Foster Moore Catalyst Overview

CATALYST BUSINESS REGISTER Product Overview

Author: Foster Moore Limited

Date: 23 July 2010

Version: 1.0

Catalyst Business Register – Product Overview Page iii

CONTENTS

Contents..................................................................................................................... iii

Introduction ................................................................................................................ 4 Catalyst .............................................................................................................................................4 Content Management........................................................................................................................5 Licensing ...........................................................................................................................................5 Infrastructure & Hosting .....................................................................................................................6

Catalyst Generic Business Register ............................................................................ 7

Catalyst User Access................................................................................................ 10 External Users .................................................................................................................................10 Internal Users ..................................................................................................................................11 Entity Registration / Incorporation ....................................................................................................12 Entity Maintenance ..........................................................................................................................13

Catalyst Components ............................................................................................... 14 Workflow .........................................................................................................................................14 Correspondence..............................................................................................................................14 Document Management and Scanning............................................................................................15 Payment Processing & Fee Management ........................................................................................15 Management and Operational Reporting .........................................................................................16

Catalyst Audit Logging.............................................................................................. 17

System Integration.................................................................................................... 19

Catalyst Flexibility...................................................................................................... 20

Plone Content Management System......................................................................... 21

Catalyst Business Register – Product Overview Page 4

INTRODUCTION

Catalyst has been developed by Foster Moore in conjunction with the New Zealand Ministry of Economic Development (NZMED) to provide a generic software platform suitable for implementing registries, including business and secure transaction (UCC) registers. Catalyst enables the rapid, flexible, reliable, robust and cost-effective deployment of new registers in multiple jurisdictions.

Catalyst

Catalyst is an extremely flexible platform, demonstrated by the fact that Foster Moore is currently using it to implement a total of 17 business registries for the NZMED, including the Companies Office, but also covering entities such as incorporated societies, charitable trusts and registered financial advisers.

A consultant uses Catalyst to define the structure, content and processing rules for entities managed within the registry (e.g. companies, societies and certified professionals). Catalyst uses this definition to deliver web-based screens to incorporate, maintain and control the entities and the associated processes. It also produces the secure registry database in which details of the defined entities will be stored.

Catalyst provides an online, browser-based solution for access by both members of the public performing online transactions, and by back-office staff responsible for the management and operation of the register. Catalyst provides members of the public with integrated search, reservation, registration (incorporation) and compliance functions as well as access to online payment facilities. Back-office staff use Catalyst to carry out the daily functions required to maintain the register; working from an online interactive task list they complete the tasks allocated to them based on their defined responsibilities and security level.

Catalyst also includes components that provide correspondence management, document and records management and payment processing. Foster Moore can provide a range of payment options, with particular focus on developing regions where online banking and credit cards are not widely used. In such areas we have solutions that support the locally available and accepted payment methods including payment using cell phone and the use of accounts within Catalyst that can be credited using pre-paid vouchers purchased from a range of points of sale.

Catalyst workflows are constructed to control the business processes that take place within the registry. This may include the registration or incorporation of new entities, entity administration and completion of regular compliance functions online, such as annual filing notices.

Catalyst uses the configuration to build a series of online applications for system users, as well as a business services layer. This layer can be securely invoked by custom-developed applications, or external systems, to deliver custom functionality.

Document management and retention rules are configured with the system, as are rules for creation of entity snapshots. Catalyst can be configured to generate PDF format snapshots of entity details on registration and maintenance of the entity. The snapshots are stored as read-only documents within the document management system and are available publicly via the search functions, where applicable. This allows the system to retain and recall entity information at a particular point in time, and provides access to this historic information to authorized users of the system.


The full Catalyst configuration includes the search facilities, correspondence templates and document distribution rules. Authorized system users, security groups, group access rules and team structures are also configured within Catalyst, or linked from an external system.

