Managing Web Sites

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Once a Web server is installed and successfully delivering content to users, there are a great number of maintenance tasks that should take place. Servers must be continually monitored for availability, performance, and security. Site content must also be checked for accuracy and freshness as content probably will be continually added and deleted. Functional elements of sites beyond simple links also might have to be maintained as bugs might be discovered or new features required by users. Even the introduction of a new browser might require some modification of site code to handle new features or account for rendering or use problems. Finally, as visitors use the site their usage patterns should be analyzed to determine which sections are being used as well as which are not. Usage analysis can lead to further modification of the site.

Given the multitude of tasks involved in Web site maintenance, the line between system, network, and content management blurs fairly often, which can be a problem. Providing 24/7 monitoring of systems, upgrades, usage analysis, testing, and content management of any significantly sized corporate site probably is beyond the means of a single individual- whether they have the title "Webmaster" or not. Readers are encouraged to focus on acquiring enough skills in individual areas as required. Knowledge of server maintenance and management should not be considered a requirement for authoring content for a Web site. However, XHTML document authors probably will be directly involved with link and content management so a more in-depth discussion will be presented here.

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