Web content management company Ektron announced July 26 the release candidate of a new version of its flagship product, Ektron 8.5. The latest release focuses on improving the software's architecture to ensure it can grow at the same rate as user demands.

"[Ektron] 8.5 sets the standard for enterprise scalability with key new components including a three-tier architecture and new search platform," said Bill Rogers, Ektron chief executive and founder, in a statement.

The WCM platform, which leverages Microsoft's (NASDAQ: MSFT) .NET platform, claims it's the first to deliver a three-tier architecture. "In a three-tier configuration, no Ektron software exists in the web tier, meaning CIOs and IT architects looking for maximum scalability, reliability, and security can now deploy Ektron in a manner consistent with enterprise software deployments," explained the company in a press release.

The new version also features three Microsoft-heavy updates: an expanded developer API with support for Microsoft LINQ, support for .NET 4.0 and Microsoft Visual Studio web application projects, and enhanced search powered by the Microsoft Search Server. The new search functionality includes faceted navigation, dynamic search relevancy tuning, federated search, automated query suggestions and search analytics reports, says the company.  

"The new Microsoft Search service really puts Ektron into a whole new realm for developers to craft tools such as 'find as you type' search. Altogether, 8.5 is a major advancement for Ektron developers and their clients,' said Clinton Porter, commercial director at Ektron developer partner Nvisage.

The update can be downloaded now, but the final release won't be out until September.

For more:
- see the Ektron press release

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