Atlantic Business Technologies, Inc.

Author: Atlantic BT

  • The Amazing Benefits a Great Web Programming Team Has to Offer

    Have you been thinking about developing a custom web app? Are you pondering the pros and cons of building new software to run within your website? If so, you most likely already have a basic idea of the way programming teams work. At Atlantic BT, we’ve been in the industry long enough to know a thing or two about strong programming teams. We understand that our biggest value isn’t what many would assume. If we provide great design and tech for a project, that should be enough, right? Nope. There are things a great web programming team will do for you that aren’t easy to see or measure.
     
    You deserve a team you can count on and trust with your vision. Let’s look at a few things the very best vendors in this field will do for you.

    Help You Refine Your Idea

    Most of our clients come to us with a vague idea of what they want to achieve. But, they often fail to provide firm details about specific functions, platforms, and so on. Part of our role is to help them understand what’s possible and affordable. We also consult with our clients so they end up with a finished application that meets their needs. One of our core values is transparency. Our process is an open book. The more we keep our clients in the loop, the more likely it is they will end up with exactly what they needed. This gives them an advantage over other competitors with similar apps. Our client’s app will be tailor made for them.

    Develop Web Apps That Work for You

    An organization that turns to us for web programming, is not pining for a team of programmers. They have real objectives for their business to meet and they need help. A great programming team will keep those parameters front and center throughout the process. Especially when they begin to detail different ideas and concepts. Each part must strengthen the path to the end goal. A web app is only successful if it helps your company accomplish something real. So, a great vendor will make the objectives that matter to you, a priority.

    Give You a Clean User Interface

    There are two sides to web application functionality. Of course, it’s important that your finished software does what you need it to. It’s capable of performing the tasks necessary for success. But, you also want to ensure you have a clean, visually-appealing user interface (UI). This will provide a great user experience for everyone. It can also capture your company’s personality and brand. With the right UI, your web app will feel sleek and easy to use. With the wrong one, you’ll have to suffer. And suffer you will. Errors, abandoned sessions, and poor reviews from customers will haunt you.

    Test Your Custom Programming Extensively

    You can’t afford to work with a programming team that isn’t thorough. You need your finished application to work well. It must function across a wide variety of platforms and mobile devices. And, of course, be free from obvious security risks. This all comes down to rigorous testing and double-checking. That’s something you’ll always get from a quality web programming team. An inexperienced team may not see if the product actually works before saying it’s done. Then all your hard work is being thrown out, unprepared, into the world. If it fails, it can leave a bad impression.

    Update Your Finished Web App

    Before long, you’re going to need someone to make updates to your programming. You might want to add new features. Or need to ensure that the programming plays well with a new version of a popular web browser. It could be as routine as closing a potential security issue. If you’ve planned ahead with your original team, you have nothing to worry about. None of these needs are difficult or expensive. But, it CAN become an expensive hassle if you have to change vendors to make simple updates. If the team you choose the first time around knows their stuff, you won’t have to go elsewhere looking for help.

    Want to Talk about Your Web Programming Project?

    Do you have an idea for a custom web programming project and want to get a quote? Are you looking for answers as you learn more about the process of building web apps? Contact Atlantic BT today. Our experienced team will be happy to answer your questions and point you in the right direction.

     

  • How Software Development Ends Up Dead on the Inside

    Web development and custom programming can be valuable beyond measure. You can gain organizational resources and a competitive edge that can last for years. But, a programming project can also become a budgetary black hole. It can stretch out into the abyss with no end in sight. At the end, you can find yourself with nothing. No resolution, no usable website, no app.

    Of course, no executive or programmer begins a new project foreseeing doom at the finish line. So, why do so many web development jobs – as many as 60% by some estimates – turn out to be unsuccessful?

    More often than not, red flags start flying from the start. Let’s look at a few places where web software development projects tend to go wrong.

