AIDSPortal - About Nexus

What is Nexus?

Nexus is an open source platform for creating websites developed by AIDSPortal and Kwantu IT. It is designed to meet the networking and knowledge sharing needs of networks, community-based organisations and other civil society organisations. There are an increasing number of web portals in the HIV sector. Each focused on different audiences, but not able to share content with each other. This is leading to silos of information. Nexus is a tool for creating websites that is designed to meet the networking and knowledge sharing needs of networks. It offers:

• A connected approach – networks can share content and features across sites, cutting down on costs and avoiding silos
• A personalised approach – bespoke identity, domain name and
functionality to create a site tailored to your needs and requirements
• A network approach – receive on-going hosting and technical support and benefit from a network of peers

Nexus is based on XML information standards, making it easy to aggregate information from different sources and re-package it appropriately for CBOs needs. It also includes multiple channels (email, RSS and SMS) to help reach CBOs without web access.

What Nexus offers

Nexus currently offers the following functionality. Additional features are constantly under development and will be made available.

Social Networking

Bespoke profiles for users, organisations and groups
Searchable and browse-able user directories
Walls and activity feeds
Network with colleagues and follow their activity feeds
Privacy settings to manage what you share with who

Knowledge Sharing

Users can add documents, events, jobs and other types of information
Information added by users can be moderated first to ensure quality
Tagging to cross-reference knowledge
Automatically update libraries as new content is added
Users can get alerts on new content by SMS, email or RSS

Content Management

Powerful content management system
Multi-lingual interface
Blogs, discussion boards and eForums
Customisation
Model any process that involves a group of people filling out
Advanced analytics and reporting tools to monitor usage

More features will be added this year so check back regularly for a Nexus progress update!

How Nexus works

AIDSPortal and Kwantu IT will guide you through this process. We focus on documenting what you want at each stage. This results in clear documents that describe how the site will look and work in plain language. One person will work with you throughout the process, ensuring you have a consistent point of contact. We will provide training to your staff to help them learn how to manage the site.We provide on-going hosting and support to make sure you can focus on the site and not be distracted by the technology. We can also link you into a growing network of similar organisations. This provides the opportunity to share content, share the cost of developing new features and learn from your peers.

Who is Nexus?

Kwantu IT and AIDSPortal have formed a joint venture to develop Nexus and implement Nexus sites. AIDSPortal is a joint initiative of the UK Consortium on AIDS & International Development and the International HIV/AIDS Alliance. Kwantu Information Technology is a recently established software company based in Cape Town. It’s aim is to help organisations in the development sector to improve the way they manage resources.