Atlantic Business Technologies, Inc.

Author: Atlantic BT

  • From Chaos to Control: How a Technology Consultant Can Streamline Your Business’s Tech Assets

    From Chaos to Control: How a Technology Consultant Can Streamline Your Business’s Tech Assets

    Companies today face all sorts of disruptions, but the most complex among them comes from technology assets. Even if you were clear about your organization’s systems and platforms just a few years ago, chances are that everything has changed since then. Recognizing this, Atlantic BT steps in as a leading technology consultant, offering a suite of services to help organizations navigate the ever-changing technological landscape.

    You may find that you’re spending more time keeping up with technology than you are on your core business functions, which will cause your business to suffer. Perhaps your workers are continually burned out because in addition to carrying out their core jobs, they are having to put out technology fires. 

    Successful companies adapt to new technology changes in order to maintain their market presence, increase their market share and keep up with the competition. If your organization is struggling to keep up with the ever changing technological landscape, it may be time to partner with a technology consultant.  

    What is a Technology Consultant?

    Technology consultants are indispensable allies in today’s digital age. They guide businesses through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, advising them on the use of modern tools. Possessing the right digital technology can propel a business to the forefront of innovation and significantly enhance revenue generation.

    An experienced technology consultant will bring a robust understanding of technology, its workings, and its business applications. This expertise is rooted in extensive industry experience and an educational background in technology, enabling them to help businesses leverage technology effectively and efficiently.

    Exploring Key Technologies for Business Growth

    In the digital era, businesses are increasingly leveraging a variety of technologies to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth. These technologies, ranging from Content Management Systems and Customer Relationship Management systems, to data analytics tools and cybersecurity measures, serve as the backbone of modern businesses. They not only automate and simplify complex processes but also provide valuable insights, improve online visibility, and ensure the security of digital assets.   

    Here’s a closer look at some of these key technologies and how they benefit businesses:

    • Content Management Systems (CMS) for managing and updating website content.
    • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems for tracking customer interactions.
    • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for managing business processes. 
    • Data Analytics tools to derive insights from large volumes of data.
    • Social Media Management tools for managing their online presence.
    • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools for improving their website’s visibility on search engines.
    • Cybersecurity measures to protect their digital assets.
    • Cloud Computing services for scalable computing resources.
    • E-commerce platforms for online sales. 

    Each of these technologies plays a crucial role in the digital transformation journey of a business, and having the right guidance can make all the difference. 

    What Does a Technology Consultant Do?

    Technology advisory partners get to know your firm’s technology needs well, help you architect your technology strategy, and then use deep knowledge and experience to execute these strategies. 

    They can help you with your existing technology footprint or guide you in building new transformation initiatives. They exist to help you achieve your business objectives, reduce risks, make life easier for your employees, and keep your company safe from cyber threats. An experienced consultant can also help you with insights on industry best practices, recommend new technology adoption or technology upgrades and even help host and maintain your critical technology. 

    These partners – which are often managed services providers – already have relationships with companies that provide access to core and emerging technologies such as business process automation, HR management, and cloud-based operations. This can take the pressure off your own staff so they can focus on growing your business and meeting customer expectations. 

    “A managed service provider (MSP) delivers services, such as network, application, infrastructure and security, via ongoing and regular support and active administration on customers’ premises, in their MSP’s data center (hosting), or in a third-party data center.” – Gartner

    When working with a managed service provider or technology consultant, businesses can expect comprehensive support across a multitude of areas:

    • Custom Software Development: Technology consultants often aid in the creation of tailor-made software solutions, while also ensuring their maintenance, updates and security.
    • Technology Infrastructure Updates: Consultants can assist in planning for infrastructure changes, forecasting costs, and conducting risk assessments.
    • Repairs and Maintenance: They can cater to the support needs of the company’s IT tools, which includes software, hardware, network connections, and cybersecurity tools.
    • Project Management: Some consultants assume a project management role, supervising development and implementation projects within the company.
    • Cybersecurity: Technology companies who specialize in cybersecurity can advise businesses on the latest security measures and tools available in the industry.