    They Begin Without a Clear or Actionable Vision

    It’s very difficult, often impossible, to create custom software if it isn’t well-defined. A client comes to the team wanting “something”. But there must be a clear vision for that “something”. If the programming team doesn’t know what that is or why they need to build it, there are going to be issues. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you might think. Even more so when managers and stakeholders disagree with one another.

    On other occasions, clients try to re-create something else that already exists. They may want to borrow proprietary features. Or they only want to reinvent the wheel but under their own branding. That’s not always impossible. But it does introduce legal and creative challenges that get in the way. It’s best to think of something new or improve upon an existing concept. After that, then you can concentrate on hitting a firm set of goals.

    The Initial Project Plan Grows into Something Unrecognizable or Impossible 

    It’s only natural that new ideas and inspirations are going to arise during a project. The web development process wouldn’t be complete without it. But, if these cause a client or programming team to keep veering off course, that’s not helpful. Deadlines will go by and budgets will falter. As you run out of time and money, the website’s payoff diminishes.

    In the worst cases of project creep, nothing usable is created at all. In less severe instances, developing software might end up costing more than intended. It could also take longer than projected. On top of that, the finished app or website doesn’t feel as polished or functional as it could be.

    The Wrong Programming and Development Team is Hired

    Building a successful website involves more than arranging pixels and lines of code. Experienced developers know this. They will create a plan, flowchart, and interface. Various iterations of their work will go through extensive testing. At the end, they will ensure the finished software package is stable and secure.

    If you hire an inexperienced vendor, or one that isn’t committed to excellence…well, we have some bad news. Two outcomes become the most likely. The first is that you will not be happy with the website or app that you end up with. The second is that the project takes more time and money than projected. Even more of a bummer is the fact that these two disappointments tend to occur at the same time.

    How to Make Your Web Software Development Project Go Right

    As you can see, there are many stumbling blocks that web development projects face. One of the best things you can do is get started on the right foot. Plan ahead and ensure that your new website works as it’s meant to. This is achievable. Even better, your site can launch on time and under budget. This is what you want, right?

    If the scope of your project requires a skillset or resource you are lacking, Atlantic BT is here for you.  We partner with companies of all sizes to provide the supplemental support necessary to get those projects over the finish line.  Learn more about our partner program here.

  • How to Balance Data Security and Accessibility

    In a fast-evolving world, data is essential to good decision making. This makes accessibility paramount AND the utmost security is the universal expectation. What a paradox we’ve created.

    Data is valuable because of the insights we can derive from it. But, we must also make sure data stays secure to protect privacy. A flexible governance approach maximizes data across an organization.

    What does this approach look like? It’s the incorporation of proper user access control and/or role-based access to data. Vital to this data access is its classification.

    Being an agency, ABT employees have access to many sources of data. We work with all types of clients and industries. Once we have access, we are usually held accountable for what happens to this data while it’s in our possession.

    In our case, data is only accessible by the relevant department. For instance, the passwords for client WordPress sites are only given to developers and marketers. This isn’t the case for all data in our organization. Data with a high risk potential is more strictly guarded. Our data governance process is one that is reliable and effective.

    Defining Data Governance

    Data governance is not a ‘one size fits all’ system. Your organization will need its own unique strategy. Small organizations can afford to grant data access to users faster, due to size. Bigger organizations should follow a more rigid process.

    The Data Governance Framework laid out by the Data Governance Institute is a good place to start. They describe this framework as a “logical structure” for data organization and activities. This is especially true with regards to “making decisions and taking action on…data.”

    Applying this framework assigns rigorous accountability. It also provides a clear process for making decisions. But, it does have a drawback. This kind of strict governance leaves little room for flexibility.

    Unfortunately, rigidity slows down decision making. Strict processes can have a monetary impact on an organization in the short term.

    Better Governance through Data Classification

    To strike the right balance, consider the classification of your data. Not all data is equal, so not all data needs to adhere to the strictest of controls. How do you know the difference? What data needs high levels of governance vs standard governance?

