
Reddot CMS Version 11 is here, and it's packed with exciting features and enhancements. Reddot CMS Version 11 introduces a new, intuitive user interface that makes it easier for users to navigate and manage their content.
One of the standout features of Reddot CMS Version 11 is its improved content management capabilities. With new features like drag-and-drop functionality and a revamped media library, users can now manage their content more efficiently than ever before.
Reddot CMS Version 11 also introduces a new, built-in workflow management system that allows users to create custom workflows and assign tasks to team members. This feature is a game-changer for teams that need to collaborate on complex content projects.
By streamlining content management and workflow processes, Reddot CMS Version 11 helps teams save time and increase productivity.
What's New in Reddot CMS
Reddot CMS is evolving with the release of version 11, also known as "Swan". This new version will be an evolution jump, not a revolutionary change, which is a good thing - it means less marketing talk and more focus on core strength for the product.
The new version will come with .NET 4 integration, but it won't be a full transition yet, allowing for an easy upgrade path for customers running OpenText WSM 10.1 SP2 or later. This is a thoughtful approach that will make it easier for customers to upgrade.
Reddot CMS will also gain 64bit support, which will bring more speed to the CMS side of things. This is a significant improvement that will benefit users who rely on the CMS for their daily work.
Here are some of the key features of Reddot CMS version 11:
- .NET 4 integration
- 64bit support
- More OpenText integration points to more OpenText products
What's New in Version 11
Reddot CMS version 11, also known as "Swan", is an evolution of the product rather than a revolutionary new release. This means you can expect improvements and refinements to existing features, rather than a complete overhaul.
One of the new features in version 11 is .NET 4 integration, although it's not a full transition yet. This is likely to allow for an easy upgrade path for customers running older versions of the software.
The new version will also provide 64bit support, which should result in increased speed on the CMS side of things. I've noticed that this can make a big difference in the performance of the system.
Reddot CMS version 11 will also include more integration points with other OpenText products. This could be useful if you're already using other OpenText solutions, such as the semantic search or multi mobile device platform.
Some Background
RedDot CMS has been around for a while, and it's great to see it's still going strong. I've been enhancing RedDot projects using custom scripts for over 8 years now, and I've seen firsthand how developers have a great understanding of Javascript and CSS.
One of the key features of RedDot CMS is the concept of containers. A RedDot container allows you to nest content blocks within each other, creating a hierarchical structure. This is similar to a baked iFrame page, but without the iFrame.
Let's break down the container concept with a simple example:
By using containers, you can create complex page structures that are easy to manage and maintain. And with the right training, you can unlock even more features and functionality in RedDot CMS.
Getting Started with Reddot CMS
Reddot CMS is a powerful and flexible content management system that's perfect for managing complex websites. It's built on a robust architecture that allows for seamless integration with various third-party tools and services.
One of the first things you'll need to do when getting started with Reddot CMS is to install the necessary software. This involves downloading the installation package from the official Reddot CMS website and following the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Reddot CMS offers a range of pre-built templates and themes that can help you get started with your website design. These templates are designed to be highly customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your specific needs and branding.
Discover more: Cms Website Hosting
To access the Reddot CMS dashboard, simply log in to your website using your administrator credentials. From there, you can navigate to the various sections of the dashboard to manage your website's content, users, and settings.
Reddot CMS has a steep learning curve due to its advanced features and customization options. However, the official documentation and community forums are excellent resources for learning more about the system and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.
Features and Benefits
RedDot CMS offers a lot of attention at the conference, especially when compared to last year, which is a sign that there's traction again.
You can expect to learn from various sessions, including RedDot CMS sessions, as well as other topics like Content Server Architecture Workshop and Implementing OpenText Media Management 7.
RedDot CMS developers often have a great understanding of Javascript and CSS, which they use to enhance projects with custom scripts.
OpenText Enhancements with rdQuery: Fewer Clicks

OpenText has been working to improve the user experience, and one way they're doing this is through the integration of rdQuery, a feature that streamlines your workflow.
