CD-ROM Production

By Duane Taylor
November 2000

Introduction

Some of you might be asking why this category is in a Web development information site. The reason it is included is because it can become an option of distributing the information contained on a Web site. Consider it another form of electronic publication.

When is there a need?

You might be now asking, "why create a CD if the information is already on the Internet?". There are several reasons to decide if there is a need to place Web contents on a CD-ROM. First and foremost are the accessibility issues of the desired target audience.

Many sustainability organizations are situated in areas where there is slow, bad or no connection. Those that do have connection are often faced with very high rates for time on the Internet because of a government controlled monopoly on access. These factors could create real problems in disseminating sustainable development knowledge to groups who need it the most.

Another problem faced is the Internet literacy of many of the people in some organizations. A lot of people are very unfamiliar with how to surf properly. This combined with slow download speed can lead to the right information never getting accessed.

Easy access to the resources is another key. This goes hand in hand with the slow connection, but it is also sometimes easier to have the information on a medium that is reliable. Lastly, a CD-ROM could be used as a cheap way to promote the organization and/or the information they have developed.

The kind of site that would benefit

Now the question is, "is my site the type of site that might need to produce a CD-ROM?". If the Web site is mainly a portal/gateway or has a substantial amount of external links containing vital information, then it would not be wise. If the site is updated very frequently, the answer again is no. The information would be obsolete by the time the CD-ROM was distributed. However, if the site is content driven, the CD-ROM is a practical choice.

What type of format to use

In creating a CD-ROM many formats/programs can be used. It really depends on your desired designed, financial and technical resources. Many interactive CD-ROMs today are created with Macromedia (Director or Flash both Macromedia products). CD-ROMs can also be created with Visual Basic, a large PDF file, C++, PowerPoint and even as a Web page. Consideration must be taken of cost, time and usability.

Case studies

To CD or Not to CD: MekongInfo, the Internet Without the Internet (20 November 2000)
Faced with bad connection speeds, high prices and lack of Internet experience in the Mekong Basin area MekongInfo has developed a CD-ROM of their Web site to tackle these problems.