Using Catalyst, Foster Moore is able to quickly configure, deploy, test and deliver flexible registries, including business and secure transaction registers, which meet the individual needs of different registers. Catalyst is based on a set of core components that interact with each other to deliver the business functionality required to operate online registries. These components follow a loosely coupled architecture and communicate with one another over an Enterprise Service Bus (ESB), contributing significantly to the scalability and performance capabilities of Catalyst.

Our product-based approach means that once an initial register has been implemented within a jurisdiction or region, subsequent registers can draw on this work as a starting point, with alternative requirements made via product configuration. Over time Foster Moore is compiling a library of configurations that support a range of registers and jurisdictions with the objective of being able to draw on the closest existing configuration as a starting point for new registers.

Content Management

In addition to the Catalyst platform, Foster Moore typically implements a Content Management System (CMS) in order to deliver the web site that surrounds and supports the business register.

Using a CMS provides registrars with a distributed, managed, secure, reliable and flexible way to maintain the content of their web sites without the need to edit HTML or other code. A CMS is configured with design templates that control the look and feel of the site, as well as the structure of each page and the site navigation. Authorized users are then able to add and maintain content via a simple text editing system while the CMS takes care of the formatting of the pages and of the overall site.

A CMS also provides control over changes to a site’s content by way of a pre-configured workflow that determines the authorization each user has, and can direct a particular user to authorize changes before they are visible on the public web site.

Licensing

Foster Moore provides a range of licensing options for Catalyst, allowing customers to select the option that best fits their requirements in the short and long term.

Catalyst can be licensed on an individual register basis, allowing a single jurisdiction to implement a single register at a relatively low cost. Regional and statewide Catalyst licenses allow the implementation of any number of registers within one or more defined jurisdictions without incurring any additional software license costs. The cost of each new online business register is limited to the consulting costs associated with the analysis, configuration, testing, deployment and support of the new register.

As an alternative to licensing the Catalyst software, customers can purchase Catalyst as a service directly from Foster Moore. Under this option Foster Moore provides a fully managed solution with a single all-inclusive monthly operating fee covering the entire platform, including hardware, infrastructure, licenses, operation and support.


Infrastructure & Hosting

In addition to being available as a software-only platform, Foster Moore has a deployed Catalyst in a centralized infrastructure environment in order to provide registers to clients as a Software as a Service (SaaS). Under such a model clients do not need to acquire and operate their own hardware platforms, but simply pay a monthly subscription fee.


CATALYST GENERIC BUSINESS REGISTER

Catalyst is a software platform that is configured to meet the individual needs of different registers in different jurisdictions. Catalyst is based on a set of core components that interact with each other to deliver the business functionality required to operate online registries such as business registries and secure transaction registries.

Catalyst consists of a series of loosely coupled components that communicate with one another over an Enterprise Service Bus (ESB). This architecture contributes significantly to the scalability and performance capabilities of Catalyst. The following diagram illustrates the components of Catalyst:

Figure 1. Catalyst Components and High Level Architecture

The Catalyst components are responsible for a range of services as follows:

1) Security and User Management – The system employs a role-based security model that controls access to the system by registered users. This allows the system to restrict access to data and functionality based on user accounts and their membership to security groups. Catalyst caters for internal users (staff who work in the registry office) and external users (members of the public with a declared interest in one or more entities), and controls their access accordingly.

2) Registry Search – Catalyst includes an embedded search engine that allows system users to search for a retrieve entity records based on a range of criteria. System administrators configure the range of search options available to different groups of users within the registry.

Register

Catalyst Application Services

Content Management System

User Authentication and Authorisation

Catalyst SOA Enterprise Service Bus (ESB)

Data Persistence

Layer

External Web Services (Optional)

UserAuthentication

UserAuthorisation

SearchEngine

Financial Integration

MobileServices

Data Repository

Catalyst Business Services

Security and User Management

Registry Search

Document & Records Management

Task & Workflow Management

Job Scheduling Management

Correspondence Management

Day-end Administration

Management of invoices, receipting, payments etc

CATALYST HIGH LEVEL ARCHITECTURE

Document/Records

Management


The search facility can also be configured to search documents within the register, including PDF files and documents such as Microsoft Word documents.

