Installing Alfresco (CMS / ECM): Solutions to Tomcat & Database Error Messages
Enterprise Content Management or Enterprise Document Management (ECM) technically includes Web Content Management although it sometimes connotes the manipulation and classification of content within the organisation. This document/review mainly focuses on the implementation of Alfresco Enterprise Content Management. It's worth mentioning that one of the founders of Alfresco was also at the origin of Documentum an authority in enterprise content management (ECM).
Alfresco Installation
- Download and install Java JDK 5.0 from Sun SDN
- Install MySQL 4.1 (Compatibility with 5.0 is not assured) from mySQL.net.
- Proceed to install the tomcat version of Alfresco 1.2 as explained in the included Readme.txt file
- Following the instructions provided, create a folder on your drive, transfer the files, run the provided DB creation *.BAT file to create the database.
- Start the application as expalained - In my experience, Tomcat may start without starting Alfresco the first time (it will give a 404 error). Continue reading the note below for instructions on how to proceed if the Alfresco application does not load.
NOTE
In two consecutive installations, I found out that following the instructions verbatim did not work for me. For some reason, the db_setup.bat file did not seem to create the database and the user. Since I do not like making SQL commands from the command-prompt, I suggest installing mySQL query browser or PHPmyAdmin
Run the database creation command in db_setup.sql to create the the user
Manually create the database names alfresco
After doing this, stop the application, and restart it; at this time if you are monitoring the database, you should see a whole lot of activity (queries) as the application runs for the first time and creates the required table. Take a walk to the kitchen so as not to spoil the installation if you get overwhelmed by your desire to use the applications. After the window that was loading Catalina Tomcat is done loading, you should be golden. Access the the application http://servername:8080/alfresco and voila!!
Comments
Alfresco is not a Web Content Manager and it is not meant to serve pages to your website for the general public. It however has a beavy of features that are suited for the internal management and exchange of company documents on the intranet or extranet (with appropriate security considerations).
Paired with a powerful community managment application such as Drupal, Alfresco can be the perfect tool for managing and versioning your documents.
You can read more about the features and benefits of Alfresco the website
