Clicking on a URL directs the user to the source Web site to view the full article in a separate window. DBMS connectors are used to extract information stored in any SQL Server or Oracle database. Administrators can also build custom DBMS connectors, enabling users to extract information in other formats. This is useful for reporting company statistics on an intranet alongside external newsfeeds about competitors, for example. Connectors can also be grouped into channels, enabling users to select topics which are relevant to them.
Administrators can also specify how frequently each channel is updated.
As a default, the product's interface is divided into a standard three-column Web site layout. Drag and drop tools enable site designers to specify data and components which will be made available to users in each of the three screen areas. In addition to Information Sources, the product also contains elements such as a calculator, personal diary and opinion poll builder. Using ASP and JScript, it is also possible to add custom components to a site. Once a portal is live, users are prompted to create accounts and personalise their view of the site.