Solutions

On-Line Knowledge Management system

Business Problem

Replace end-of-life COTS application

The existing knowledge management product at CalPERS was coming to it's product support end-of-life. In the midst of a much larger enterprise-wide project, there was little time, bandwidth, or budget for a long-term product replacement.

Solution

On-Line Knowledge Management system

CloverLeaf developed a web-based knowledge management system that allows administrators to publish documents to a standard file system, and allows end-users to easily access them.

Search

Users can search for documents using the standard Google search experience. A simple search box is displayed on the main page, with a link to the advanced search form. The advanced search form allows users to search using metadata including: keywords, date, author, etc.

Browse

Users can browse for documents by using the hierarchical file tree. The jQuery plugin used provides a standard folder user experience - much like the folder browsers included on desktop computers. The file tree expands and contracts as the user selects folders and files. The currently selected file is highlighted. This familiar paradigm is instantly understood by most users.

Bookmark

Users can bookmark documents they use frequently. By using standard web browser bookmarking, users are already familiar with the feature.

Share

Users can also send bookmarks and documents via email to their colleagues.

Leverage jQuery UI and Plugins

Several key aspects of the user experience were implemented using the jQuery UI and 3rd-party jQuery plugins, including navigational tabs, a hierarchical file tree, and a dynamic panel layout. By using the UI and pre-built plugins, development time was drastically reduced - instead of developing these features from scratch, only configuration and/or minor adjustments were necessary.

Leverage Existing Architecture

The application was developed using the existing CalPERS architecture and included the Google Search Appliance, jQuery for the user experience, and ASP to generate pages. Documents are stored and retrieved using a standard server file system.

CloverLeaf Added Value

CloverLeaf's recent work with jQuery at another client allowed them to quickly implement a highly usable and robust solution -- at significantly less than purchasing a new COTS application.

Benefits

Leveraging existing in-house technologies resulted in rapid development and allows for maintenance and enhancements to be done by internal staff.