Web Development consists of both front-end and back-end knowledge and abilities. Here at RI Web Gurus, we have extensive experience working in both. 

Front-End web development is the interface between the user and the back-end of the website. It is where the design from the web designer is implemented, but more so, where the structure, styling, cross-browser/cross-platform functionality, usability and performance come to play. 

Front-End and Back-End development are vital aspects of web development. They act as the foundation of your website and should be built with anticipation of expansion in the future. 

We take the time to analyze your project and explore all of the needs of your current and future business potential so that the work is done right the first time.

Front-End Development

• HyperText Markup Language (HTML) is the main language used for websites and therefore acts as the structure or main building blocks of each web page. This language is important for Search Engine Optimization purposes because it serves as the language of which is read by the robots and therefore affects how you are placed within the search engines.
• A websites style is determined by the cascading style sheets (CSS) that create the lay out of a page, as well as it’s individual unique features such as colors and fonts. The CSS acts as a template to be followed for these aspects.
• Cross-Browser/Cross-Platform functionality is how the browsers and computer platforms read and therefore render a website. Because many browsers and platforms are different, front-end developers need to adhere to the needs of them all. This sometimes requires writing special code that may be used on Internet Explorer, but not necessary on Google Chrome. This is a common issue among older websites, because as the trends develop, the older sites get left behind and become obsolete. 
• Usability refers to the interaction between the user and the website. If things don’t render properly or user actions don’t perform as expected, this can affect usability and deter future customers. The many launch phases prior to making a site ‘live’ will perfect this process and work out any bugs.
• Performance; this refers to the speed the site downloads, the actions of some of the scripts or movement on the site and just how a website performs overall. A website should be clean, scalable and nimble for optimal performance.

Back-End Development

• A website server is the external location where all of your files are stored. A server delivers your web pages information as a client requests them. There are a few options for servers depending upon the size and needs of your website.
• An extensive database is necessary for some businesses if you plan to sell products online and must work in conjunction with a database management system. Again, depending upon your needs and the types of products or services you provide will determine what database strategy you will need. 
• 3rd party applications and security come into play in the Back-End of your website as well. Perhaps your company uses an application and you would like the ability to access this program via your website with a login and password. This process can get complicated, but we have the capabilities to make it happen. Online security is also something to keep in mind if you plan to process credit cards or important information that must be encrypted to prevent from being hacked.

Back-End-development is what goes on behind the scenes, such as in servers, databases and softwares. It is where a lot of 3rd party applications are linked and your website’s security is enforced.

What is Application Development?

Application Development is the creation of programs that perform micro-tasks or functions for software and hardware. The main goal of application development is to streamline business operations, save costs, and enhance efficiencies, while some examples include tracking inventory, maintaining account balances or interpreting data. It is also where compliance issues come in, integration with other enterprise components and testing take place.

Efficiency in today’s business world is key. Our goal is to create solutions to your individualistic needs to help you compete better in today’s rapidly changing market. Between your ideas and our capabilities, we can devise a plan to improve process management, manage data and streamline workflow, which overtime, will save your company time and money. We take the time to understand your business needs and our website applications will result in cost-effective solutions.

How do you go about it?

Our specific area of expertise is development using the *nix/Apache/MySQL/PHP (known in many circles as LAMP) application stack, which has proven itself over the years due to its open-source nature, low cost, and sheer power that it affords the applications it supports. We also have extensive knowledge when it comes to contemporary technologies such as AJAX and jQuery, to give your application that modern feel with unparalleled usability and design.

We specialize in using the PHP5 Framework Symfony2. 

For more information on Application Development for your specific company needs, contact the RI Web Gurus and we’ll figure out what it will take to make your ideas come to life. Let us use our technical expertise to enhance your business processes today!

Goods Offered:

You must have a product or service to offer that someone will want to buy. This product or service can be something you provide yourself, or you may go through a distributor to get them.

Location:

You must have a place from which you sell your products. In terms of E-Commerce, that place doesn’t really matter, you can have an actual storefront where people can also come in and purchase your goods or services, or you can sell from someplace like your home. Since all the transactions take place online, it doesn’t really matter.

Marketing:

You must have some type of marketing strategy in place. If no one can find you, then you have no chance of making any sales. This process can be executed in many ways, but again, for online purposes, occurs most frequently through search engine optimization, online advertising and networking or word of mouth.

Inventory:

Once someone comes to your e-commerce website and decides they want to make a purchase, there must be a method in place for you to accept orders. With this, you must be able to track inventory to make sure the product is available and also keep in mind other things like different sizes and colors of the product so that the person can order the exact item they are looking for.

Payment Gateway:

There must be a method for purchase. Since the transactions are taking place online, cash is not an option. Therefore, you must have a payment gateway to accept credit cards or use a platform such as PayPal. If you are going to accept credit cards via your website, you also must have an SSL certificate. This SSL certificate protects the process of credit card purchases online and encrypts the information as it is passed though, that way it cannot be hijacked by spammers. 

Product Fulfillment:

Your product needs to get shipped from your store location to the consumer. This process usually occurs via FedEx, UPS or the US Postal Service. In order to complete this process, you must have a business account with one of the aforementioned. There are fees associated with this, so you must figure out if the consumer is going to pay extra for shipping, or if you might build it into the price of your product. You must also figure out how the product will get into the hands of the shipping company, will they pick it up from your location or will you drop it off at one of theirs?

Return Policy:

If the consumer receives your product and decides they don’t like it, they will need to follow your directions on how to make a return. These directions should be clearly spelled out on your website for your protection.

Warranty:

If a product breaks during the shipping process or if after received, you may want to offer a warranty to the consumer.

Privacy and Terms of Use Policy:

Other things to keep in mind for your protection are a privacy policy and a terms of use policy. A privacy policy clearly states how you plan on gathering, using, disclosing or managing a customer’s data, while a terms of use policy is basically a disclaimer on how your website should be used.

Technical Support:

You may want to offer technical or customer support for your e-commerce website. Perhaps a customer has a question regarding one of your products or is having a technical issue fulfilling their order; there must be a process in place on how to address this. 

What Is a Content Management System (CMS)?

In today's fast paced world of technology, it is important to have the tools to stay current and ahead of your competition. When it comes to your website, you'll want to make sure that it is built in a Content Management System that you understand. A Content Management System is the platform of which your website is built. Some commonly known systems include Wordpress, Joomla! or Magento if you are dealing with E-Commerce. 

The benefit of using a CMS is that the common business person can go in and make changes to their website via the CMS, this ability is key for keeping your website current and full of useful knowledge. So rather than contacting your web company every time you would like a word changed on your website, you now have the access to go in and edit items such as content, delete/add pictures and even add a new page. 

Seeing that business seems to change by the minute these days, why shouldn't you be able keep that news current on your website as well?

What Are Some Benefits of a CMS? 

• Control of the content on your website
• Keeps your website up to date and active
• Allows for real time changes
• Reduces the cost of website maintenance
• No technical skills or HTML knowledge is needed
• Different permissions are allowed to edit only the areas you need access to
• We can create different admin accounts so multiple people can make edits