Method for enforcing workflow processes for website development and maintenance

A method for enforcing workflow processes for website development and maintenance. Development and maintenance of a website may include the concerted efforts of plural persons. So that the work progresses in a predictable and orderly fashion, tasks are assigned and performed in accordance with a workflow. The workflow is an arrangement of tasks to be performed. The arrangement may include tasks performed in serial order, in parallel with each other or in combinations of serial and parallel. To enforce a particular workflow, the present invention provides an environment that constrains work to progress according to the workflow. An administrator, such as a "webmaster," develops a workflow file that dictates how the efforts of users (or "contributors") should progress. Accordingly, the webmaster has increased control over the processes by which the website is developed and updated. As a result, website development proceeds efficiently even where many persons are involved in the effort.