"We value Miller Systems' ability to deliver integrated services. Their common sense approach, deep technical expertise and design savvy enabled the BSA to build, maintain and host a site where the information architecture goes 'beyond brochureware' to make the end user’s experience as reliable, efficient and content-relevant as possible. Miller Systems delivered results that were on time, on target and on budget."

Nancy Jenner,
Deputy Director
Boston Society of
Architects

As the largest branch of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the BSA has multiple constituencies with a wide range of needs. Recognizing the need to serve its overall member community better, the BSA sought out Miller Systems to overhaul its entire online presence including:

In short, Miller Systems was challenged to create an online presence with an information architecture that would be both easy to navigate for visitors and easy to manage for the BSA staff.

With finite budget limitations, the BSA and Miller Systems were confronted with two major hurdles to the successful development and completion of the project. First, they needed to define an information architecture that would showcase audience-specific content and direct appropriate actions to those constituents. Second, they needed to investigate the technical requirements for integrating the BSA’s online and offline membership directories with content management and e-commerce applications.

Miller Systems also developed the BSA’s first e-commerce application, enabling members to search, sort, purchase and respond to classified advertising online. Custom applications including an audience-specific event calendar, resume bank, and committee database were also developed, integrated, and deployed. Finally, linking it all together to deliver and manage outbound communications, Miller Systems integrated its award-winning dataDriver ePush marketing communications engine with the site. The BSA leverages ePush to distribute event announcements, drive and conduct registrations for its annual BuildBoston conference and to broadcast weekly member newsletters.

The BSA’s comprehensive, online presence provides specific audiences with streamlined access to content and applications including, "live" membership information. Furthermore, keeping site content up to date, from events to e-commerce classifieds, is easier than ever before for all BSA staff members, who are empowered to contribute and update content regularly. What’s more, capturing revenue electronically for the first time, the BSA has enabled its members to search, sort, purchase, and respond to classified advertising online. By leveraging Miller Systems’ dataDriver ePush, the BSA also implemented regular, media rich outbound communication to its constituents, helping to generate interest in resources, materials and events, and to drive attendee registration and participation at its annual BuildBoston conference. Recognized for its elegant architecture, straightforward navigation and overall improved service to the BSA’s members, the BSA website has received numerous awards, including a finalist nomination at the 2002 MIMC Awards in the non-profit category from the Massachusetts Interactive Media Council.