Standard Custom Website - Typically the most cost effective, geared towards the cost restricted consumer or a company that requires content rather then graphical content. Usually consists of HTML based structure with custom navigation, a header with a company logo and footer. Custom color schemes and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) are incorporated for easy of use and future customization. If necessary, Javascript is used to do minimal programming and effects such as button animations.
Standard Template Website - These are similar to Custom Websites but are derived from preexisting templates. Since some of the work is already done price can be kept down and passed on to the client. As with the Custom Website however, the Templates can be altered to conform to user requirements. Hence, the decision between going template or custom depends on how much customization is required.
Flash Website - These are highly graphically websites incorporating lots of animation and graphical content. They are generally employed for companies in creative or artistic industries. Most of the development is done using Macromedia Flash.
Websites vs. Web Applications - The difference between a website and a Web Application is programming. While HTML used in websites is a type of language it is not able to handle complex logic (JavaScript becomes too cumbersome) or database functions required for most web apps.
Custom Web Applications - These Web apps are used when a client needs custom solutions on the web such as custom forms, databases, calculators ect. When it comes to Web Apps the sky is the limit with anything being possible. The technologies that are used for web applications fall into three general categories each with their own strengths and weaknesses for any given job. In some cases they are interchangeable and are mainly chosen on personal comfort and preference. They are:
Windows Platform - Windows server hardware, ASP.NET, developed in Visual Studio.NET using SQL Server databases
LAMP platform - LAMP stands for Linux, Apache, Mysql and PHP. Generally, the most cost-effective choice for Web Development.
Java - Applets are small programs that are embedded into website.
Open Source Web Applications and Components - Since many of things people tend to do online are common among everyone. Leveraging pre-existing full applications and/or components is a great money-saver. For example, Community Portals, e-commerce sites, discussion forums, community Logins, ect.. are all common and widely available for use.
Common Additions
SSL security - SSL security encrypts the messages between users and the websites securing against eavesdroppers on the line.
Dynamic Updating Content - Updating content can sometimes be a real pain, especially if you are not familiar with the language of the internet, HTML. Thankfully, there are ways to create websites that are updateable through customized administration panels and/or using user-friendly html editors such as Macromedia Dreamweaver.
Search Engine Optimization - Once your brand new website is complete you might want it to be found on the web. Search Engine Optimization is a service we provide to get your website listed in all the search engines as well as get you at the top of their lists.
Advertisments - You can make money by simply having a website. Advervisments on websites have become a big buisness.
Blogs - Blogs have become increasing popular and in-demand over the past few years.
Feeds - News and other such feeds are also quite in use.
A Summary of the OTSS Process
A quick discussion determines what type of solutions is required for the client.
The requirement phase starts where we isolate exactly what the website/app should do as well as a timeline for completion determined. For more complex web applications this step takes substantially longer then a simpler website.
Estimate is issued.
Open acceptance, development commences.
The product goes through Internal Quality Assurance testing.
Client signs off on the finished product
Product is released
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