BEV In A Box
TOP County E-villages are powered by the BEV in a Box ("BBox") Suite of applications. The modules are based on open- source LAMP (Linux, Apache, PHP, MySql) technology. They are managed using a web interface. This application suite includes the following components:
Community Web Site Hosting
Each community receives web space and server administration for a community web site or 'portal'. This is a full service, permanent site with nightly backups, complete statistics reporting, full text search engine, and 125 megabytes of space.
Community Web Site Design
BEV professionals design community portals in conjunction with local leadership. Based on community input, BEV develops an overall site design strategy and creates pre- coded HTML templates for site content. BEV provides training on how to update and maintain the community portal using these templates.
Community Village Mall
An automated online business directory where e- villagers can create their own listings and link them to their websites. Local leaders maintain administrative control over posts to the mall.
Community Group Websites (Community Connections)
Website and email hosting services for community groups. An online registration system means that no local technical or setup support is required. Each group is provided with a URL (for example: civic.ourtown.org).
Community Groups receive the following services:
- A web site (up to 20 megabytes of text and graphics)
Sample URL: http://civic.yourcountyaddress.net/yourgroup/ - Two permanent email addresses for group use (with forwarding, if
needed), and webmail access.
Sample address: yourgroup@civic.yourcountyaddress.net
- A broadcast mailing list that makes it easy to send messages to your
members (up to 100 subscribers).
Example: yourgroup@civic.yourcountyaddress.net
Online Community Calendar
Each community receives an online, interactive community calendar. Administrators can add, delete, and update events using a web interface. This calendar is integrated into the color scheme and navigation of the main community website.
Online Community ("Villager") Directory
Individuals, organizations, and businesses create and edit their own listings in the Directory. Villagers can choose to share personal information such as name, phone number, address, email, and URL.
Online Discussion Forum
A threaded online forum facilitates community discussion about current events, community projects, and local government. Asynchronous virtual 'town meetings' have proven helpful in drawing together members of the community who would otherwise find it difficult to attend.
Virtual Business Incubator
Groups receiving a Virtual Business Incubator account get:
- A web site (up to 20 megabytes of text and graphics)
Sample URL: http://vbi.yourcountyaddress.net/yourgroup/
- Two permanent email addresses for group use (with forwarding, if
needed), and webmail access.
Sample address: yourgroup@vbi.yourcountyaddress.net
- A broadcast mailing list that makes it easy to send messages to your
members (up to 100 subscribers).
Example: yourgroup@vbi.yourcountyaddress.net
Wombat Web Builder
An online web development tool assembled by combining two open source applications. No experience, HTML, broadband, or FTP needed for e- villagers to create their own web presence.