3) Document Management and Searching – Catalyst provides for the centralized configuration of document templates and integration with document repositories to manage the creation, retrieval and viewing of documents based on access permissions. Documents are versioned and tracked and are centrally accessible.

4) Task and Workf low Management – A configurable workflow system allows for the definition of business processes and escalation rules to assign tasks to teams and team members.

5) Payment Management – Catalyst supports a range of payment processing options including real-time payment (for example, via credit card), direct debit and invoicing. Catalyst also includes the ability to integrate with an external accounting system, or can be configured to enable a simple Accounts Receivable system if required.

6) Job Schedul ing Management – A job scheduling function enables the configuration and management of batch processes that interact with the register.

7) Boxing and Imaging Administrat ion – Catalyst provides the software and operations related to the scanning, processing and management of incoming paper documents and their association with entities within the register.

8) Correspondence Management – Catalyst includes a centralized communication and correspondence interfaces management system that control the generation and delivery of external written communication with entities and their representatives. Catalyst manages addresses and user information, and supports communication methods such as fax, email and post.

9) Content Management Integrat ion – Catalyst provides integration with a content management system. This simplifies the ongoing administration and management of the content and navigation structure that surrounds the core registry functionality. The content management system separates the look and feel of the site from the content and provides the capability to configure workflows to control the loading, approval and publishing of content.

10) Data Persistence – The data persistence layer is responsible for storing all registry data into a database for subsequent searching, retrieval and reporting. Catalyst is supplied with an embedded database management system (DBMS), however the persistence layer can be used to connect to virtually any standard database management system, allowing clients to deploy Catalyst on an existing DBMS infrastructure if preferred. No changes are required to Catalyst when changing to an alternative DBMS since database-specific changes are managed within the persistence layer itself.

In addition, Catalyst provides the following features:

1. Multiple language support 2. Configurable options to support different legislative rules 3. Database and server agnostic, allowing integration with customer’s existing infrastructure 4. Modifiable ‘look and feel’ for screen presentation 5. Integration with a Content Management Systems (CMS) for the purposes of delivering

content managed Help screens 6. Integration with existing authentication and authorization systems, including state and

regional login services 7. Integration with existing payment and financial systems including mobile payment gateways 8. Integration with existing mobile delivery systems such as SMS gateways


To construct a new register, Foster Moore implementation consultants configure Catalyst via a series of administration screens. These screens provide the following administrative features:

1. Configuration of the entity controlled by the register, including the data capture and validation rules associated with entity.

2. Configuration of data entry screens for the maintenance of the managed entity. 3. Configuration of multiple search screens for retrieval of entity records based on multiple

criteria including name and ownership. 4. Configuration of viewing screens for the retrieval and viewing of the managed entity. 5. Configuration of users, user security groups and a role-based security model to control

access to the data associated with the entity. 6. Configuration of workflow rules to manage the processing, filing and reporting processes

associated with the managed entity. 7. Definition of self-service functionality available to members of the public responsible for

managing the entities. Screens are data driven and can be configured in wizard mode (typically for data creation) and maintenance mode.

8. Definition of back-office functionality for use by internal users from the registrar’s office including standard and special override functionality. Includes the ability to place users in teams and the assignment of particular tasks to one or more teams for follow-up. Configuration of timer-based activities and full escalation of

9. Management of document templates for external communications regarding the managed entities.

10. Control of versioning of core information for entities, such as entity addresses, names, ownership, roles and filings that are subject to strict change control under law. This allows users to retrieve and view historic snapshots of this core data at any point in time.

11. Configuration of change tracking for non-core information related to entities, allowing users to view historical changes made to entities over time.

12. Scheduling of batch and back office functions including batch updates, issue identification and report generation.

Catalyst is a standalone platform that enables registers to be deployed as complete solution, leveraging built-in components for services such as authentication, authorization and searching as well as database management system.

