Open the tabs below to learn more about IT supported web hosting platforms or scroll down for a side-by-side comparison. Note: Cyber Security restricts approval of cloud web hosts beyond those described here.
Google Sites
Visit sites.google.com to create or modify a free Google Site. Google Sites is ideally suited to pages for individual groups, projects, meetings, and conferences. Google Sites can be made public, or restricted.
If you want a custom subdomain mapped to your Google site so that your site appears as mysite.lbl.gov (not as sites.google.com/lbl.gov/mysite), please refer to Request a Custom URL.
Commons
Commons is where your team collaborates and shares knowledge. Login at commons.lbl.gov or visit the IT FAQ – Commons page to learn more.
WordPress
For Areas, Divisions, and User Facilities, IT recommends using the WordPress content management system (CMS) and following the Berkeley Lab Design System. WordPress is widely used and open source but requires technical experience to update and maintain. Contact the Help Desk for questions, technical support, or to initiate a new project.
Comparison of Website Platforms
The table below provides a comparison of IT-recommended platforms for creating and managing websites at Berkeley Lab. The information may be used for education or reference purposes and may not always reflect the most recent updates to service. Contact the Help Desk or Creative Services for questions and assistance.
| Website Platforms | Google Sites | Wordpress | Commons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service | Google Sites is a Google Workspace app used to publish websites easily and quickly. | Wordpress is a popular, open source content management system used to build websites | Commons is the Lab’s installation of Confluence, a wiki platform for sharing team workspaces and project documentation. |
| Recommended Usage | Websites for individuals and groups. Special projects and events such as committees and conferences. | Areas, Divisions, and User Facilities. Public, permanent institutions and major, long-term projects. | Detailed documentation and wikis. Individual or group sites and Lab projects. |
| Hosting | Unlimited hosting on Google. | Hosted and managed through WP Engine. | Unlimited spaces and pages. |
| Cost | Free | Service cost and storage limits determined by selected plan. Required technical maintenance and updates may increase costs. | Free |
| Required Experience | No prior experience is necessary. Click, drag and drop interface. | Web administration experience is helpful. Developer required for technical updates. | No prior experience is necessary for basic editing. Some training or web development experience is helpful for advanced changes. Click, drag and drop interface. |
| Editing Permissions | Customize by individual or group, similar to Google Docs. Designate external collaborators. | Editing Area and Division sites is restricted to Berkeley Lab users unless exceptions are necessary. Other project sites may include external users if needed. | Editing is restricted to Berkeley Lab users. |
| Viewing Restrictions | Public; Private; Restrict to Berkeley Lab users only; Restrict to specified external users | Public; Private; Restrict to Berkeley Lab users only (Requires IT support) | Public; Private; Restrict to specific Berkeley Lab users |
| Domain | Request a Custom URL Reserve go.lbl.gov Short Link | Contact the Help Desk to establish a custom URL. | Reserve go.lbl.gov Short Link |
| Training Resources | Google Sites training and help; Google Sites Essential Training | LinkedIn Learning; Google Users Group at LBNL | Learn WordPress; Wordpress Essential Training | LinkedIn; Try the Block Editor | Create/Edit Commons; Confluence Fundamentals; Set up your site and spaces |
| Support | Content is self-managed and maintenance is the responsibility of respective owners. IT is available for limited technical support. Referrals to external vendors may be necessary where IT is unavailable. Contact the Help Desk or Creative Services for questions and requests for assistance. | ||
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