SEC revamps Web site

The Securities and Exchange Commission relaunched its Web site Feb. 26, nixing some graphics in favor of faster download time and redesigning the overall page for faster navigation.

The site, www.sec.gov, is home to EDGAR, the database of corporate filings, and receives about 1 million "hits" every day, according to Laura Unger, recently named acting chairwoman of the SEC.

The new page arranges information for specific types of users, she said in announcing the redesign. In addition to EDGAR, categories include investor information, staff interpretations on policy, regulatory actions, litigation and SEC news and public information. The redesigned page also includes two new search engines.

As more and more people turn to the SEC for information on investments, companies and regulation, it's important that the agency can provide the information as soon and as efficiently as possible, Unger said.

"As technology continues to revolutionize investing, it's critical that we keep pace," she said.

Computer Systems Management Inc. of Virginia developed the new site for SEC. Shankar Pillai, president and chief executive officer of the company, said the agency wanted a design that was both functional and attractive for "a broad user base....One that ranges from law firms using the latest technologies to individual investors with older browsers and slower Internet connections." The new site was tested before its launch to ensure it "reacted well" with various systems.