IMS e-Community
The various communities of an educational institution can be unified and supported via a single web browser based interface. IMS e-Community encompasses a fully integrated set of easy to use communication tools, file management and web features, in order to facilitate communication within a controlled environment. Files can be shared and appointments can be easily scheduled with other users, to cultivate an environment where information and ideas can be shared between different communities of users.
IMS e-Community functionalities are consists of:
User Profile
User Profile module allows individual users to manage personal information. Other system users will be able to see the information, but will not be able to modify someone else’s. The Administrator, on the other hand, will have access to modify this information in the User & Group Directory module, if and when necessary.
Memo
The Memo module allows sending and receiving of internal memos among the system users. It is similar to the email, where files can be attached to the message. This is practical for organizations that do not have an email server and users do not have an email account.
E-Mail Client
The Email module is an email client that allows users to check for multiple POP3 email accounts.
Address Book
The Address Book module is used to store and share all business contacts or business cards information. Records in the Address Book module can be used as the email address book in the Email module. Users are allowed to create address groups to facilitate sending of group emails, and are able to use the Import Address Book function from the Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express applications.
Calendar
The Calendar module involves scheduling, adding "To Do" tasks, and managing events and meetings. It is like managing your personal diary, but with the added advantage of having reminders sent to you and your scheduler shared with other system users. With this module, the system also checks for conflicts when you schedule appointments with other system users. The scheduling of resources may also be made via the Calendar module.
Forum
Forums module is similar to a bulletin board system and is usually referred to as threaded discussions. System users are able to add topics, reply to topics and view discussions. There are two types of forums, namely, a Public forum and a Private forum.
News Update
This module enables dynamic publishing of information on the Internet. Users are able to create front-page news, headline news and other news/articles. Users can do this without having to know any programming languages or HTML codes.
Bookmarks
Bookmarks module allows the creation and storage of hotlinks in a central location. These hotlinks can then be organized into categories. Users are able to create both public and private categories.
File Library
Files Library module is a document management module. Files can be shared among system users, uploaded and downloaded when necessary. Users may be given access to specific library folders. Version control of documents can also be practiced via the check-in/check-out feature. An email or memo can be sent out to inform selected users of the uploaded document.
Task Manager
The Task Manager module manages To Dos and task assignments. These tasks can now be categorized and tracked by the assigner and assignee.
Form Wizard
The Form Wizard module enables the creation of "forms-on-the-fly". There is an option to either store captured data into the database, or submit the information sent via email.
Personalization
Users are able to personalize their desktop presentation such as font and background colour via this module.
Resource Manager
The Resource Manager module helps the organization manage the resources available and helps prevent conflicting bookings. These resources are also linked to the Calendar Module where resources are "booked" for appointments and events.
Notepad
The Notepad module works like an online notepad where only the logged-in user can see the contents. The Notepad may be enabled from the Personalization module.
External Application
The External Application module allows the Administrator to create links to other Web-based applications or Web sites. There is also an option that allows submission of Username and Password to utilize the MD5 login encryption.
Search The Web
The Search the Web module included in the system allows users to search the Web for information.
Instant Messaging
The Instant Messaging module is similar to a chat or messaging system. System users are able to send instant messages to other system users (both online and offline), as well as receive incoming messages.