What are the differences between "wirewrap" and "branding"?

[Mark Messinger]

I found the description of various branding levels on this document to be interesting. And I see there are certain types of networks that can associate users using "wirewrap". Wirewrap is defined to be "The graphic customization for branding purposes (such as custom logo, headers, footers, and colors) that iCarpool users may find when they log in to a particular URL, such as for RideshareOnline, I-Way, Choose Your Way Bellevue, Drive Less Save More, or another. Optionally, you may set up the wirewrap so that when users register with iCarpool through it, the system associates them with that particular network through the wirewrap domain. This association method may be used for Program networks as well as State, Regional, County, Jurisdiction, and TMA networks."

But what is the difference between wirewrap and "branding"? The folks at [e-mail] clarified this for me.

First, Express Branding and Full branding use wirewraps.  This document also covers “standard” branding, which is the ability to include logos and customized messages on the home page.

Wirewrap CAN be used to associate users to a network if the network is configured that way (it is an optional configuration).  The drivelesssavemore.icarpool.com is configured so folks coming through that domain are automatically associated.

Are there examples of a site which is branded, but not wirewrap?

Basically any subnetwork that does not purchase a wirewrap uses standard branding under someone else’s wirewrap.  For example, King County does not currently have a wirewrap, instead we send people to RideshareOnline.com and within that structure, our network is “branded” using our logo throughout the system as needed.

Example of King County “branded” in RideshareOnlien.com:

Another example is WheelOptions.  They purchased an express wirewrap and a URL (example 1 below).  Express Wirewrap administrator controls header, footer and global content.  

Example 1 – WheelOptions using Express Branding:

When users come through other URL’s – WheelOptions is branded using standard branding.

Example 2 – WheelOptions using standard branding with a user coming through RideshareOnline.com’s URL and  login link.  Note different banner.  RideshareOnline.com  is currently promoting WheelOptions through its global content, but with a smaller content footprint than is uses through the WheelOptions URL.  

Standard branding is available to everyone, at no charge and all networks will show using any standard branding they have configured regardless of what URL they come through.  Express and Full Branding provide the “wire-wrap” which is the banner at the top and bottom and only shows if the user comes through that specific URL.  

I think the site at http://www.drivelessconnect.com/ is an example of wirewrap.