Business Interchange Group - Services Archives

Software selection and integration

2010-01-02T12:59:47Z

Software selection and integration becomes a critical step in the development of Websites. Our approach depends on user requirements which may range from very simple to complex. We always attempt to satisfy requirements using free, open source solutions to keep development costs as low as possible.

We use and recommend an underlying Content Management System (CMS) as apposed to manual development of Web pages allowing for rapid development, reduced cost and allowing users to ultimately manage Website content. Our development approach is based on the Movable Type platform:

]]> CMS/Blog Platform: Movable Type Pro Version 4.32

Industrial strength, the platform of choice for large and small enterprises
Create unlimited Blogs and/or Websites
Select standard design templates or create custom designs
Powerful content management system (CMS)
Multiple users with permission managemnt
Extensive Web 2.0 capability
Built in search
Built in graphics and photo management
Super fast performance

Price: Commercial license, 5 users - $400.00

Here are just a few of the open source software/services we have implemented for our clients:

Lightbox2

Photo Gallery: Lightbox 2

This is free software and has become an overwhelming industry standard on websites featuring multiple photos. The photo gallery incorporated on this site uses this technology. Simply click on any thumbnail image under Example on this page to launch the viewer with full size images. In an image set, hover on either side of the image to reveal next/back controls.

Multiple galleries can be created with software controls to select which images are included.

Price: Free

Calendar: Google Calendar

The Google Calendar is a free service and simple to deploy on websites. A sample implementation can be viewed at Providence, our personal Website. The calendar features:

Simple setup
Administrative controls
Public and private entries
Multiple Calendar integration
Mobile and email alerts
Manage tasks
Send event invitations and track RSVP's
Multiple sync options with desktop calendars such as Outlook

Price: Free

Other calendar software is available. These vary in sophistication and cost (free to a nominal license fee) but would require greater effort (and cost) to integrate with the proposed Website.

Interactive Maps: Google Maps

Google Maps is a free service and we have implemented complex, custom versions when mapping is part of your requirements. Many businesses which have a physical address frequented by clients use a Google Map to provide a visual location as well as providing driving directions.

See an example of our personal implementation at Providence: Road Map.

Price: Free

Video Player: YouTube

If there is a requirement to display video on your Website, the simplest and most elegant implementation would be the free video publishing service from YouTube. By publishing on YouTube, there is the added benefit of getting free advertising on the YouTube channel.

Price: Free

To see an example of an embedded Video, see the get in MOTION video on this site.

There are other methods of embedding videos including Macromedia Flash by Adobe Software. The software to build the videos in Flash can be very expensive and requires special technical skills. If your video production service can create Flash videos, we can coordinate the requirements for insertion into the Website.

Video Player: JW FLV Player

As an alternative to YouTube, we have integrated a very flexible video player from Longtail Video: the JW FLV player. You can also see an example on this site under Featured Technology. The JW player supports many video formats and sources.

Price: Free for non-commercial use, a single Website commercial license starts at about $100.

Website development approach

2010-01-01T15:33:48Z

Our Website development approach follow these basic philosophies:

Deploy an administrative platform that supports

1. a content management system (CMS) allowing end user content maintenance
2. a web browser "style sheet" system for flexible design
3. Web 2.0 capabilities for possible visitor interaction
4. capability to easily integrate third party software
5. adherence to Web Standards
6. cross browser compatibility (i.e. Internet Explorer 6, 7, 8 and Firefox)

Choose a Web Hosting company that

1. supports industry standard software
2. is responsive for maximum user/visitor positive experience
3. has a record of 99.9% plus up time
4. is cost effective

Maximize search engine optimization (SEO) by

1. creating web pages which are search engine friendly
2. deploying key search terms in page titles and content
3. submitting "site maps" to search engines for easy indexing

Site development using a live 10 step "Cascading" method:

1. choose a color palette consistent with organization branding
2. design a navigation scheme
3. design/refine page layouts
4. create shell pages
5. select appropriate graphics to be used
6. integrate third party software (i.e. Calendar)
7. add/edit page content
8. engage user in every step
9. iterate over steps 2 through 9 to refine presentation
10. announce public launch

Use free, open source software and/or services whenever possible to reduce development/maintenance cost

Best in class email marketing

2010-01-01T14:32:34Z

Deliver your message to the right people with opt-in email marketing. We deliver best in class, proven techniques to get you noticed whether it is for personal use, organizations such as non-profits/associations or business. You will be surprised at how affordable it is.

We do everything for you:
- Already have a subscriber/customer list? We load it for you.
- Build a subscriber list from scratch
- Design the look and feel of the email
- Personalize it to specific subscribers
- Always include an unsubscribe link that takes effect immediately
- Test it for proper appearance in all the major email clients
- Schedule delivery
- Give you access to all the stats so you can see your message effectiveness
- Provide a Sign Up form for your Website

Do it yourself:
- email Newsletters
- Website sign up forms
- Follow up autoresponders
- Email analytics
- Top-notch email deliverability
- Unlimited campaigns at a VERY low monthly cost
- Vast supply of ready to use templates
- Superior customer support
- Check out one of our partners: AWeber Communications

Just need help with a custom design?
- We design your templates using email client compatible methods
- You add your own content
- Schedule you own deliveries
- You take advantage of AWeber affordable rates

Either way, you will be on the forefront of electronic marketing. Need help? Contact us for a complimentary consultation and pricing.

Important: email marketing SPAM is never tolerated and we will not support marketing with purchased email lists. Your list must be an existing membership list already opted-in to receive communication or a list derived from an opt-in process. We only support permission based email marketing. No exceptions. Period.

icdSOFT Provides Outstanding Hosting Performance for only $6/month

2009-11-25T12:44:40Z

At $6/month icdSOFT offers exceptional value for web hosting. Order now (or learn more) by clicking =>

We have used this company for over 5 years and have experienced excellent service and performance. Here are the highlights:]]>
1. Supports industry standard software

We always do our best to provide our customers with the latest and most stable versions of available programming languages. We offer support for Perl, PHP 5.2, PHP 4.4, Python, Ruby and TCL.

2. Is responsive for maximum user/visitor positive experience

Savvis is the data center/network provider: The only operator to combine a carrier-class Tier1 international IP network, independently tested as offering best-in-class reliability and performance, and a content distribution network - bypassing internet congestion to deliver sought-after content at high speeds.

3. Has a record of 99.9% plus up time

Our servers are specially designed for our hosting environment. Built with the most reliable server components, they are with 2x Quad-core Xeon processors, 8 GB RAM and RAID 6 disk arrays. The hot-swap HDDs, power supply units and cooling fans allow repairs/replacement of these components while the machine stays online. This design brings the hardware reliability to a highest level.

4. Is cost effective

Universal Plan: $72/year ($6/mo), 1000 MB of disk storage and 20 GB of network traffic per month.

Want us to help? Call 703-431-2145! All of the details can be found at the icdSOFT Website.