- wiki wiki
- Pronounciation: |wi-kee wi-kee
- quick
- ast
- Function: adjective
- Etymology: Hawaiian
- Definition: A wiki is software that allows users to create, edit, and link web pages easily. Wikis are often used to create collaborative websites and to power community websites. They are being installed by businesses to provide affordable and effective Intranets and for Knowledge Management.
PmWikiŽ, the web editing software developed by Dr. Patrick Michaud of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, allows for virtually complete editing control of web sites by anyone with access to a browser with absolutely no knowledge of HTML or FTP required.
With this unique software, web authors can end one of the major obstacles of web development-that is, to have dynamic and updated content on a continuous basis. Sites can allow for autonomous development by individual departments yet also allow for collaborative efforts. Yet despite the multiple authorship, a consistent look and feel is maintained throughout the entire site. There is no need to siphon updates off to a single web master. Web pages will no longer have a hodge-podge of different graphics, font styles and layouts. Web authorship is placed into the hands of the people who are knowledgeable about the content updates with virtually no administrative maintenance needed once installed and configured. Best of all, it ends the dilemma of static and unchanged content by making it simple for everyone to make contributions. 
The software can be configured to the specifications of the organization. Whether it is as simple in scope as the default PmWikiŽ, pages or as exacting as the requirements of Concrete Street Amphitheater, PmWikiŽ is the a superb web development tool for organizations frustrated by the difficulties in keeping content current.
If your organization is interested in learning more about the software, please contact us about the possibilities for your organization.
Links for Further Research:
- Listen to NPR's radio archives on Wikis.
- Patrick talks about his design goals and target audience in Developer's Comments.
- For site administrators with a solid understanding of PHP who are interested in learning the administrative details of the software including installation, configuration, FAQ, and user-group discussions, please see the complete PmWikiŽ site.