Alternatively Catalyst can be integrated into a client’s existing IT environment through a series of integration points for services such as user identification, authentication and authorization. Catalyst can also leverage existing database infrastructure, including different relational database management systems and hardware such as SANs, and can be deployed into customer’s existing web delivery environment. Catalyst is delivered with a built-in search engine for entity searching (including company names, director etc), however it can be configured to integrate with a client’s existing search engine technology if required.


CATALYST USER ACCESS

Catalyst provides entry points for both internal (private) users and external (public) users. The system provides different functionality to users based on whether they are an internal or external user, their relationship with an entity and the business or administrative role they play. In addition, internal users can be assigned different access privileges based on their membership to user security groups and to teams within the registry office.

External Users

External users are typically members of the public who interact with the online filing system for the purposes of maintaining entities and interests they have as an individual. External users may also be agents, such as accountants and lawyers, who have been assigned permissions by their clients to manage their entities on their behalf. Catalyst provides a range of management tools to simplify and improve the efficiency of these agents managing entities for large volumes of customers.

The user interface for external users is based on the premise that public users will visit the online register relatively infrequently, and will be provided with no formal training in its use. For these reasons the screens they use must be intuitive, with ease of use and high levels of intuitiveness a higher priority than speed and support for repetition.

The following screenshot illustrates an external (public) user’s homepage, or dashboard, with links to their companies and to unfinished business requiring their attention.

Figure 2. Catalyst – External User Homepage

The functionality available to external users is much more restricted than that available to internal users. Public users can maintain their own account information, including contact information, payment information (credit card numbers etc) and associated entities (e.g. companies and patents).


They will also typically perform compliance activities such as annual filings, director appointments and changes in shareholdings.

Internal Users

Internal users are staff of the register that are responsible for operating the online filing systems and registers implemented with Catalyst. Depending on the privileges each individual has, these users have access to almost all functions within the system. Principally these users are responsible for performing activities identified in the system’s work queue.

Unlike external users, internal (private) users receive formal training in the use of the system, and they also need to be able to perform repetitive functions many times each day with high efficiency. For these reasons their user interface is designed to ensure maximum usability and efficiency in performing these repetitive and often complex tasks.

The following screenshot illustrates an internal user’s task list, from which they select tasks to complete:

Figure 3. Catalyst – Internal User Task List


Entity Registration / Incorporation

Catalyst provides a wizard-type application process that enables clients to enter their application details online for multiple filing and document types. Internal staff will be able to enter applications on behalf of clients who have sent paper documents to the registrar via mail or fax. Members of the public that have walked into the Office may use the same application function via a web kiosk should this functionality be required.

Catalyst is configured to perform the required workflow, data capture, validation and other business rules in order to allow online registration, incorporation and maintenance of domestic and non-domestic business entities.

The following screenshot illustrates the company incorporation screen, part of an overall process in which the user is guided by a Wizard through the various pages required to complete the transaction:

Figure 4. Catalyst – Company Incorporation Screen

Applicants may pay for an application online using a range of payment methods including via credit card or prior direct debit arrangements (potentially including pre-paid accounts linked to cell phone accounts) and through the use of scratch-off vouchers. Receipt of checks or cash for manually submitted applications may also be handled by Catalyst.

Paper documents can be bar-coded, scanned and uploaded into the system by internal register staff. Staff will then process the document by reference to the document image, not the paper. Catalyst utilizes a range of existing front-end scanning systems that allow paper documents to enter the same workflow queues as those filings that have been submitted electronically.

On submission of the application, a defined workflow will trigger tasks to notify internal staff of the application, prompting them to review the application and to approve or reject it.


On rejection, notification emails may be sent to the applicant detailing reasons for rejection. The applicant may view the status of the submitted applications online. On rejection of an application, the applicant may edit the application data, e.g. supply additional information or supporting documents, and re-submit the application.

On application approval, the applicant can be notified by email of the successful registration. A certificate of acknowledgement may also be sent as an attachment in the same email and the entity will be registered and available for public and internal searches. Although email is encouraged as the preferred delivery mode, delivery of outbound correspondence may be done manually (via printing of hard copies) where no email is available.

