Why is CHRID a "Web-based" Application?

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:40:00 -0500

One of the things that is neat about CHRID is that it is a web-based application. That does not mean it has to be out in "public view". It can just as easily live on a private network. In fact, you might ask, "Why is it neat"? What's the point of a web based application and how is it superior to a desktop or traditional client/server application? I'm glad you asked!

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Welcome Back to Chridnet

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:32:00 -0500

Chridnet is a site devoted to the Cultural Historical Resource Inventory Database system (CHRID). If you have been here before you might have noticed that we have undergone a makeover. CF Webtools - a private consulting company who created the system for of the cities of Ontario and Sacramento using matching funds from the state - hosts Chridnet.com free of charge for the benefit of other cities and/or preservationists who are interested in using the it. If you haven't looked at CHRID in a while you will be pleased to hear that things have changed and progress is accelerating. Here's what?s new:

GIS Support - in conjunction with Ontario and GIS Planning CHRID can now be integrated into a Arc IMS system. NOTE: The integration details require that you work with GIS Planning to ensure you have a properly configured server.
Many Enhancements - City planners are constantly badgering CF Webtools to enhance forms, image handling, district information, formatting, print functions and the like. The resulting application is more compliant and useful than previous applications and it is designed to "fit" the way city planners do business.
Custom Import Excel Files - It is now possible to import data into the CHRID using an excel file. The import tool was created for the City of Pasadena and is modeled on their process, but the script can be customized to fit your needs.
Oracle Support - In conjunction with the City of San Francisco the CHRID application can now use Oracle as a back end database.
SQL Server 2005 and 2005 Express Support - CHRID runs on the latest versions of MS SQL including the "express" version that allows for up to 4Gigs of Database.
New Platform Support, Coldfusion 8 - This is the most popular and fastest version of Coldfusion ever. You won't believe how well your site performs using Coldfusion 8.
SAN or NAS Support - You can separate your images and file data from the web site and database and access them over a SAN or NAS.
Reduced Pricing and Entry Level Hosted Solution - By popular demand, CF Webtools Hosted Solutions has reduced the price of the top 2 tiers of hosting. For small cities that need CHRID's form generation capabilities the price amounts to a mere 42.00 per month (plus setup fee) for a 2 user installation.
New CHRID Cities - The cities of Pasadena, San Francisco, and Colusa are recent CHRID converts.
Increased Interest - This year we have seen an exponential interest in CHRID. The ongoing survey project team from Las Angeles has included CHRID as a component in their proposed solution. The Office of Historic Preservation has recently asked for details on implementing their own CHRID installation. CHRIDnet has seen an increasing number of registrations and the total number of cities using CHRID has more than doubled in 2007.
CHRID Awards - In 2007 CHRID won the Panning Landmark Award from the American Planning Association. CHRID also won the California Chapter of the APA "Best Practice Award".

As you can see CHRID is on the way to becoming an essential tool for planners and preservationist.

Starting in 2008 CF Webtools has renewed its commitment to promoting CHRID. We are taking the initiative to offer more helpful solutions to California cities. We are actively revamping and upgrading CHRIDnet, the help files and the API to make CHRID more flexible and useful. Finally, we are creating tutorials and blog posts that add to the training resources available to planners and preservationists who wish to use the CHRID.

It is our hope that you will see the value of this endeavor and choose to support the CHRID. You can support CHRID by initiating projects that add to its capabilities. In 2007 the cities of Pasadena, San Francisco and Ontario all initiated projects that lead to such enhancements as GIS integration, Excel file upload and import and Oracle platform integration. You can also support CHRID by becoming a CHRID user. This might mean having your own installation (like Ontario or San Francisco) or it might mean a hosted solution like Pasadena and Calusa. Either way, the more CHRID users there are the more resources become available for enhancements and wish list items. You can support CHRID by adding your voice to the growing chorus of planners and preservationist who want a more unified solution throughout the state. Finally, you can support CHRID by offering your suggestions and ideas on the next phase of project development. Email our suggestions to Jason Herbolsheimer or Mark Kruger. We will be more than happy to respond.

Meanwhile, feel free to subscribe to the CHRID Blog by adding your email to the subscription form at the right. You will receive notices of blog posts and be able to "check in" with us from time to time to see how we are progressing.

CHRID Developer's Blog

Why is CHRID a "Web-based" Application?

Welcome Back to Chridnet