We are going to make some changes soon to the way the development server is accessed that will effect all sites in the new Web environment.

The Problem

Every site in the environment has two URL's, one for production and one for development. Right now the development URL's are publicly accessible.This is great for testing sites off campus but the downside is it's too easy to pass on development URL's and the public doesn't realize the content may be out of date, broken or just missing.

What is worse is as soon as search engines get a hold of the URL's they start including them in their index. This is a major issue since they show up in the public Google and Yahoo search results.

The Solution

We will be cutting off access to the development server "www-dev" URL's from off campus computers in the next few weeks. Access from on-campus computers will not be effected.

This means if you are off campus and you need to view a site in development (www-dev) you will first need to VPN in to the Wayne State network. Instructions on how to use VPN (opens new window) are available on the C&IT Web site.

If you have a site that needs public access to the development server please let us know and we can determine if an exception is necessary.

Update: This change will go into effect Friday November 20th, 2009 at Midnight.