As BIM’s client roster has grown, it's become increasingly crucial that we provide a creative solution for development to occur on the station side. This option (we call it the Developer’s Model; Dev Access for short) provides access to our existing templates and allows for client-side development using these templates to create modules.

Stations using the Dev Access model can also modify CSS style sheets specific to their station group and/or site. BIM supplies a core set of utility templates to ease the production of sites, and tie together all of our core products. These utility templates can be used at the station or group level to create new layout and functionality templates which easily incorporate all needs, be it stories, video, weather data, UGC or other data points. Stations can add styles, HTML, and Javascript code to meet their desired user-oriented design goals.

Ideally, Dev Access clients have a clear vision and an advanced Web strategy already in place. They also need to be able to hire at least one front-end web developer with an appropriate skill set. This person acts as a bridge between the news staff and BIM as Web provider, translating ideas to the site, and taking responsibility for visual design, front-end coding, and user experience.

BIM provides a requisite 2-3 month training timeline that includes collaboration on site builds and integration, as well as training in our BIM-specific programming language. When all of these elements fall into place, it can be highly rewarding to track the progress and results.

Fisher Interactive Network (the subsidiary of Fisher Communications responsible for Web maintenance of their properties) is a great case study for the model. FIN brought on a Senior Software Engineer last spring. His initial foray into BIM’s Dev Access model was no small task: a redesign of the sites for KOMO, KATU, KBOI, KVAL, KBAK and KIDK (in that order). These redesigns didn’t consist of a few tweaks here and there -- he did a complete overhaul of the sites, and accomplished this as part of the training on the CMS. FIN’s developer created headers, a top story player and modules for the new sites. BIM was available to answer the training questions he did have, and we ultimately pushed the changes live, but essentially these redesigns were done by the client.

All in all, the Dev Access model gives clients the independence and flexibility to complete the work they want to do on their own timeline OR to continue to have BIM staff complete the work for them out of Madison. FIN is a great example of how BIM’s Dev Access model provides clients with a solid base framework, while also giving them design and functional freedom. It also demonstrates how stations can choose between using BIM for the majority of support, or if desired, transition to more direct involvement in their site development.

Go To Captain's Blog Main Page
About Timur Yarnall, CEO Broadcast Interactive Media