Web Server Usage and Support

PSOM Web Server Environment

Apache/Unix, PHP, Oracle/mySQL (latest versions)

The use of PHP, Oracle, and mySQL on the main Perelman School of Medicine web server is restricted to the PMACS Development Team. For those within the PSOM who require advanced programming services, we have a separate "hosting.med" web server running PHP and mySQL. Users on this server are required to have a background in PHP and mySQL development. PMACS can provide information on the unique features to the server and how it fits into the University environment, but development in PHP and use of mySQL are self-guided.

Content Management Systems

Sites on the main PSOM web server created by the PMACS Design Team are set up to work with a content management system called MODX.  Training is provided via Knowledge Link, as well as ongoing support.  PMACS only provides technical support for sites which were coded and set up by our team.

PMACS also manages a single shared installation of Word Press that is available to those who are familiar with it and require minimal assistance.   

Use of other content management systems may be possible but would need to be negotiated and approved by the PMACS System Administration team.

Obtaining a Web Account

Any official Perelman School of Medicine department, center, institute, graduate group, program, organization, lab, or student group may have a website hosted on a PSOM web server. Those groups may also choose to utilize the free services of the PMACS Web Design Team to design and host their website.  For more information on services available, see the PMACS Web Team website.

Acceptable Use

The PSOM web servers are to be used only for official PSOM business. (Please see the University's Policy on Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources for details.) Personal or commercial web sites must be stored on an external host. The School does not provide support or hosting services for personal websites.

Articles and Publications

Publications or other work intended for the consumer market may not be given "commercial" presence on any Penn Medicine web sites. Publications may be listed in the context of a Curriculum Vitae (CV), or, if part of an academic curriculum, in the same manner as other publications for that curriculum; they may not be individually highlighted apart from other CV or curricular materials. Other work, whether or not copyrighted, licensed, trademarked, patented, etc. may be presented as part of a CV, but may not be presented for sale. Materials for a particular curriculum may be presented for sale only through the same source as other curricular materials. E.g., directing students to Penn's bookstore is fine; directing students to Amazon or other online vendors not explicitly designated as university vendors is not acceptable.

Most publishers place severe restrictions on the posting of full-text articles on public websites. If you wish to provide full-text articles online or via email, we strongly recommend you refer to the University's Biomedical Library Reference Services Department.

If you have any questions, please contact PMACS.