Entity Maintenance

Online maintenance functions are available to the entity owner or internal staff. The same workflow, as used in the application process, may be triggered, where approval or rejection of the amendments by internal staff is required.


CATALYST COMPONENTS

Workflow

Catalyst allows for the definition of workflows to control the flow of tasks and data within the system. Workflows can combine tasks undertaken by register staff and external (public) users. This allows for the construction of workflow processes that involve actions on both internal and external users, and provides a seamless flow of information between them. This allows Catalyst to deliver fully managed end-to-end business processes.

For example, a request for a company registration by an external user can initiate a follow-up task with an internal user, based on which the action can be diverted back to the external user to obtain additional information or to notify them of a filing issue.

Catalyst maintains the status of filings through the lifecycle defined within the system’s workflow management system. When each entity is created and configured, the lifecycle of the entity is defined within the workflow system, including the definition of the various entity states, regular “renewal” procedures and triggers for status transitions.

Catalyst’s workflow system manages the governance and compliance activities for entities within the register, assigning back-office tasks (such as reviews, approvals and authorizations) to register staff and identifying and managing overdue tasks.

Correspondence

Catalyst includes a correspondence module that handles the configuration of correspondence templates, the automatic or manual generation of outgoing correspondence and the recording of incoming correspondence.

Correspondence templates are created and maintained within Catalyst, integrating with Microsoft Word for editing purposes. Variables can be referenced within the templates and are sourced from database attributes or system values.

Correspondence may be sent automatically to a number of recipients from various points in the system as required, e.g. registration acceptance or rejection notices, certifications or renewal notices. Correspondence may be emailed, printed and posted, or faxed.

Internal users have the ability to create correspondence on demand and send these to multiple recipients. Starting with a correspondence template, they may further edit the correspondence body prior to its delivery by email, printing or fax.

Attachments may also be added to the correspondence (e.g. PDF containing the latest entity details or PDF containing search results)

A delivery log records all outgoing correspondence sent, and correspondence may be manually resent.


Document Management and Scanning

Catalyst includes a module that handles storage of scanned documents in the document repository. Each paper document received at the office can be bar-coded as part of the document lodgment process. Internal staff members scan the paper or microfiche document and upload it against the appropriate entity.

An external component is used to manage the actual scanning and digitizing of paper and microfiche documents before they are stored within Catalyst’s document repository. Catalyst’s document management system integrates with an external OCR component that is configured to enable full page OCR/ICR/data recognition for forms, documents, etc. This approach allows for the definition of rules that extract metadata from the scanned documents, as well as redacting of documents based on configurable rules.

Catalyst can be configured to generate PDF format snapshots of entity details on registration and maintenance of the entity. The snapshots are available publicly via the search functions, where applicable and stored as read-only documents within the document management system. This allows the system to retain entity information and related documents at a particular point in time, and provides authorized users of the system with access to this historic information at any time.

Online functions are available to search and view all documents within the document management system, including the scanned documents.

Payment Processing & Fee Management

Catalyst allows the registrar to maintain a fee schedule for the various services provided on the online register, and provides a central point of processing for the collection and processing of those fees. Catalyst provides the facility to calculate and allocate fees collected to appropriate funds based on the fee schedule and pre-defined business rules, including flat fees, two levels of sliding-scale fees, and two levels of late fees. Catalyst is also configured to manage the generation of invoices and the processing of receipts.

Catalyst provides for collection and processing of fees in the following methods:

• Credit card payments • Paper check • Cash • Nothing due, for filings or actions that do not require a fee • An ‘Other’ payment method to process payments such as foreign checks or money orders

Catalyst requires configuration to provide for collection and processing of fees using other payment methods such as pre-paid cards and cell phone accounts. Such enhancements typically require configuration of an appropriate interface to comply with the external system’s published interface.

