Web Design

The most elegant solution to many problems can be created with computer code, but the digital machinery under the skin seems to work better and people like it more when it looks pretty and is intuitive to use. That is part of what web design is about. The most important thing is 'usability' which is why you will see an unending list of people claiming to be User Interface (UI) experts. One of the greatest examples of good UI is an iPod music player. For what it has to do, the design of the iPod included a rock solid UI. Once a visual design is chosen you have to contend with the balance between speed and data. Video on your website can be very cool, but if the majority of your audience has slow internet connections, older computers, or are somewhat far away in the real world-- that video will kill you and reduce the quality of the experience for your user. These are the things we keep in mind when working for you to reach the ultimate goal of your Internet media. The first step is figuring out what you want the Internet to do for you. Do you want to directly profit with sales or services? Or is the indirect approach through informational cues that trigger 'brick and mortar' situations where your website encourages people to visit your physical location? The goals of some are to just inform people and help garner recognition as an expert or offer resources to help people in their area of expertise. If you don't know what your goals are we'll help you to put your ideas into a plan and then proceed to execute the plan in order to achieve the end result you are looking for.

Intranet Services

Somewhat related to Web Design is an internal Intranet for your company. The internet is a publicly available network. An intranet is similar, but it is usually private and used intenally inside a business entity. Often a company will place web applications on their intranet. Other uses include eliminating the operating manual and standard operating proceedure binders by creating a digital version accessible via the intranet. Intranets are very useful for creating a paperless office providing infrastructure for the materials that used to require Xerox copier machines, paper forms, or a bulky metal filing cabinet.

Network Applications

These programs reside on a network. They can be on the Internet but do not have to be if a private intranet is available. We specialize in database driven applications, but that is not the only available choice. One of the advantages of network applications are multi-platform compatibiity; any computer with a browser like Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, or even crummy Internet Explorer can be used to make the work you need done happen. A single upgrade on the server updates the program for everyone using it at the same time. I cannot tell you how often I've cracked passwords for customers, it isn't that hard. It would take a few moments to extract anything stored on most business workstations. That leads me to what I think is the most important advantage of network applications. Data resides on your secure servers and not on your employee's workstation.

Database Services

Structured Query Language (SQL) is the standard used on modern database servers. I have formal training using Oracle. I have real world experience using MSSQL by Microsoft. I use MySQL with primarily innoDB tables for all my own projects. What people might usually contract me for is the automatic storage of data for analysis (customer trending, employee metrics, or tracking information flow), building an XML web API to be accessed externally that is dynamically built using a database backend, and dynamic web programming.

For systems already in place, I am at least as good as the alternatives for maintenance, back-up, or migration. You likely have an idea of what you need done; we can discuss the best ways of executing your idea.

Network Hardware & Wiring

Admittedly, I have done significant wiring in only a few business locations. Most locations only need a firewall, router, a single switch, and a few hundred feet of ethernet twisted strand wiring. Most of the time small businesses and home users choose a black box router that has firewall functions and an ethernet switch built in.

I use only commercial grade components to ensure you get the performance and long life that in the end is the most economical solution. It is not cheaper to use something that will break in less than a year or something that will let a 15 year old hacker break in and delete the photos of your children or worse the data you need for your business to put food on your table.