OES is a standardized open source platform for open access encyclopedias. The software is web-based.

OES is build as a WordPress plugin and requires the WordPress software architecture consisting of a WordPress instance using a relational database (MySQL) and supporting PHP and HTTPS (Apache). The software is structured in an editorial management system (the interface provided by WordPress) and a website (developed as a WordPress theme).

Apart from a large list of OES features (see Features), OES can be enriched by additional components. OES is a WordPress plugin and can be combined with other WordPress plugins or WordPress themes (e.g. to use remote data providers such as Zotero). To improve website performance for full-text search an Apache Solr database can be integrated into the software. A full documentation is included in the installation guide. We are currently developing a component that enables the creation and administration of publication workflows (e.g. peer review processes) which can be integrated into OES.

Interested in using OES for your own online reference work? Read more at Using OES.