August 2006

New defence Web site launched

This article was kindly written by Amanda Gowland, Internet Manager at the Ministry of Defence.

The new Ministry of Defence Web site was launched in February 2006 and has received an excellent response from Defence staff and the general public.

Redesigned to be clear and uncluttered, the new site is structured around six key user groups. ' Jobseekers', 'Businesses', the 'Service Community', 'Researchers', 'Veterans' and 'Young People' each have their own hub with a wealth of content and links dedicated to answering questions as diverse as "What is vetting?", "How do I sell to Defence?" and "How do I join the Defence Sixth Form College?"

The new site acts as a portal for all Defence-related topics and brings together the previously separate sites for News, Operations and Freedom Of Information. There is a strong emphasis on news, openness and information sharing, with new technologies such as RSS feeds allowing users to have news and information delivered directly to them.

A wealth of information about the Ministry of Defence, its organisations and people can also be found on the site. The 'About Defence' section includes biographies, key facts and publications and information on issues such as low flying and equality and diversity. There are also 'micro sites' covering larger areas of the organisation such as the Defence Logistics Organisation and the Defence Procurement Agency. The RAF, Navy and Army Web sites have also been given prominent links from the home page to raise their profile.

The site uses Microsoft Content Management System (MCMS), separating the design from the content, so all content on the site now originates directly from experts on the particular topics. Furthermore, Google Search has been deployed to maximise the potential for users to find what they are looking for.

The site has gone from strength to strength since its launch with Defence Estate's Access and Recreation pages making the national press in March.

New content is being added to the site daily and a number of organisations within the Ministry of Defence have expressed an interest in transferring their information to the new site. The Internet team will continue to work hard to make key information available to all. If you have any questions on the site, think something is missing or would like to publish your information to it, please contact the MoD Internet Team.

© Cranfield University