How it Works
Using a WordPress ELN means that you can pick from thousands of possible plugin extensions for your desired capabilities. This provides great flexibility but comes at the cost of having to decide which plugins are appropriate for your research. One of the goals of this and our associated websites is to give you appropriate information. With this information hopefully you will find it easier to choose appropriate plugins and to build your WordPress ELN. Currently this information is still somewhat limited. But hopefully these resources provide enough information to get started.
A Possible Approach for Evaluation
In order to decide if a WordPress ELN is appropriate for your lab, one approach is to either read through the list below or to make an initial list of the features that you would like to have in your ELN. You can go back and forth between your list and the possible features below. This iterative process may help you realize that some features that you initially valued were not as important as some of the features that a WordPress ELN offers. Or there may be some features of your desired ELN that are non-negotiable and that a WordPress ELN does not offer.
After this process, if you still have interest in a WordPress ELN, then you can view one of our low-cost WordPress ELN demos for further evaluation.
Evaluate the Possible
Features
A WordPress ELN offers the possibility of numerous different features. This is based on over 50,000 free plugins on WordPress.org and thousands of other premium plugins with extended capabilities at reasonable prices
Unique Feature of Easy Cloning
No other ELN offers the ease of use and multiple options for easily cloning your software and data, for ultimate data security.
Data Export and Import
WordPress plugins have import and export capabilities for data in multiple formats (CSV, Excel, XML) as well as filtering capabilities.
Learning Management System
WordPress LMS plugins provide delivery of educational content and assess student performance. It can use multiple features.
Data Analysis and Graphing
Plugins exist for turning numbers into attractive charts and graphs. Some of these are integrated with data display options.
Robust Support for Maps
WordPress ELNs are one of the strongest ELN candidates for standalone maps as well as maps integrated with data directories.
Many Types of Files and Media
Various WordPress plugins exist for managing your research files in general or managing your research media files in particular.
Multiple Field Types
WordPress provides standard field types like plan and rich text and dates. Plugins extend the possibilities for many other field types.
Social Networks
WordPress offers many social networking options to improve communication and collaboration among researchers.
Options for Low-Cost Hosting
Unlike other ELNs, there is a wide variety of hosting options, from free to fairly expensive, with corresponding service levels.