The Dilanchian Website version 2.0, went live in August 2006. It povides a very up-to-date level of functionality for our clients, collaborators and readership. As an exceptional multi-functional publishing and communications facility it greatly improves our service delivery capability and makes us enthusiasts for the modernity brought by the wonders of Web 2.0.

Among its noteworthy features, the site:

• incorporates lightbulb, a blog with an RSS facility, within a website; thus making more easily understood links for users between blog posts and permanent features and content, especially in the Library section;
• adds functionality for readers in the Library very rarely matched, including:
• a Library-specific search engine,
• a blisteringly fast content View button if you just want to scan read a PDF,
• a search function for selection of items by date or hits,
• metadata on each article if you hover a mouse over the 'Info' symbol,
• video streaming, currently seminar extracts and a tutorial,
• audio streaming, currently featuring First Contact, telephone conversations illustrating typical client enquiries and our solutions;
• smooths uploading of graphics to illustrate and inform what you read;
• provides access to practical tools and templates for Registered Users , who may be clients, collaborators or even visitors seeking samples of our work;
• contains a finessed Equiry Form helping expedite solutions for new matters;
• automates content management in numerous ways, eg content can be scheduled for automated release or withdrawal on a specified date; and
  
• automatically prioritises content so that you see new content first, content appears in various shortlists, and content appears with a list on the side of Related Content.

All these features are new to our site, they were not in version 1 of the site created in 2001. Additional functionality will be brought online as needed. But as ever our focus is on content quality, depth and practicality.

We are perhaps the first law firm anywhere to publish in combination - a website integrating a blog (lightbulb), and both supported by a library of content in many formats (HTML, PDF and PowerPoint) and media (ie text, photos, audio and video).

In Australia we believe we've long held the small law firm record for the level of quality content, especially in our Library section. This has since 2001 distinguished us from "me too" brochureware websites.

Perhaps the most significant changes are features readers will not see. For example, the site's content management and content scheduling and updating system. Authors can update the site anytime, anywhere, instantly and obtain traffic statistics. They only need a browser, such as Explorer, Firefox or Opera. There is no need to use any separate text editor, ftp program or site traffic program.

The site and the lightbulb blog are a team effort and a team platform. What you read, hear, watch and interact with on this site come to you from a "production engine" involving every member of the firm. We are a beehive, not a rust era production line. All lawyers write material and all make adjustments consistent with their training and good sense. In this and many other important ways this site's operation reflects the "wisdom of the crowd" logic driving Web 2.0. We collaborative brainstorming both creative and practical ideas for the site's:

• information architecture,
• graphic design,
• content - documents, blog posts, audio streaming and video streaming, 
• functionality,
• menu navigation,
• content management, and
  
• search engine robots' behaviour modifications

The primary credit for the site's design and functionality goes to Daniel Dwyer. In developing the site he drew greatly on his in-depth knowledge of open source software and the Joomla content management system. After much experimentation Daniel selected a hosting server and a template site design which combine simplicity with exceptional navigation speed. This is exceptional given the quantity of PDF documents and other media rich content. As needs were identified Daniel would go to work, typically finding an open source solution and then customising. Daniel took the many good bits of what the site has always had, and added several rockets under them. In the process he:

• maintained speed - the site has always loaded fast;
• added adaptability - the site can be updated by any authorised user, anywhere, anytime as long as they have access to the Web;
• increased functionality to an extraordinary level;
• reduced cost - no ftp, HTML editing or other "unique" software is needed;
• introduced flexibility - various visual and content elements on the site can make instant and dramatic changes;
• maintained simplicity - menu navigation is highly valued by our users.

In addition to being a lawyer, Daniel has a Bachelor in Information Technology. If you have questions contact Daniel.

A double degree also is evident in the work of Mike Clarke. He has been, at various times for this site - the DOP (director of photography), sound file editor, musician (he's a guitarist), film editor, instructional designer, author, graphic designer, usability tester, and not least of all - an all round critic.  If you want to be better at these skills contact Mike, and it will help if like him you have a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) focusing on television and radio journalism.

For his role in inspiring the lightbulb blog and coaching us to find our voice and understand how to make the blog more useful for readers, credit is due to blogging expert and long-term collaborator, Des Walsh of www.thinkinghomebusiness.com. With well over 10 years of intensive knowledge of the evolution of the Web, its uses and its technologies, Des helps businesses use the Web and blogging more effectively in their marketing and communication functions.

Credit is also due to Michael Ney of www.sensoryimage.net who was the architect of version 2.1 of the Dilanchian Website, first launch in August 2001. His careful attention to project and content management considerations helped simplify the information architecture of the original site, the footprint of which remains on the new site. Also prominent here was Owen James of www.dreamwarecorp.com who was the original architect of the firm's IT system and procedures.

Finally, we thank all others who over the years have joined our Web-related journey of discovery and service.