Technologies
Web technologies are vast, each has pros and cons for its use, and the IHS web services program has developed a standardized list of technologies to help ensure scalability, consistency and usability across IHS.gov. Each of the following technologies is considered standard which means it is acceptable to use on any IHS.gov website.
Programming Language:
The IHS.gov standard programming language is Adobe ColdFusion (CFM). This was determined to be the standard programming language after many years of use and team knowledge. It provides all the functionality of all the other web programming languages and is strongly supported by Adobe. All websites on IHS.gov are wrapped in a ColdFusion template that keeps our website appearance consistent.
Database Technology:
Web applications on IHS.gov use a Microsoft SQL backend for their database requests. This technology is tried and true and the web services team has extensive knowledge in it as well as Microsoft's full support.
Social & New Media:
The Web Services Team is working hard on developing standards and policies regarding the establishment of Social Media presences for IHS so that we can better engage our numerous audiences. With each site proposal we first ensure we have the staff and time investment available so that you get the most out of us being in social media arena and because of this, establishing social media presences take time.
Video:
IHS.gov implements a Flash Media Server (FMS) that allows us to embed video into our websites and have them "stream" to our users. This means you can start to watch a movie before it finishes downloading completely. We also provide downloadable versions of our videos in the MP4 format and 3gp format for mobile users.
Mapping:
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has a contract with Google to allow all department operative divisions (OPDIVS) access to Google Maps Enterprise Edition. This allows us to embed Google Maps on our external facing websites (like this), our internal websites and websites that are behind login systems. This tool is very powerful and allows us to map any data imaginable.
Listserv:
The Indian Health Service uses the LISTSERV software from L-soft and is most commonly used for communications between IHS, the public and tribal entities. These lists allow for group emailing, file sharing and email archives. You can find all our listserv lists and subscribe on the listserv website.
Trends & Statistics:
IHS.gov usage is constantly monitored by WebTrends which is server software that picks apart our web servers log files and formats the usage into visual diagrams and charts so we analyze what sites need work and which sites are most utilized so we can better serve you.
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