5. > WEBSITE TECHNOLOGIES

The Internet is the worldwide system of computer networks connected by the TCP/IP communication protocols.¹⁴ There are a number of other communication protocols that are often bundled with TCP/IP. Perhaps the most widely used protocol is HTTP which provides access to millions of pages of information on the Internet.¹⁵ The World Wide Web is that part of the Internet which is accessible via the HTTP protocol.

SMTP, the foundation for e-mail, is another key protocol.¹⁶ Recordkeeping requirements for e-mail are covered in Archives New Zealand's fact sheet F10: E-Mail.¹⁷

The classification of website technologies in this section provides the framework within which the recordkeeping strategies in this guide are articulated.¹⁸ Organisations should note that this classification is not the same as the range of purposes outlined in section 4.

Back to top

5.1. > STATIC WEBSITES

The first generation of websites consisted of collections of static documents stored on a single web server and linked together by hyperlinks. Often limited to a description of an organisation, contact details, and electronic copies of policies and other publications, the focus of these 'brochure-ware' websites was information dissemination.¹⁹

Static websites may incorporate client-side technologies such as JavaScript and VBScript which enable the creation of simple dynamic elements such as pop-up menus and roll-over buttons.²⁰

Back to top

5.2. > DYNAMIC WEBSITES

Dynamic websites enable organisations to deliver services via the web by incorporating dynamic elements into their design. Typically, dynamic websites incorporate forms into web pages that allow users to input data or enter search criteria for database querying. Server-side technologies such as the common gateway interface protocol (CGI), Active Server Pages (ASP), and PHP facilitate the incorporation of forms into web pages.

More sophisticated websites create individual web pages 'on-the-fly' in response to factors such as the time of day, what pages the user has looked at previously, and specific user input. These highly dynamic websites often store web pages as multiple objects within content management systems, and use cookies and stylesheets to personalise the way in which individual pages are displayed.

Back to top

5.3. > E-COMMERCE WEBSITES AND E-BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Websites commonly facilitate on-line purchase of services and products (e-commerce).²¹ Early instances of e-commerce, such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), relied upon expensive proprietary software and networks, thus limiting its use to businesses processing large quantities of routine transactions.²² Key issues for e-commerce websites include the need to ensure authenticity of identity and security of data.

E-business solutions refer to the integration of e-commerce websites with back-end applications. Integration of the components of an e-business solution is increasingly being enabled by the deployment of open standards, such as ebXML, to specify standard data structures and syntaxes for exchanging business data over the Internet.²³

Back to top

5.4. > EXTRANETS AND INTRANETS

For the purposes of this guide, extranets and intranets are regarded as specialised websites. The appropriate recordkeeping strategy for an extranet or intranet depends, therefore, on the underlying website technology. Although these sites are often not publicly accessible and may be managed differently from public websites, they too contain records of your organisation's activities, which you need to identify and manage.

---

14. TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.
15. HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol.
16. SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol.
17. Archives New Zealand. 2002. E-mail Fact Sheet (F/10).
18. Ministry of Economic Development. 2000. E-Commerce: A Guide for New Zealand Business. The classification in this section of the Guide is based, in part, on this publication.
19. E-Commerce: A Guide for New Zealand Business, p21.
20. New Zealand Government Web Guidelines, s6.3.5. Client-side technologies should only be used where required.
21. E-Commerce: A Guide for New Zealand Business, p4.
22. E-Commerce: A Guide for New Zealand Business, p4.
23. Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS). 2003. ebXML FAQ.