    At Atlantic BT, we refer to the Federal Information Processing Standards. This document covers the categorization of information. It also covers information systems as seen in this chart: 

    An informal governance framework will be best for data that is low risk. The odds of it compromising confidentiality and integrity are small. This kind of data does not need to follow strict governance for user access. Stakeholders can then access this data with ease. As a result, faster and better decisions can occur with minimal risk.

    Who has access to what data?

    A subset of governance is security through user access controls. User access controls are like role-based access. There are restrictions to data with regards to who actually needs to use/see it. For example: marketer 1 works for client A but not client B, so she has access to analytics data for A’s campaign but not B’s. Likewise, marketer 2 works for client B but not A and so he doesn’t have access to client A’s data.

    One way to achieve this level of security is through a data access policy engine. These tools allow you to give users access to the exact data needed to do a specific job and nothing else. You can grant access to more information as projects get transferred or the team adds a new member. Even better, you can do all this faster. Granting access can be as informal as sending an instant message to a data steward. There is a caveat. The data steward has a tough spot to fill. They must have a general understanding of every employee’s role. It’s the only way they can determine if an employee needs the information to complete a job.

    A more specific aspect of user access controls are role-based access controls. These are specific to an employee of an organization where access to data is dependent on a combination of department, location, and job title. Just like with user access controls, you can govern these through an informal structure to decrease the steps someone might have to go through to access data. Again, this should only be applied to data that has a low potential impact for an organization in case that data is compromised.

    Finding the Right Governance Fit

    In conclusion, a minor sacrifice in governance (not security) can help resolve the tension of having your data be as secure as possible while also maximizing the accessibility of that data.

    However, this fix can’t work for everyone. Larger organizations might have trouble incorporating a system like this, since a data administrator or data steward does not work closely with everybody, making it difficult to have a general understanding of every employee’s role. Additionally, multinational organizations might have to adhere to country-specific requirements that impede them from sharing data across offices or countries.

    Start a conversation with us. We can answer any questions you may have on data governance or access.

  • Why Institutional Web Development Projects Fail and How to Save Them

    Fun fact. 40% of all web development projects meet budget, quality, and delivery expectations. Flip that fact on its head and it tells another story. Almost two-thirds of institutional and programming initiatives are unsuccessful. Some of them never make it to completion at all. Fun, right?
     
    At Atlantic BT, we are glad to report that our success rate is much, much higher than these reported averages. In fact, we often jump into projects that have already begun. We take over the reins of institutional web development projects that have derailed.
     
    We’re concerned about the issues that plague our industry. What are the root causes of failing web development projects? The issues outlined below don’t come out of thin air. They have support in surveys and studies, as well as our own experiences over the years.
     
    Here are a few things to look out for as you start planning and executing your next web development project.

    A Lack of Definable Outcomes

    Some web development projects face doom right from the start. That’s because major stakeholders can’t lay out a clear path to success. They either don’t have a firm idea of what their goals are, or they can’t seem to agree on a shared outcome.
     
    Imagine if your creative team went to work on a project with no specific guidelines or clear end goal. Would it be a surprise then, when they fail to deliver the right or expected result? A lack of strong planning and communication always spells disaster. Executives or departments butting heads over the direction of their website, doesn’t help. Of course there is bound to be some disappointment with the final result.
     
    It can be difficult to balance a variety of personalities and individual agendas. Maintaining a constant flow of productive communication is a valuable asset. Every stakeholder has something they bring to the table. Their insights contribute to the website’s success. But everyone has to be on the same page and stay focused on the goal they all share.

    Project Creep

    If we want to solve the problems that lead to web development failure, it’s important to find the cause. As it turns out, 41% of those failures occur because of project creep. No, this isn’t a weird man staring into your office windows while you code. Project creep happens when there is a change in strategy. Clients or web developers start with a specific vision as the goal. Then, half way through, they change their mind or want to expand their focus.
     
