AUX-04's Transition from FrontPage to Expression Web
After nine year run Microsoft's Web authoring tool, FrontPage,
was discontinued in late 2006...time and technology overtook its
capabilities. As a replacement, Microsoft developed two, almost
identical Web authoring tools, (1) Office SharePoint Designer 2007, for
the enterprise environment and (2) Expression Web, for the individual
professional Web designer.
Early in 2007, the AUX-04 staff determined and adopted Expression Web
as the follow-on Web authoring tool taught in class. Why did we
choose Expression Web?
- Since AUX-04 is a Coast Guard sponsored and funded C-School
and classes are held at various Coast Guard facilities around
the U.S., we needed to teach on compatible systems using software consistent with the CG
and which is also available to all auxiliarists.
- Expression Web is very similar to FrontPage in its menus and
functions which will lend to less retraining for instructors and
with a
familiar look and feel with other MS Office products, make it an
easy transition for the AUX-04 student.
The question heard today is, "Now being 2008, why hasn't the CG
transitioned yet to the new suite of software that includes SharePoint
enterprise technologies? Well, if you've heard or read, most
medium and large institutions (corporations and organizations) have not
been quick in adopting some of the new MS operating systems and
technologies. There has been resistance to
the use of Vista and the Office 2007 suite of products, due to real and
perceived problems. Coast Guard commands around the county are no
different. They currently have systems that work and have been
working for years. Many CG IT managers have been reluctant to install
the new "CG Standard Workstation" suite of Office products (called the
current CG SWS "image").
Where does this leave us, the staff and students of AUX-04?...in
transition for the foreseeable future. During our first class of
2008, because no Web authoring software was installed at the facilities
we used, we had to revert back to teaching at the HTML level. This was
unfortunate, but necessary. As we prepare for the upcoming class
at the CG Academy, we might again be required to teach HTML as well.
We hope this transitional period with CG systems will end soon, so we
can once again teach one standard Web authoring application.
If you have questions or comments, please send them to
Tom Miller (BC-IRF).
Regards,
Tom Miller
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