Cascade Server CMS

What is Cascade Server?

Cascade Server is an enterprise-level web content management system, or CMS, used by units across campus. Michigan State University is running version 8.24.2, last upgraded May 1, 2024. Since then, the university has adopted Sitecore as the official enterprise-level web content management system for MSU.

Note: Support for Cascade Server will continue if units have websites on the platform, however no further investment or development is being made in the platform by MSU. No new websites will be created in Cascade Server. Units wishing to create new websites using MSU’s enterprise CMS will be able to do so in Sitecore XM Cloud.

Cascade Server Training

Online training is delivered free of charge through MSU’s D2L website. This self-paced training provides instruction for how to access the CMS, manage content and administer user accounts/system access.

Please direct training questions to the University Communications and Marketing platforms group.

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About Cascade Server

Visit the MSU Cascade Framework demo website for information.

The most recent upgrades installed on the MSU Cascade Server are listed below.

Version 8.24.2

Upgraded May 1, 2024

Hannon Hill Release Notes provides a short description and Release Notes for the most recent releases. Refer to the Hannon Hill Release Archives web page for older upgrades.Detailed information regarding Cascade Server is also available via the Hannon Hill website.

Frequently Asked Questions

With Sitecore now the university’s central offering for a content management system, what happens to existing Cascade site(s)?

Cascade and Cascade Framework support for existing websites will continue for the foreseeable future. No new websites will be created in Cascade or Cascade Framework.

Will Cascade Server be hosted centrally or locally?

Cascade Server is hosted centrally through IT Services, but a website can be hosted at the location of a unit’s choice. Cascade Server is a “push” CMS system, meaning users manage content within the CMS and publish content to the web server where files are publicly accessed via the internet.

How much does it cost to use Cascade Server?

Cascade account setup fees and CMS storage space for up to 20GB of content have been subsidized by University Communications.

To use Cascade Server, units will need to register any domain names they intend to use for the website and provide web hosting services where the CMS will publish content. Web hosting services, including MSU IT Services central hosting, generally charge a modest monthly fee.

Can I keep my current web address?

Yes.

How do I register and enroll for Cascade Server training?

Online self-paced training modules are provided at no charge to the MSU community. Users must be registered to use the modules. To sign up, contact Comms.WebSupport@msu.edu or self-enroll as follows:

Navigate to https://apps.d2l.msu.edu/selfenroll/course/461073.
Log in using MSU / MSU Guest credentials.
Follow the instructions to enroll in “Cascade Server Content Manager:
Click the “Content” main menu to view the Table of Contents and start viewing the modules.