    Imagine a baker making a delectable cake. After mixing up the batter and starting on the frosting, they veer off in a different direction. The baker decides to prepare a collection of bread loaves. Not only that, but they’re using the cake ingredients they started with. They might be able to come up with something edible, but it is not going to be their best work. Our taste buds may think “Bread made out of cake! Yes, please!”. But the science of baking is going to have its say in the end. And science will win.
     
    A project that evolves too much after the initial planning stage will suffer. Completed work can become irrelevant and, as a result, a waste of time. Budgets, timelines, and expectations are going to jump right out the window. That’s why the planning and discovery phases are so crucial.

    Unreliable Bids and Estimates

    It’s not exactly a secret that you generally get what you pay for. But, that doesn’t stop people from trying to find the best deal possible. This often means getting more while paying less. Executives and planners will usually aim for this when preparing for a large web project. They’ll try to fool themselves into thinking that they can get a deal that’s too good to be true.

    Unfortunately, there are web developers out there who will over-promise and under-deliver. By the time a client figures this out, it’s too late. Now, they only have a series of choices left that range from ‘bad’ to ‘worse’. Do they keep sinking money into a plan that isn’t working or start over again with a different vendor? Either way, it’s going to lead to wasted money and effort.

    Want to Turn Your Web Development Project Into a Success?

    Need to relaunch your website or turn a failing web development project around? If so, the Atlantic BT creative team can help. Our experts design and program websites that work. We know the questions to ask before work ever begins.

    Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!

     

  • Why the EU GDPR is Important to You and Your Security

    On April 8, 2016, the EU adopted its General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These new rules went into effect on May 25, 2018. They are applicable in all EU member states and do not call for national legislation to make them valid. What does this mean for you and why is it important?


    The GDPR rules will have a strong impact on how other companies interact with EU members. The key component of these regulations is that they apply to companies outside of the EU. Anyone who is advertising or selling goods and services to an EU member must comply. Companies that accept currency from an EU member must comply. And anyone who asks for any kind of personal information, to gain consumer insights or use as a lead, must comply. A company outside the EU that is targeting customers within the EU is subject to GDPR.

    That’s intense. 92% of United States organizations see GDPR compliance as their top data-protection priority. And no wonder. Again, any company that interacts with EU citizens or businesses fall under GDPR. Failure to meet the requirements will result in serious fines. How serious? Over $23 million serious. And don’t forget the damage it could inflict on a company’s reputation.

    So, the big question is this: are you currently following the rules?

    What Does GDPR Require?

    Any organization which processes data has direct and significant obligations under GDPR. These data processor rules include (but are not limited to) the following requirements:

    • Keep a written record of processing activities carried out. There must be one record maintained on behalf of each controller of data collected.
    • Name a data protection officer where required.
    • Appoint a representative (when not established in the EU) in certain circumstances.
    • Notify the data controller immediately when becoming aware of a personal data breach.

    Data processors now have a new status. This will impact the handling of data protection matters in other commercial agreements.

    Data controllers must continue to provide transparent information to data subjects. For example, if the information gathered is going to be used for marketing purposes, the subject should have the right to object. So, the data controller must immediately share this when gathering the data. Of course, no one can take personal data without permission. Consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous. It must also be as easy to withdraw as it is to give. If the data subject has no genuine and free choice, that is not consent. Or, if they are unable to withdraw or refuse consent without repercussions? Fun fact: not consent. (Valuable life lesson, folks). Consent must be explicit for sensitive data. The data controller must also be able to prove that the subject did, indeed, give consent.

    What Do I Need to Do to Comply with GDPR?

