Content Management System (CMS)

The Content Management System (CMS) developed for ExecNet was a custom automation system created specifically for the PCBoard BBS environment. Unlike modern content management systems, this CMS focused on subscription handling, user management, and operational automation within ExecNet’s internal infrastructure. It was engineered to streamline sysop duties and manage the growing user base with minimal manual intervention.

Overview:

• The CMS provided automated subscription management, allowing users to register and renew access without manual processing by the Sysop.
• It featured automatic renewals, meaning callers were renewed by default unless they changed or cancelled their subscription.
• It interfaced directly with PCBoard to manage user accounts, permissions, expiration dates, and access to discussion forums, file libraries, and conference areas.
• The system was designed by Andy Keeves, using his expertise in networking, modem communications, and automation scripting.

Technical Features:

• User Management: Automated account creation, permission assignment, expiration handling, and activity-based updates.
• Subscription & Renewal Processing: Automated renewals, batch-processed subscription updates, and credit card transaction handling through text-file processing.
• File & Messaging Management: Integrated with the file base and PCBoard message system to track uploads, downloads, and message activity.
• Automation Tools: Scripts for validation routines, error checking, account maintenance, and daily operational tasks.

Programming & Development:

The CMS was primarily coded in BASIC/BASICA, with performance-critical routines possibly implemented in Assembly.

Every major component was personally developed by Andy Keeves, who worked closely with operational staff to ensure seamless integration with ExecNet’s BBS workflows.

Legacy:

• The CMS dramatically reduced manual administrative work for ExecNet, especially in subscription handling and user lifecycle management.
• Its automated renewal system was ahead of its time, predating the subscription models commonly used by modern online services.
• The system unified user management, messaging oversight, file access control, and subscription automation into a single internal platform.
• While eventually replaced by modern web technologies, its design influenced later approaches to online community management and automated billing systems.