Catalyst provides the facility to integrate with external accounting systems for the exchange of accounts receivable and credit note (refund) data over an agreed and pre-configured interface. Catalyst provides a generic interface to support the exchange of financial information including accounts receivables, refund issuance etc. Typically these are then managed within the external financial system.


Management and Operational Reporting

Catalyst delivers operational and management reports covering activities with the registers. This includes the ability for users to review caseloads and financial information related to the operation of the registers. Reports are available online as interactive web pages and as printed reports. The online interactive reports allow a user to search, filter and drill down on the data to suit the their purpose.

Real-time reporting screens allow for the creation, review and manipulation of standard and ad-hoc reports by authorized users. Catalyst provides a standard query and reporting interface that can be used by most users with little or no training. Catalyst allows a user to view, print and save the reports they create. Reports can be saved in text, PDF, Word and Excel (CSV) formats, and saved reports can also be archived and retrieved within the embedded document management system.

Catalyst can be configured to make a register’s data available to external systems for the purposes of report creation. This data is accessed from the database, with access controlled at the database level (either database level access, or via some published web service). This approach allows report writers to continue to use familiar tools to create and maintain reports whilst accessing data from the Catalyst registers.


CATALYST AUDIT LOGGING

Catalyst maintains audit logs of all activities that take place within the system, greatly enhancing the general security of the registry. Catalyst creates audit trails covering business activities as well as system and security events. The audit log is based on data changes within the system, as well as invocations of the business services.

Catalyst retains an audit log entry for a l l data manipulations that occur within the system, enabling detailed and thorough analysis of all data changes and association of these changes back to the individual responsible.

The Catalyst audit logs capture all of the activities that are undertaken within the systems. This includes areas such as data updates, task/job/process completion, system generated activity (such as correspondence generation) and user activity (both internal and external).

In doing so the system captures four essential properties, namely:

• What was done; • When was it done; • What it was done to; • Who did it; • Where possible the system also captures why it was done. This will usually be provided when

an activity is being performed manually.

The audit log is available to authorized users for searching and viewing; typically supervisors and system administrators are provided with access to the audit log. This allows them to quickly locate events within the audit log based on key criteria. For example, they can locate records related to a specific user, against a specific entity or from a specific workstation.

It is possible to classify the data captured according to its sensitivity, and make it available to clients based on their level of authorization.

The data capture ensures that, as a minimum, the following attributes are stored:

• The entity that the activity was based on (if applicable); • The entity component that the activity was based on – for example, an entity address; • The user that triggered the event (in the event that the activity is a manual process); • The activity that was carried out – such activities must be defined according to a controlled

structure, so that it is explicitly understood what the activity represents; • The date and time that the activity commenced; • The date and time that the activity concluded; • The success or otherwise of the activity, if such a concept is applicable; • Any specific business data that was directly associated with the activity – for example, a

specific document that was uploaded, or a specific record that was changed.

The audit log is read-only and is stored in a secured database, separate from the entity data maintained by the system. Each captured activity is stored in a standard format, so that this meta-data can be queried, filtered, refined and analyzed in a consistent manner.


As an extension to the audit logging, the system records evidential activity that can demonstrate any acknowledgement by a user to prompts or warnings about their proposed activity. This capability assumes greater importance as more and more functionality is assigned to the clients of Catalyst. Examples of such activity recording are when a user is presented a screen informing them that the action they are about to take is subject to law, and identifying the ramifications if they continue with the process in an illegal or inappropriate way.

When such an activity is recorded, it is important to capture the following:

• The nature of the advice/warning; • Any relevant legislation that the user was advised of; • The date and time that the user acknowledged the advice/warning; • The user associated with the activity


SYSTEM INTEGRATION

Catalyst is a standalone platform that allows registers to be deployed as complete solutions, leveraging built-in components for services such as authentication, authorization and searching as well as database management system.

Alternatively Catalyst can be integrated into a client’s existing IT environment through a series of integration points for services such as user identification, authentication and authorization. Catalyst can also leverage existing database infrastructure, including different relational database management systems and hardware such as SANs, and can be deployed into the customer’s existing web delivery environments. Catalyst is delivered with a built-in search engine for entity searching (including company names, director etc), however it can be configured to integrate with a client’s existing search engine technology if required.

