We’re delighted to announce that the Defence Alumni Network (DAN) has been named the Best Social/Community Site at the Sitecore 2012 International Site of the Year Awards. The timing couldn’t be better as we celebrate one-year of reuniting and connecting existing and ex-serving military personnel through the DAN.

Defence were seeking to re-recruit ex-serving personnel that have since gained valuable private industry experience.  However, people who match this fairly selective criterion are traditionally hard to reach. The bond between Defence colleagues are strong, and this drives personnel to organically form alumni groups to stay in touch and discuss defence news.  The solution was to bring the Defence community together to connect, share and engage on a singular network that would ultimately deliver a more effective method for Defence – and our members - to stay in touch.

The DAN has been a high energy project, moving from concept to launch in under 6 months and constantly evolving with the on-going enhancement of the custom-built platform’s functionality.  Within the confines of this secure network, Defence personnel are able to reconnect with colleagues, organise events, browse job opportunities and advertise belongings for sale.  The bespoke system leverages the power of the Sitecore CMS platform, which has assisted in creating a personalised user experience and delivered a scalable solution as the platform continues to grow.

One year on, the Defence Alumni Network is a thriving online community of over 6,500 members and growing. Things are just getting started with the DAN, and both the award and success of the platform is a great recognition of the team’s enthusiasm and dedication.

View the site at - www.dan.gov.au

From the team at Visual Jazz Isobar, Happy Birthday and congrats Team DAN!