What's a Redirect?

A redirect is a shortcut for your web visitors. Why do you need a shortcut? Sometimes (web) directions can get confusing and a shortcut can get the visitor to the same place in a shorter amount of time.

Think about a typical URL (web address) on an MCC server:

• www.mc.maricopa.edu/dept/d13/eng/literature/writersprograms/

Wouldn't it be easier to just be able to go directly to that same page without all those forward slashes and directories?

• www.mc.maricopa.edu/writers/

That sure is simpler to type and easier to remember!

Something else to consider...

If you were hosting your webpages on an external website, you may be able to buy a shorter (easier to remember) URL - but when hosting pages on the MCC webserver, you must store your pages in a directory structure that is set up for organization within the larger academic environment, and not necessarily in a manner conducive to quick and easy typing or memory.

Having a short, meaningful, persistent alias for long or changing URLs means you can use easy-to-remember web addresses on your printed materials, your business cards, or in the schedule of classes.

A basic URL choice checklist would include:

• Can you easily write the chosen URL on a piece of paper, or can you remember it easily?
• Can you spell the chosen URL on the phone?
• Does the chosen URL give hints about the content of the resource?
• Will it still make sense if the resource evolves?

Remember, websites on the MCC servers can also be moved to new locations for administrative reasons. A website author might move his pages to a different section of the same site effectively breaking previous links. With URL redirects you can direct incoming links from other sites to the new location without worrying about losing your visitor to a 404 (page not found) or to outdated information.

So let us help you create a meaningful redirect to your website. Email or call us today to inquire about redirect choices for your department or online class. More information about domains and subdomain names can be found on the Enterprise Web Services webstandards.

Your web support staff includes:

• Jon Baney, Web Manager 480-461-7283
• Trisha Brazda, Web Technician 480-461-7491
• Peter Kalapuziak, Web Programmer 480-461-7056
• Bonny Smith, Web Technician, [1/2 time]