General FAQ


What is Zope?

Zope is an open-source application and web server with an integrated database. It is a constantly enhanced open product used world wide within numerous web projects. Zope supplies as series of basic functions for web applications and is therefore the ideal basis for icoya OpenContent, and furthermore the ideal platform for customer specific enhancements.


What kind of database is used in icoya solutions?

icoya solutions utilize the integrated transactional database ZODB, supplied by Zope. It is possible to connect to other databases like Oracle, MS-SQL, or Tamino through a variety of different interfaces. It is further possible to export the whole or parts of the database and import it into other icoya sites. XML and a compressed data format are available for this import/export functionality. This feature allows icoya solutions to store backups locally on your computer, as well as making backups over the Internet via HTTP or HTTPS.


Is it still possible to use existing Perl/PHP scripts, JAVA Servlets, and JAVA Enterprise Beans when converting to icoya solutions?

Yes, it is possible to use existing PHP, Perl, and Pythons scripts, as well as database connections (to databases like MySQL, Postgres) as usual. The same is true for JAVA Servlets and JAVA Beans. This requires that corresponding application servers, like Apache (with mod_php or mod_perl), or IBM WebSphere with optimal JAVA Servlet or EJB engine (Tomcat, Resin, JBoss, etc.) to be installed on the server.


In what language are icoya solutions developed?

icoya solutions are developed in C++ and Python (also developed in C++) and is based on Zope (also developed Python in C++). Using C++ enables icoya solutions to be independent of any virtual machine (like JAVA) and makes it fast performing and extremely portable.


What kinds of server operating systems are supported?

icoya solutions support the following operating systems:

  • Microsoft Windows NT, 2000, XP (Standard, Server and Professional Version)
  • Linux (Red Hat 7/8, SuSE 7/8) and all Linux distributions with glibc23/glibc22
  • SUN Solaris 7/8 on request
  • MacOS X on request
More operating systems are supported. Please contact us if you cannot find your operating system in the above list.


Do I need any other software to use icoya solutions?

No, there is no need to use any other software. In contrast to many other content and document management solutions, which are usually based on a collection of PHP scripts and require additional software, is icoya a stand-alone software. icoya contains, next to the core content and document management system, a variety of Internet servers for all commonly used Internet protocols (HTTP, WebDAV, FTP, Mail, etc.) as well as a powerful transactional multi-user database. The integrated transactional database enables the retraction of changes in documents, images, or templates; therefore an easy undo/redo function is available.


How secure are icoya solutions? What kinds of security concepts are supported?

icoya solutions and Zope implement the most powerful security concepts ever been put into practice in a content management system or an internet application server. The access protection is implemented using hierarchical access-control-lists (ACLs). Thus, it is not only possible to control access to all levels of the content management and content processing, it is further possible to allow access on role based (fine granulated) access rights depending on document type and current workflow. The defined rights and roles in icoya solutions are fully integrated in the icoya workflow. It is possible to define portal wide roles, as well as local roles in icoya solutions. Moreover, using icoya's LDAP connector icoya integrates user and user specific roles within the company or global directory services. Companies and institutions like NATO, NASA, ETRANS AG, the French Home Office (ministry of interior), the French ministry of education and the arts, the US NAVY, or CBS News base their internet and intranet portals on the Zope Open Source Application Server.


Is LDAP supported?

Definitely yes! The open standard OpenLDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is supported by icoya OpenContent. Using the icoya LDAP connector, icoya solutions can be integrated directly in company wide or global LDAP directory services.


Is there a workflow integrated in icoya solutions and if so, of what kind?

Yes. icoya solutions have an integrated editorially workflow engine. The editorial workflow in icoya OpenContent for example contains the transitions "release", "reject", "retract", "publish", as well as the states "private", "pending", and "public". The workflow is highly flexible and can be configured to fit the requirements.


In what bigger internet or intranet portal is Zope being used?

Here is a small selection of companies and institutions using the Zope Open Source Application Server for their internet or intranet portal:
- Bank of America http://www.bankofamerica.com/
- NASA http://hubble.nasa.gov
- French Home Office (ministry of interior) http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/
- French ministry of education and the arts http://www.culture.gouv.fr/
- US NAVY http://www.navy.com
- ETRANS AG http://www.etrans.ch
- LBV (Regional Authorities for Compansation and Retirement) http://www.lbv.bwl.de
- KST AG Wertpapier Handelsgesellschaft http://www.kst-ag.de
- CBS Worldwide http://www.paramountstations.com