【Column】Smartly Managing Manuals with Jamstack! ~Avoiding Security Risks~

What is Jamstack in the first place?

Jamstack started as an acronym for JavaScript, API, and Markup.
However, it has evolved to encompass more than just these technologies. It is a web development approach that utilizes tools such as static site generators. By generating static HTML without server-side processing, it enables fast and secure websites.
Jamstack offers many benefits such as improved website speed, enhanced security, and scalability. Additionally, using a static site generator makes content management and updates easier.

Issues with Existing Manual Management in IT Companies

Traditional manuals were commonly created and managed using document files such as Word or Excel. However, when multiple people need to edit or update the manual, sharing and version control of the files can become complicated.
Additionally, if the manual requires frequent editing or updating, there is a possibility of old versions of the file remaining or incorrect information being included. Furthermore, when sharing document files, it can be difficult to determine who is using which version, leading to confusion.
With this traditional manual management method, efficient collaboration and version control are difficult, and there are also challenges with accuracy and accessibility of information.

Security Risks of Manual Management with Content Management System (CMS)

So, how about managing manuals using a Content Management System (CMS)? For IT companies, this can be a more compatible and efficient management method. We have also supported the introduction and operation for many customers so far. However, the limitations of website operation using CMS have become apparent over the years.
First of all, since CMS is executed on the server and generates HTML dynamically, the loading time of the website may become slower.

 

Mechanism

 

In addition, since CMS needs to access the database to generate web pages, increasing the database capacity may negatively affect the performance of the site.
Furthermore, CMS may have security vulnerabilities, and without proper security measures, there is a possibility of data leakage or site downtime due to attacks by hackers. Even small pages like notifications are connected to the database on the backend, and since they manage customer order lists and login information in the same database, they are vulnerable to attacks by malicious hackers.

Benefits of Manual Management Using Jamstack

To address such issues, manual management using Jamstack generates static HTML using a static site generator.

(What is a static site generator? Refer to it.)

 

Mechanism

 

There are the following benefits to this. This time, let's focus on the "management" and "security" aspects in particular.

 

- File sharing and version control become easier
- Editing and updating work becomes smoother for multiple people
- Security risks are reduced

 

First, file sharing and version control will become easier. By using a static site generator, you can manage manual content as Markdown files. Since Markdown files are text-based, they can be easily managed using version control systems. In addition, multiple people can edit at the same time. This makes the process of updating manuals smoother.

 

In addition, by using a static site generator, there is no need for server-side processing, reducing security risks. Furthermore, static site generators use CDN (Content Delivery Network) to deliver content, making it possible to operate a fast and stable website.

 

With Jamstack, manual management becomes easier with file sharing and version control, making editing and updating smoother for multiple people. It also reduces security risks and is great for SEO.

Points to note for manual management using Jamstack

However, when using Jamstack to manage manuals, there are some points to keep in mind as follows.

 

- It is necessary to carefully select a static site generator
- If you frequently update content, automatic build and deployment settings will be necessary

 

The first point is that it is important to carefully select a static site generator. A static site generator is a tool used to automate the building and deployment of a website, and is one of the foundational technologies of Jamstack. However, there are various types of static site generators, each with different features and use cases. It is important to select a static site generator that is suitable for managing your company's manuals.

 

The second point is that if you frequently update your content, it is necessary to set up automatic builds and deployments. With static site generators, unless specifically configured, manual builds and deployments are required when there are content updates. However, in cases of frequent updates, automating builds and deployments is desirable in order to reduce workload.

 

By paying attention to the above points, it is possible to efficiently manage manuals using Jamstack.

Summary

How was it? Did you understand the benefits of using Jamstack for manual management, compared to traditional document file management, such as easier file sharing and version control? And above all, you should have felt the great advantage of being able to manage manuals in a secure environment.

Next time, we will focus on "speed" and introduce the benefits of Jamstack. Please look forward to it!

 

For those who want to know more

● What is Jamstack? (Part 1)

● Beginner's Guide to Static Site Generators Part 1