With rdQuery, you can expect to see fewer clicks required to get the job done, thanks to the improved integration with other OpenText products.
One of the benefits of rdQuery is that it allows for more OpenText integration points, enabling you to add new solutions for recent additions to the OpenText family, such as semantic search and the multi mobile device platform "Wave".
This means you can take advantage of the latest features and technologies without having to navigate multiple systems, saving you time and effort.
Here are some of the OpenText enhancements you can expect to see with rdQuery:
- .NET 4 integration for a smoother transition
- 64bit support for faster performance
- More integration points for OpenText products
These improvements will make it easier to manage your content and workflows, giving you more time to focus on what matters most - creating engaging content for your audience.
Create Content Blocks One Click

You can create content blocks with just one click, thanks to a simple content class that controls the number and type of blocks.
This feature saves time and effort, making it easier to manage your content.
The content class allows you to control the number of blocks, so you can tailor your content to your needs.
With this feature, you can create content blocks quickly and efficiently.
This is especially useful for large or complex projects where content management is crucial.
You can create multiple blocks at once, making it easier to organize your content.
This feature is a game-changer for anyone who needs to manage a lot of content.
Impact on RQL Plugins
For RQL based plugins, the change has different implications depending on how you're using the RQL webservices. If you use COM objects, you'll need to make some adjustments.
If you're using the RQL webservices for communication within your plugins, the change shouldn't affect you. However, if you're using COM objects, you'll need to implement some small changes.
Here's a summary of the changes you'll need to make:
- Replace RDCMSASP.RdPageData with OTWSMS.AspLayer.PageData to create the RQL object.
- The line "objData.XMLServerClassname="RDCMSServer.XmlServer"" is no longer used.
These changes are straightforward and should be easy to implement.
Supporting Classes

RenderModes are used to determine the current state of a page, and are represented by numbers. Here's a list of the RenderModes:
- Preview = 0
- SmartEdit = 1
- Publish = 2
- Debug = 3
The IPage interface provides access to various page properties, including ChangeTime, which is a DateTime object, and ChangeUserId, which is a Guid.
The IPage interface also includes Delete() and Rename() methods, which require a Session object as a parameter.
A Session object contains information such as LoginId, which is an integer, and SessionKey, which is a string.
Screenshot Creation with Simple Template Selector
Screenshot creation with a simple template selector is a game-changer. With just one click, you can create a page, saving up to 7 clicks per page created.
This streamlined process is a huge time-saver, allowing you to focus on more important tasks.
For another approach, see: Cms Web Page Design
Products
The RedDot suite offers a range of products designed to meet different needs. The RedDot Content Management Server (CMS) is at the core of the product line.
RedDot CMS is a robust platform that enables users to manage and deploy content across multiple channels. It's a great starting point for those who want to streamline their content management processes.
The RedDot Extended Content Management Server (XCMS) is built on top of the CMS and offers advanced features for more complex content management needs. It's perfect for organizations with large-scale content deployment requirements.
RedDot LiveServer is the third product in the RedDot suite, designed to provide a high-performance platform for live content delivery. It's ideal for situations where speed and reliability are paramount.
Here are the three main products in the RedDot suite:
- RedDot Content Management Server (CMS)
- RedDot Extended Content Management Server (XCMS)
- RedDot LiveServer
Troubleshooting and Workarounds
If you're experiencing issues with Reddot CMS, don't worry, we've got you covered. One common problem is the "missing asset" error, which can be resolved by checking the asset's file path and ensuring it's correctly linked to the CMS.
Make sure to double-check your file paths and links, as incorrect or outdated links can cause issues. This can be done by verifying the asset's file path in the CMS's asset manager.
Disclaimer: Avoid in Production

I've learned from experience that clearing caches manually in a production environment can be a recipe for disaster. It can have a significant impact on performance.
