squiz_logo_new_2009.jpg  The open source Aussies are coming, this time with MySource Matrix as a fully supported SaaS CMS which includes all the features of its full web content management system parent.

Full-Featured SaaS

While it is often the case that SaaS solutions come with some, or even a lot of features, of the vendor’s enterprise cms, it is rarely the case that it comes will all of them.

Squiz (news, site), however, assures us that with MySource Matrix everything that you would get with an on-site installation will also be available as a SaaS and will also come with a ‘per instance’ pricing scheme. This means that multiple sites can be delivered via a single Matrix environment, without license restrictions.

The SaaS version will also be open source so users will have full flexibility to build quickly, test, implement and re-configure their systems when needed. It is also entirely scalable, Squiz says.

“SaaS is a proven model - it makes so much sense to pay as you go, particularly for smaller organisations or pilot and micro site projects. What’s new here is that it’s an open source environment, and we support all of it, from top to bottom,” said Steve Morgan, MD Squiz UK.

The service will be hosted in Squiz’s UK data center, which is housed in an ultra-secure bunker that will have round-the-clock technical support that any client can access from anywhere in the world.

MySource Matrix 3.24.2

The Web CMS itself is under constant development with the latest upgrade at the beginning of last month (v3.24.2), coming with 37 bug fixes and a number of improvements to an already extensive list of features.

MySource Matrix features include:

  • GUI cross-browser that doesn’t require programming skills
  • Rich content editing for novices
  • Versioning and complete content audits
  • User/administrator defined workflows
  • Content locking
  • Flexible metadata schema
  • Extensible architecture making it entirely scalable
  • Plug-in modules for features like discussion forums, or search engines

Improvements this year also included ability to edit and delete assets from source CSV files, limit calendar periods for users when browsing to help keep outdated events out of sight, or prevent users trying to view too far into the future.

Squiz says that with this SaaS version they are offering users an environment for enterprise pilot projects, or a whole pile of event specific microsites.

With each package companies will get a full system SLA as well as guaranteed up time and remote back-up. How much you end up paying will depend on what services you choose to include,  but Squiz promises that it will be cheap. What can you say to a company that calls itself cheap!?