    Given the complexity of GDPR, your response plan needs to be multi-dimensional. The first step is asking yourself the classic trio of data security questions:

    • Do you know all the personal data you have? This includes your customers, employees, contractors, patients, suppliers, and the like.
    • Where is this data stored and used? You need to have a deep understanding of where your data lives in transit and at rest. Be aware of whether it’s in the cloud, on separate hard drives, or backup tapes. And do not forget the mandate to have user consent on sharing that data!
    • How will you protect this data? Your applications, databases, and networks are complex. They all need multi-layer security measures in place to safeguard personal data. Knowing exactly what your organization needs is an in-depth discovery process. It can’t be a one size fits all fix. But, it is very important.

    Answering these questions will give you a high-level view of what you need to do to comply with GDPR. Conduct assessments on the potential impact of implementing these necessary changes. Also, include a consent management strategy and a plan to handle data access requests. Unfortunately, you should also prepare for the worst. Assess the possible impact of privacy violation. Better yet, include your legal team in the loop. Better still, make strong choices that ensure you never need them.

     Atlantic BT is well versed in the various regulations throughout the tech world. We develop functional, compliant websites that work for everyone. Contact us for more information on GDRP and for a free consultation to make sure your site is up to date.

  • The World of Institutional Web Design and How to Live There

    At Atlantic BT, we are leaders in the field of Institutional Web Design. New clients sometimes ask about this phrase; Institutional Web Design. They are curious. What does it mean and how is it different from other forms of web development?
     
    The short answer is this. Institutional Web Design involves building websites for large organizations. These could be corporations, universities, or even governmental departments. The budgets and proposals are large and complicated. So are the technical and creative requirements. This sets the web design process apart from that of a small business site. There are more considerations to juggle and organize.
     
    In the case of Institutional Web Design, “bigger” doesn’t mean adding more pages and content. It’s about managing a complex development process from the very beginning. The initial concept will lead to a web presence that is functional and secure. It will also align with the group’s ultimate goals. We’ll be there every step of the way.
     
    It’s always helpful to look at the big picture. Here are a few reasons Institutional Web Design is a unique specialty.

    There are Many Different Stakeholders

    A website built for any large company is going to have many different user groups. To make things even more interesting, few will overlap. There are customers, students, citizens, and shareholders to consider. Additionally, the website might need special features for members, faculty, or even management.
     
    Each of these user groups is going to have different needs and priorities. Generating a finished project that works for everyone is a big challenge. On top of that, there is the organizing of content. Every piece of content must be accessible and straightforward. It’s a lot to take on. Especially if you aren’t accustomed to working with large-scale web development.

    More Than One Outcome Matters

    Most small business owners have one goal in mind when they hire someone to design a website. They want to get more leads or sell more products and services. Their website is an extension of their existing sales and marketing efforts.
     
    But, at the institutional level, web design takes on other dimensions. Less tangible goals come into play. Public awareness or employee development can be important secondary priorities. This requires a bit more subtlety from a web design team. They must also have a firm understanding of what the client wants to achieve. The measurable outcomes are important. In this case, though, there are goals that have an impact that exist. You can’t measure them with hard numbers. But, they still need to have value to the whole team. Rather than looking for a quick fix, web designers are playing the long game.

    Institutions Have Existing Content and Branding to Consider

    Small business owners can begin their web design projects with a blank slate if they choose. They could carry over existing logos and text from a previous website or marketing piece. But their branding isn’t likely to see any damage done from the shift. If small elements change or something vanishes along the way, all will be well.
     
    For institutions, existing brand value might be extensive. Other campaigns that don’t involve a website could be ongoing. And, there could be a great deal of preservable content that needs to survive the journey to a new website. So, there has to be a strategy to integrate from one web presence to another. It must incorporate existing brand elements. Also, it has to keep any disruption to current users at a minimum.

    Need Help With Institutional Web Design?

    If you need help building a website for a large organization, why not turn to the experts? Contact Atlantic BT in North Carolina today to schedule a consultation. See how we can use our skills and experience to bring your vision to life.