WebDAV stands for Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning. It is a set of extensions to the HTTP protocol which allows users to collaboratively edit and manage files on remote web servers. Detailed information, specifications and documentation related to this technology can be found on its official website: http://www.webdav.org/. Other valuable information is located on its Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebDAV.

 

WebDAV integration in Kentico CMS enables users to open, edit and save files stored in the CMS in a client application installed on their local computer (e.g. Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Paint, etc.). The advantage of this approach is that no local copy of the edited file needs to be created and uploaded back to the server manually after editing. Saving the document in the client application updates the file on the server automatically. This provides a much more straightforward process of editing attached documents, especially for non-experienced or non-technical end users.

 

The Requirements and limitations topic gives you an overview of which software and configuration is required for WebDAV integration to be functional both on the server- and the client-side. The Configuration for WebDAV topic explains how a website needs to be installed and configured in order to meet these requirements. Finally, WebDAV-related settings need to be adjusted in the CMS.

 

Once you have met all pre-requisites and performed the required configuration, you can use WebDAV in two modes:

 

•Edit mode - this mode represents integration of WebDAV editing in Kentico CMS user interface. Using this feature, files uploaded in the CMS can be opened for WebDAV editing by clicking the Edit in client application () icon.

•Browse mode - this mode enables you to map a network drive in your operating system. Content of the network drive reflects the content of your website and you can edit website files just as if they were stored on a local drive.

 

 

To learn details about WebDAV editing in each of the two modes, click the name of the mode above to get redirected to its sub-chapter. Both modes also fully integrate with workflow and versioning support in Kentico CMS. To learn more about system behavior specifics in this case, please proceed to the Integration with workflow and versioning topic.