Custom Development

There are basically 3 models for getting web applications built:

• Proprietary platform
• Custom code
• Open Source
  

So once more, development on an internal project hit a stumbling block. The latest release of Dojo, 1.3.1, has some bug fixes I'd like to use, and in general I like to keep my main project working with the newest dojo releases. But 1.3.1 introduced a new security constraint that basically escaped all the html that I was showing in a grid control. Suddenly, instead of rich text, I get HTML markup!!!

Trying to build your own Drupal site, but not sure it's ready for production? Have us run your site through our quality checklist. We'll clear out the clutter in your modules, files, and views. We'll do the basics to make sure you're following best SEO practices, all the security patches are applied, and all the basic performance-enhancing features are set up correctly. And we'll make recommendations on how to make your site better going forward.

[Originally published on the Open Source Small Business blog, in January 2008.]

I’ve seen a lot of code in various languages. As a technical writer, I used to write documentation for programmers teaching them how to use a particular interface or system. I’ve been involved with traditional software development projects at large software companies and startups. And I’ve done my share of actual programming of web applications.

Don't see what you're looking for? If it can be done on the web, we can do it. We've built dozens of custom sites and applications for companies, and we love doing bigger projects. Most of our price-sensitive customers choose to buy a bucket of hours, identify a few goals, and have us start working on them. Our hourly rates drop the more hours you buy, from $120/hour for a 10 hour bucket down to $85/hour for 150 hours.

LAMP is a general term for a development platform, on top of which developers create custom web applications. The two other major established platforms for web development are Java and Microsoft's .NET.

The acronym LAMP refers to the parts of the platform:

Again, good job on the site. Unfortunately, most people won't be able to tell just how cool it really is. There is definitely a better look and feel on the outside, but where it really shines is under the hood. In today's world of crappy software vendors who provide crappy products and next to zero service at premium prices, it's refreshing to work with someone who is honest, thorough, reasonable and willing to do what it takes to meet the customer's needs. (you may quote me on that too:))

We're big fans of the Dojo Toolkit, a Javascript framework that allows you to build rich Internet applications right in the browser. We're impressed with the power and flexibility, and have built several big applications on it in addition to solving lots of small tasks.

We've also used other Javascript libraries, including JQuery, Prototype, Scriptaculous, and several others.

A web site is an essential marketing tool of a business. These days, especially in the Seattle area, people will check out your web site before doing business with you. The work you do with a graphic designer like Peter Mckinnon can have a big impact when someone decides whether you're the right fit for what they're looking to buy.

Just having a web site, however, does nothing to get customers beating down your doors. People need to find your web site somehow, amidst the millions of other web sites out there. For small, local businesses, they don't find your web site online--they find it from your business card, a sign on your car, word-of-mouth, or all the rest of the traditional ways people market their business.