Catalyst can be integrated with external systems for the purposes of coordinating governmental activities, such as applications for tax numbers and other registration actions associated with registration and maintenance of entities within the register.

Catalyst also supports state and national level services such as those providing user authentication and login services. This integration is in place within the New Zealand environment, leveraging the New Zealand Government’s iGovt login service.

Integration within Catalyst can happen through electronic messaging, whereby Catalyst captures the required information and, invisibly to the user, sends a request to the external system and awaits a response before informing the user accordingly (for example, requesting and receiving a tax number for a new company during the incorporation process). Such an implementation requires that the external system provide an electronic interface, such as EDI messaging or web services.

Another integration option is to manage integration at the portal level, embedding portlets (or windowlets) from external systems into the Catalyst-based solution by way of the Plone Content Management System. With this approach the user sees a part of a web page delivered directly from the external system and embedded in their browser, alongside content from the Catalyst register. This can be easier to implement, however it typically provides poorer integration and can impact usability and user experience since the external web sites will differ markedly in design and usage to the Catalyst site.


CATALYST FLEXIBILITY

Catalyst is designed to deliver a wide range of registry systems for a large number of entity types.

Foster Moore has recently completed projects delivering the following registers using Catalyst:

• New Zealand Companies Office – Second Generation register covering Limited Liability Companies, Unlimited Liability Companies, Australian Companies, Overseas Companies and Co-operative Companies

• New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register

We are currently engaged in projects on deliver the following national electronic registries using Catalyst:

• Vanuatu Companies Office • Solomon Islands Companies Office • Papua New Guinea Companies Office

Finally, Foster Moore has agreement with NZMED to use the Catalyst platform to deliver the following 17 fully electronic business registers in the medium term:

• Building Societies • Charitable Trusts • Contributory Mortgage brokers • Co-operative organizations • Farmers Mutual Group • Friendly Societies and credit unions • Incorporated Societies • Insurance Company ratings • Industrial and provident societies • Limited partnerships • New Zealand Law society • New Zealand society of Conveyancers • Overseas issuers • Participatory securities • Retirement Villages • Superannuation schemes • Unit Trusts


PLONE CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Catalyst includes a fully functional Content Management System (CMS) as part of the deployment. Using a CMS provides registrars with a distributed, managed, secure, reliable and flexible way to maintain the content of their web sites without the need to edit HTML or other code.

When initially deployed, the CMS is configured with a design template that controls the look and feel of the site, as well as the structure of each page and the site navigation. Authorized users are then able to add and maintain content via a simple text editing system while the CMS takes care of the formatting of the page and the overall site. A CMS also provides control over changes to a site’s content by way of a pre-configured workflow that determines the authorization each user has, and can direct a particular user to authorize changes before they are visible on the public web site.

Users are therefore able to securely and reliably manage content, which may be in the form of news articles, ministerial announcements, secured party obligations, consumer guidelines and other useful information. The content managed may include electronic documents, images, audio files and web content.

Plone is an open source CMS that is used to create, edit, manage and publish content on the register’s web site. An open source solution such as this provides a high quality and proven product without the need to pay any license fees.

Plone is available in 22 languages and is supported by a large and active open source community. It is built on top of the Zope application server, which provides a powerful open source architecture for rich content and rich content services. Plone offers customization options in all its features and provides many free add-on products on its website.

These are some of the available features:

• Working Copy support • Link and reference integrity checking • Automatic locking and unlocking • Collaboration and sharing • Versioning, history and reverting content • Workflow capabilities • Full-text indexing of Word and PDF documents • Collections • Presentation mode for content • Rules engine for content • LiveSearch • Multilingual content management • Time-based publishing • Navigation and updated site maps • Adjustable templates on content • Standard content types • Automatic image scaling and thumbnail generation

Technology

Foster Moore Catalyst Overview