Webcredible CMS boosts web site accessibility

Web accessibility consultancy Webcredible is set to launch a new content management system (CMS) designed to ensure firms' sites are compliant with level AAA of the W3C's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

The product, which will be launched at the Internet World event in a fortnight, automatically cleans up code so that it complies with the standards, and forces content editors to use correct heading structures and accurate ALT text for all images, among other things, according to the firm's managing director Trenton Moss.

"While the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide a useful framework for developing an accessible web site, online retailers will run into trouble if they rely solely on their interpretation of these jargon-filled, somewhat vague guidelines," he added. "We are offering a system that actually forces editors to produce accessible content during the web page development and editing process."

The product also utilises Ajax technology to improve the user experience, and can optimise web pages for search engines, according to the firm.

"Putting an accessible CMS at the heart of all web site content development can also save companies time and money, as online retailers will not need to develop and maintain separate, accessible web pages in addition to their main web site," explained Moss.