Doing so can lead to the deletion of folders used by the CMS, causing further issues. This should only be done via the CMS interface to prevent such problems.
The CMS interface is designed to handle cache clearing in a way that minimizes disruptions to your site. It's a much safer and more reliable approach than manual clearing.
In fact, the article recommends against clearing caches manually in a production environment, period.
Two Answers
There are two main approaches to managing templates in RedDot.
Versioning is built into the Template Manager, but it has to be enabled.
One way to manage templates is by using two templates on one server, one called "Development" and the other one "Production".
This approach involves duplicating elements if they are different between the two templates, which is typically done on small installations without staging areas.
Another way to manage templates is by using partial tree export, where development is done on a dev server and changes are exported as a partial tree.
This partial tree is then imported on the target server to override the existing templates.
There are also external tools available that can help with moving templates and content classes to other servers, such as SitePort and the Sync Tool.
These tools can compare and move single element attributes and/or single lines of templates, making it easier to manage templates across different servers.
Here are some of the tools and methods mentioned:
- Two templates: Using two templates on one server, one called "Development" and the other one "Production".
- Partial tree export: Exporting changes as a partial tree and importing them on the target server.
- Tool support: External tools like SitePort and the Sync Tool can help with moving templates and content classes.
Project Management and Organization
Reddot CMS offers a range of project management and organization tools to help you stay on top of your content and website management.
One of the key features is the ability to create custom workflows, allowing you to tailor the approval process to your specific needs.
This flexibility helps ensure that content is reviewed and approved efficiently, reducing the risk of delays or errors.
Reddot CMS also provides a centralized dashboard for managing projects, making it easy to track progress and identify areas that need attention.
By using the drag-and-drop interface, you can quickly move tasks and projects from one stage to another, streamlining your workflow.
This streamlined approach helps you stay focused on the task at hand, reducing the time spent on administrative tasks.
With Reddot CMS, you can assign roles and permissions to team members, ensuring that everyone has the access they need to complete their tasks.
This level of control helps prevent unauthorized changes and ensures that your content is consistently presented across the site.
Reddot CMS also integrates with third-party tools, allowing you to leverage existing workflows and processes.
This integration helps reduce the need for manual data entry and ensures that your project management tools are working in harmony with your CMS.
Technical Details
The RedDot CMS is built on top of Windows Server, specifically using ASP.Net and C# for its core functionality.
The system requires Internet Explorer up to version 11.2.1 for its interface.
In version 7, RedDot added ASPX.NET components to simplify navigation creation, but the Navigation Manager still lacks a detailed permission concept.
The Management Server is now completely based on .NET 4.6.1 and 64-bit since version 16.0, while the Delivery Server is fully switched to Java 1.8.
Project Database Schema
Project Database Schema can be quite complex, but let's break it down.
The Project Database Schema includes various tables that store project data, and the tables that change can vary widely from project to project. This means you have to assume that all the tables will change when you set up a new project.
Some tables can change frequently, especially when certain features are used. For example, the IO_BIN table stores assets when data is saved in the database, and the IO_THB table manages all assets, including thumbnails.
Here's a list of some tables that can change frequently:
On the other hand, some tables are rarely changed. The IO_TPL table stores content classes/templates, and the IO_TLE table stores template elements.
Technology
The RedDot-CMS is built on top of Windows-Server, ASP.Net, C# and the proprietary query language RQL.
The system's interface required the use of Internet Explorer up to version 11.2.1, which is quite specific.
With version 7, the system was expanded to include ASPX.NET components that make navigation easier to create.
However, the Navigation Manager lacks a detailed permission concept.
Since version 16.0, the Management (RedDot) Server is completely on .NET 4.6.1 and 64-Bit, which is a significant upgrade.
The Delivery (Live) Server, on the other hand, was completely switched to Java 1.8.
Both products have had a simple OneClick-Installer for quick and uncomplicated installations of hotfixes or upgrades for a long time.
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