Humble Beginnings

What a journey it has been for this site. Every passing moment is a lesson learned and an experience for PUPWebSite.

1997 > Like all graduating students, a feasibility project is required. Prof. Mely R. Luya (then Dean of the College of Computer Management and Information Technology) required her Bachelor in Information Technology 4-1 class to group themselves and submit a project proposal. "Why not make PUP's Web site?" This was the question that spontaneously became a proposal and the proposal was approved. This started the humble beginnings of the site.

Abyss Creative Group:  (From left to right) Archie R. Roque • Severino L. Martinez • Christian C. Santillan • Hernanie P. Leodones • Angelo M. Angeles • Chrisanto A. Cañoza

1998 > GeoCities.com was an ideal web hosting service at that time simply because it is free. Initial file transfers were made and on January 27 the site went online for the first time bearing the name "PUPWebSite Project". This is the first public launching since it started as a group project. Since its initial launch and publicity through search engines, numerous responses and requests began filling the site's guest book. So the group added more information to the Web site.

This is the first insignia used for this site. It began as a feasibility project of a group of computer students who named themselves as the Abyss Creative Group

After the pioneer team graduated from PUP, the site remained unchanged until June when selected student assistants were tasked to update PUPWebSite Project. These students re-designed the site and through this the second evolution took place. The students were Jennifer R. Alcayaga, Daryll SD. de Jesus, Marylene D. Mojares, Terrence C. Natanawan, and Steve A. Verano.

On October, Prof. Mely R. Luya recalled Mr. Severino L. Martinez to head the development of the Web site. PUPWebSite Project re-used the original template and its name was changed to simply PUPWebSite (the third evolution).

The third evolution of PUPWebSite used the same design template from the first version of the site.

1999 > PUPWebSite Millennium, the fourth evolution, was released mid-March. A domain was registered on May (http://www.pup.edu.ph). During this period, the site has been conducting a series of test broadcasts over its newly registered Internet address while the site is still being hosted at GeoCities.

PUPWebSite Millennium: Fourth evolution of PUPWebSite

2000 > The PUP Information and Communications Technology Center (PUP ICT Center) started operations with Mely R. Luya as its director.

Because of the need to further enhance PUPWebSite, the Web Development Team was formed with eight (8) members with Severino L. Martinez heading the group. Registration of the domain name (pup.edu.ph) was made. For the first time, PUPWebSite was officially transferred from GeoCities to its own Internet address (http://www.pup.edu.ph). But still, the Web site isn't hosted within PUP but to a commercial Internet Service Provider. Because of this, PUPWebSite operated on a limited dimension delivering only static web pages. For the site to have interactivity, it has to rely upon third-party Web add-on components. But that doesn't stop PUPWebSite from delivering relevant content to its visitors. In the final quarter of 2000, a definite move to enhance the site was prepared. Out of this realization, the fifth evolution was developed - PUPWebSite Excelsia. This version came with an earnest promise to prepare the University's Web site for utilization.

PUPWebSite Excelsia was made to comply with Web document standards.

PUPWebSite Excelsia: Fifth evolution of PUPWebSite

2001 > Finally, PUPWebSite operated on its own Web server. The site ran on two platforms - a UNIX and a Windows-based system. This gave PUPWebSite the flexibility it needs to adapt to future enhancements.

Also in this year, through a directive and support given by higher management of the University, an Academic Content Research Group was formed named "Team-Excelsia". The group's task is to research and gather relevant data that is to be included in the academic content of PUPWebSite. The special team consists of selected faculty members of the College of Computer Management and Information Technology, student assistants, and an assigned content coordinator in each college of the University. This was later discontinued because the colleges wanted full participation in the development of their Web site.

On October 2001, PUPWebSite Zentaris was released. The sixth evolution was implemented.

PUPWebSite Zentaris: Sixth evolution of PUPWebSite

2002 > PUPWebSite takes on a new direction in its undertakings - implement Online Services for the PUPians worldwide and bring education over the Web using PUPWebSite as its medium. PUPWebSite Connect is the Online Services section of PUPWebSite. It is an integrated suite of Web-based applications and services that enables information, systems, and people collaboration through seamless utilization of Web Technologies.

PUPWebSite Connect v1

The Instructional Systems Development Team (ISDT) and the Systems Development Team (SDT) were integrated to the Web Development Team (WDT). ISDT became the multimedia development factor, while SDT became the web application development factor.

PUPWebSite Zentaris 6.1 was released. The template was restructured to accommodate low-bandwidth connections of visitors.

2003 > On April, Internet services in the University were discontinued. This made PUPWebSite and its online services offline for more than a year.

Although the University’s presence on the Internet was offline, the development of the University’s site continues. An opportunity to upgrade PUPWebSite was implemented to give it more information and functionality.

2004 > When Internet services returned in May, PUPWebSite Xentrius (the seventh evolution of the site) was launched, PUPWebSite Connect improved, and PUPWebSite Forum re-developed.

PUPWebSite Xentrius

PUPWebSite Connect v3

On June, in line with the centenary of the University, the PUP Centennial Site was launched.

The PUP Centennial Site (HTML and Flash versions)

PUPWebSite is composed of what we call the Family of Web sites.  Each member site serves a specific function in delivering information and services.  Click here