DCS Congressional*

DCS doesn't build its own software but instead uses a combination of third-party products, including customizations of the open-source content-management system, Joomla!, a web-based system that helps clients post content quickly and easily with no knowledge of HTML. Clients do not pay for this software, but rather pay for DCS' consulting and design services. For congressional clients, DCS uses a hosted ASP, which is also web-based. DCS utilizes third-party systems for other services, including Urchin for web site tracking and analytics and Blue Hornet for email marketing. The goal is to "operate as a hub," says Vice President Ian Walton. A campaign web site should be "used as a focal point for communication outwards."
DCS' customizations of Joomla! include many of the tools necessary for any Internet campaign, including online content editing and publishing, interactive polls, site search, RSS feeds, and more. Their email append service enables clients to match existing donor databases and voter files to thousands of emails addresses, and to send those matches campaign emails. The client will then own that data, giving them access to invaluable activist information.
Thinking of web sites as campaign hubs, DCS works with each client to determine their needs and designs a custom web platform to suit the client. Using an open-source CMS rather than proprietary software gives them more flexibility to create custom platforms, and they see email as the glue that holds every web operation together.