As part of this dissertation an internet based portal for former graduates was set up. This was done with the intention of preventing graduates loosing contact with their former colleagues and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences Winterthur (ZHW).

Every graduate of ZHW can log in and receive an account. Here he can search for other former colleagues, which are also members of the same portal. In addition to this service there are discussion forums available and an opportunity to publicise small advertisements and news items.

The ZHW, on its part, hopes to receive constructive feedback of its former students, which are now working for the industry. In this way, one hopes to adjust and expand the courses offered at the ZHW. An administrator could to this aim initiate and circulate any chosen inquiry. This way, members can participate, online, in research, surveys and general inquiries and produce valuable information.

As one could not win a mandate, of the Student Union of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences Winterthur (VSZHW), as previously planed, the compiled portal software is now being made available to any interested union, association or alliance, free of charge.

This diploma-work is based on a prototype which was developed during a previous project-week at the ZHW. The entire portal is based on PHP, MySQL and Apache.