Web Sites and Databases, Storage and Backup
On this page:
Web Space (Hosting)
Personal
Consult our Personal Web Site Guide for help setting up your site.Student groups
Officially registered student organizations may create their own Web sites.Course Web sites, online teaching materials
A wide variety of technologies are available for use in support of teaching and learning at the University. Our educational technology consultants can help you select and effectively utilize technology to enhance teaching, achieve significant learning outcomes, and evaluate these efforts. Please see our Educational Technology page.Departments and projects
- Central Web Hosting: Web space with no database back-end; Unix-like server environment
- JaWS Web Hotel: Web space with optional database back-end; Windows or Unix-like server environment
- Server Administration: Configure your server with the features you need and we will handle backups, security patches, and other administrative tasks.
Web and Database Development Services
We can create Web sites and databases custom built to suit your needs. We offer a wide range of solutions, from single-user databases and static Web pages, to large-scale, database-driven Web sites. Please contact us for a consultation if you are unsure which option is right for you, or if you would like to inquire about technologies or features not listed here.| Project Type | Example Features |
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| Graphic design |
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| Web site, no database back-end |
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| Database, standalone |
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Web + database, low to medium volume
small concurrent user base |
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Web + database, medium to high volume
large concurrent user base |
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Enterprise Web application
Campus-wide audience |
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Web content management system (CMS)
UMContent is currently our central Web content management system. It is available to departments who want to allow their Web content writers to update pages directly, without the need for advanced Web programming skills. UMContent provides management of user roles, page templates and layouts, approval workflows, dynamic category listings, and more.Developer resources
- Learn HTML and Web design: short courses, tutorials, self-paced materials
- TA Web Certification Program: for teaching assistants who design and manage course Web sites
- Central Authentication: Redirect users to the central Internet Login screen so you don't need to manage passwords.
- Central records: human resources, demographics, financial reports, student records
- University of Minnesota Web templates: Web Depot (maintained by University Relations)
Usability testing and evaluation
Offering information and self-service tools via the Web can benefit your customers and audience greatly — but what if the information is hard to find or the tools are difficult to use? Our Usability Lab can help! We employ a variety of techniques to evaluate your current design, delivering meaningful results to guide you in optimizing your Web content.Services include: usability evaluations, eye-tracking studies, terminology reviews, content categorizaton, focus groups, Web accessibility reviews, and usability lab support for researcher-led projects.
Accessibility
If you are developing an official University Web site, please familiarize yourself with the Accessibility of Information Technology policy. The Computer Accommodations Program assists University students, staff and faculty with disabilities in accessing computers and information through the use of adaptive technology.File Storage and Backup
- NetFiles: personal and group file storage, sharing, and collaboration; Web-based or drive-mappable
- Personal File Space: 1 GB secure file storage, accessible only to you; transfer files using SFTP software
- Automated Backups for workstations and servers
- Portfolio: store and share resumes, curriculum vitae, completed works, etc.
- Active Directory: shared network drives, departmental and personal space; workstation security management