix was selected as the preferred platform for use in AGIMO. AGIMO is making the product set available for re-use across other government and not-for-profit agencies through "Whitebranding". This process has the backing of representatives from the Government's Chief Information Officer Committee and Information Management Strategy Committee.

Documentation Suite

AGIMO will release the White-branded version of MySource Matrix, which will be made available to all government jurisdictions (federal, state and local) and not-for-profit organisations as an Open Source solution for web content management. To assist agencies in evaluating and implementation of the White-branded product, AGIMO have compiled a suite of documents to be used a guidance for agencies contemplating implementing MySource Matrix as their content management solution. This overview outlines the scope and purpose of each document.

MySource Matrix - Functional Overview

Download the Functional Overview document in Adobe PDF format (1.1 Mb)
This paper starts with a brief description of the function of a CMS, followed by an overview of the key functions of MySource Matrix. It then provides an introduction to the look and feel of the application, followed by a more in-depth look at some of the features.

MySource Matrix - Functional Testing

Download the Functional Testing document in Adobe PDF format (282 kb)

The aim of this report is to provide an independent and objective test assessment of the white-branded version of MySource Matrix. This document is a companion document to the MySource Matrix Assessment and documents the results of functional testing of the out-of-the-box version of the product.

The testing assessment covered the white-branded version of MySource Matrix in the following areas:

• Fitness for purpose - does it provide a robust functional platform for the management of web content within a Government context?
• Stability - does it provide a stable technical (software) platform for web content management?

The following areas were considered out of scope for the testing:

• Configuration of hardware supporting MySource Matrix within AGIMO
• Source code review
• Agency dependant requirements
• Interoperability testing against multiple platforms and environments.

The results of the testing confirm the core functionality of the product from the MySource Matrix Assessment. The report should not be used as a substitute for agency interoperability and compatability testing.

Note: The functional testing was performed using MySource Matrix v3.1.0 RC2. The issues raised during testing (as listed under "Test Assessment" in sections 4.1.1, 4.1.2 and 4.1.4) have been resolved or rectified in MySource Matrix v3.2.0.

MySource Matrix - Final Assessment

Download the Final Assessment document in Adobe PDF format (224kb)

The aim of this report is to provide an independent and objective assessment of the white-branded version of MySource Matrix, which will be made available to all government jurisdictions (federal, state and local) and not-for-profit organizations as an open source solution for web content management.

The assessment covered the white-branded version of MySource Matrix in the following
areas:

• Fitness for purpose - does it provide a robust functional platform for the management of web content within a Government context?
• Stability - does it provide a stable technical (software) platform for web content management?
• Value for money - does it provide a value-for-money option for other governmentand not-for-profit agencies embarking on similar projects

The following areas were considered out of scope for this review:

• Contracts between AGIMO and Squiz Pty Ltd
• Project management processes relating to the implementation of MySource Matrix in AGIMO
• Specific content management roles and responsibilities within AGIMO
• Configuration of hardware supporting MySource Matrix within AGIMO
• Functional testing and source code review

MySource Matrix Project Review

Download the Matrix Project Review document in Adobe PDF format (153 kb)

This document provides a comprehensive project definition of the implementation of the white-branded version of MySource Matrix within AGIMO. It provides a retrospective insight into actual project planning processes, outcomes and lessons learned. The project review focused on the activities surrounding the refresh of AGIMO's corporate Internet site, implementation of MySource Matrix prior to the white-branding of source code developed as a result of its implementation within AGIMO.

The project review outlines the:

• Business environment prior to commencement of the project
• Original business and stakeholder requirements
• Business case including options analysis
• Development approach
• Project governance and resource requirements
• Scope and dependencies
• Expected project deliverables and quality management
• Milestones and associated timeframes
• Issues and change management processes
• Testing strategies; and
• Key risks and mitigation strategies.

The document follows a standard project plan format and could be re-used as a template
by other agencies initiating similar projects.

MySource Matrix Case Study

Download the Matrix Case Study document in Adobe PDF format (153 kb)

The MySource Matrix Case Study is a companion document to the project review, providing a detailed outline of the project activities, development and implementation path, challenges and hurdles, and lessons learnt. The Case Study outlines in more detail areas that impacted AGIMO specifically in the implementation of the product and how they tackled issues associated with the use of Open Source technology eg. Intellectual property.