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Deploy Content is a CV ecommerce multisite content management feature. It can also be used with Content Lock to remotely send locked content to target sites. Implementation requires consultation with Commerce Vision. Source and target sites must be on the same version (min. 2022.3).
CV: 105298
Overview
The Deploy Content feature allows remote management and source control of specific content on one or more sites in your organisation. The Administrator and Content Administrator roles can select destinations ('target sites') and copy over' content while in the CMS of their own site ('source site'). NOTE - For successful deployment, source and target sites must be on the same version.
About Deployable Content
When you deploy content, you're copying over one or more saved data objects ('items') from the site you're on to another site. A deployable content type is just a content data group that you can use with this feature. Of course, not all content can be deployed. We've identified those content data groups that multisite organisations often want to reuse on their different sites. In general, all deployable content types contain propriety data - created by, for or are otherwise meaningful to your organisation in some way.
Deployable content types are almost always structured and accessed by way of the CMS navigation menu. Below, they are highlighted in yellow. (NOTE - Not all submenu items are deployable.)
Deployment & Content Locking
A content type also has another feature variable. Its data items can either be lockable or non-lockable. Lockable Items are deployed in locked status so that they cannot be edited or deleted on a target site - by any CMS user. Lockable content types typically contain data a business or head-office wants to maintain control of. Other content types are non-lockable. This means the source site can deploy content that CMS users on target sites can edit and/or delete.
Lockable Items
When deployable? only when both the Deploy Content and Content Lock features are enabled on the source site. NOTE - If a locked item is deployed to a target site with Content Lock disabled target sie, it will be unlocked. This means it can be edited or deleted by users there (if their roles allow it).
These are the lockable content types.
A lockable item can only be deployed when in locked status.
For more on content locking, see: Content Lock.
Non-lockable Items
When deployable? when the Deploy Content feature is enabled on the source site.
These are the non-lockable content types.
Looking for a content type specific guide?
For a guide on how Content Lock & Deploy Content works with a specific content type, click on the content type.
Content Type Deployment Rules
General Rules
Deployment rules are there to maintain integrity of deployed data on a target site.
- Deployment to a target site will be cancelled if a data item is not found.
- The deployment process will fail if an item is in draft mode (when Page Preview is on).
Content Type Rules
Each content type also has specific conditions of deployment.
On this page:
Start Deployment
When an item or page of items is of a deployable content type, you will see a Deploy button on the top right of the page or on the item's Options menu. The general rule is:
- use the Deploy button to select from all multiple valid items on the page.
- use Deploy on an item's menu to deploy only that item.
No Deploy button?
Deployment function is disabled (no Deploy buttons or menu items) when no target sites have been set for the source site.
Example: deploying in Category Maintenance
(1) Deploy button, (2) Deploy menu item
(1) Clicking the Deploy button allows all valid categories can be selected for a deployment.
(2) Selecting Deploy from the 'Shirts' category's Options menu allows only this category to be selected.
Deployment Steps
Regardless of content type, the deployment steps are the same. Clicking Deploy opens the Deploy popup. NOTE - The popup will not open if you attempt to deploy an 'unlocked' campaign.
1. Select Data Item(s)Valid data items are displayed for selection. NOTE - If the popup has no no data items, it means there are no deployable items. 1. Toggle to select data item(s). 2. If applicable, toggle to select data type(s). NOTE - Some content items have selectable data types, e.g., products, categories. This allows you to specify only those data types you want to deploy. 3. Click Next. | Step 1 Deploy
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2. Select Target Site(s)4. Toggle to select one or more target site(s). 5. Click Next. Incompatible Target Sites You can view target sites on different versions to the source site but they cannot be selected.
| Step 2 Deploy
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3. Check Data Item & Target Site Selections6. In Deployment Name, name this deployment. If left blank, the system adds the content type + date as the name. 7. Review data and target site selections. Go back to Steps 1-2 to reselect, if needed. 8. To start deployment, click Deploy. | Step 3 Deploy
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4. Check Deployment Results9. Check the Successfully Deployed? column,
10. Click the link to view the deployment's results, e.g., for errors and other messages. You can always view a deployment's results in the Content Deployment Log.
| Step 4 Deploy |
Deploying Role Settings
Unlike all other content types, Role settings are deployed from the Deploy Content Feature Settings page.
To deploy Role settings:
- In the CMS, go to Settings → Settings → Content → Deploy Content.
- Click Configure.
- In Deploy Sites Feature Settings, toggle ON Role.
- Click Save.
- To open the Deploy popup, click the Deploy button next to Role.
Viewing Deployment History & Results
To view any deployment your site was involved in (as source or target site), view the Content Deployment Log. You can also rename a deployment and add notes about it while in the record.
Related Resources
