The University of Exeter’s website has come a long way since its launch in 1995. What began as a simple, text-based website designed for an era of dial-up internet has evolved into a modern digital platform supporting thousands of pages, hundreds of content editors, and millions of visitors.
Few people have witnessed that transformation more closely than Martin Williams, Web Systems Support Manager, who joined the University in 1990. Starting in print publishing before moving into web development, Martin has played a key role in every major website redesign and redevelopment project over the past three decades.
From hand-coding HTML pages and maintaining websites in Netscape Navigator, to introducing content management systems, improving accessibility, migrating services to the cloud, and launching new digital platforms, Martin’s reflections offer a fascinating insight into how the University’s web presence has evolved.
“I’ve been fortunate to be involved in every major website redesign and redevelopment project for the University over the past 30 years.
This timeline is a chance to look back at how far we’ve come and the people, technologies and ideas that have shaped Exeter’s digital journey.”
Martin Williams
Explore 30 Years of Digital Transformation
To celebrate 30 years of the University on the web, Martin has put together a comprehensive timeline charting the major milestones, challenges and innovations that have shaped Exeter’s digital journey.
From dial-up connections and hand-coded HTML pages to cloud hosting, accessibility improvements and modern content management systems, it’s a fascinating look at how the University’s web presence has evolved over three decades—and where it might go next.