Classic Platform

The Classic Platform offers the most flexibility to the CS officer but also requires the highest degree of skill.

It is highly recommend that you consider and test the WOW platform. Units that have transitioned to the WOW platform say that it is the "way to go!" Best of all, there is no coding - simply enter text in a online form (like a computer document.) In addition, the unit Commander, unit Vice Commander, Publica Affairs (PA) officer, or Publications (PB) officer can update their unit's site without the need of a CS officer.

There are two templates available for developing a website based on the classic platform:

• The DWT Template is intended for use with website development tools supporting the creation of pages from a Dynamic Web Template (DWT) such as Visual Studio, Expression Web and Dreamweaver. The header and left hand navigation is customized and developed in the DWT webpage in editable regions and are identified as a DWT webpage. Any additional pages are created from a DWT webpage, then the unique content is added.
• The XML Template is a step up from DWT and is designed for sites that have, or need to have, a large number of page such as District websites.

  This template supports two tier navigation using a separate file (an XML file) to dynamically create the left hand navigation. The left hand side navigation file is attached to every page when viewed in a web browser just like the header and footer. This template can be used in many standard website development tools such as visual studio and expressions web.

  There is a requirement to know basic XML to use this template and should only be used on large sites.

Websites based on the classic platform may be it hosted wherever the unit wishes; however, any unit (Flotilla or Division) may have their site hosted on a National server free of charge. Such sites, called "AIRS" (Auxiliary Internet Resource System) sites are configured on request by the National IT Group but are otherwise maintained by the unit's CS officer via a control panel.

See the AIRS Hosting page for the steps needed to request free hosting on AIRS.