     

    About Atlantic BT

    Atlantic BT is an award-winning managed service provider located in Raleigh, NC. We’ve been in business since 1998 and have served as a trusted technology consultant for enterprise businesses since our inception. Training Industry has been a client of ours for over a decade. Read more here about how our technology consulting services have helped their business to grow. For more information about working with Atlantic BT, visit our website, or call us at 919-518-0670, or send us a message to schedule some time to chat.

  • You Get What You Pay For: Measuring Software Quality

    You Get What You Pay For: Measuring Software Quality

    “You get what you pay for” is a phrase that applies to many parts of life, and software development is no exception. However, much of what goes into software development is a bit of a mystery to the layman, and understandably so. 

    It took me four years of education to gain a cursory understanding and many more years of hands-on experience to gain real knowledge of software development. So if you aren’t a technical expert and you’re paying for software development services, how can you truly evaluate quality? 

    The difference often lies in four areas: change management, planning and review, automation, and testing. 

    Simply put, companies that get these right produce higher quality software than those that don’t. These key elements drive efficiency, building software with fewer errors while creating a structure that facilitates future development

    Change Management

    Source Control

    We store code in a source control repository, meaning every change we make is tracked and saved. Furthermore, multiple developers can work on a project at once without fear of overwriting each other’s changes. 

    We also practice Infrastructure as Code. This means that hosting environments are scripted as code and stored in the repository, ensuring that infrastructure can be stood up in a repeatable manner. The benefits include simplified maintenance, testing, and disaster recovery.

    Versioned Releases

    Every deployment is planned and versioned so that we know the exact state of our software and when it got there. Being able to reference past work enables us to add new features quickly and easily.

    Planning & Review

    Feature Specifications

    Every feature is planned using a consistent format. We outline the feature’s business objective, document our assumptions and questions, outline dependencies, formulate a work plan, and determine how to test if it’s working correctly. We prefer to measure twice, cut once.

    Code Reviews

    Every line of code that’s written is reviewed by another developer. Nothing is released without peer review and approval.

    Automation

    Continuous Integration

    Code from all developers is run through software that compiles or parses the code, triggers the automated tests, and reports back on coding style and complexity. This happens daily (sometimes several times a day) and allows us to detect problems early – before code is deployed.

    Automated Deployments

    We remove the human element of error by automating our deployments. Continuous Integration Servers run in parallel with deployment tools to ensure that our clients’ code reaches the intended servers efficiently and consistently.

    Testing

    Automated Tests

    Every project is shipped with automated tests in place to ensure performance, accessibility, and predictable functionality. We use unit tests, integration tests, visual regression tests, accessibility tests, and load tests to ensure that the software we build behaves exactly as it should.

    Acceptance Criteria

    Acceptance criteria define the technical requirements of development work, and we write our acceptance criteria in Gherkin. This provides the perfect blend of human readability with technical specificity, and can also be used with automated testing.

    Quality Assurance

    We still test the good old fashioned way too. Every feature is tested against its acceptance criteria by a Quality Assurance Engineer. Before a feature is released, we ensure that the user experience is precisely as we intended it to be.

    Spend Your Money Wisely

    Through effective change management, planning and review, automation, and testing, we produce top quality software for our clients. 

    If you’re already working with a software development partner, ask if they’re doing these things for your project. If they aren’t, then you’re likely getting less than you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and we can discuss applying these best practices for your next software development project.

  • 3 Reasons It’s Time to Move On From AngularJS and Zend Framework 2

    3 Reasons It’s Time to Move On From AngularJS and Zend Framework 2

    AngularJS was once one of the most popular structural frameworks for dynamic web applications. The beauty of this tool was that it let you use HTML as your template language and build applications without the code otherwise needed. Developers had come to love its ease of use and the speed with which they could offer complete application builds. 

    Another popular open-source tool, Zend Framework, also made it easy to produce and manage PHP-based websites for a long time by creating object-oriented web applications using PHP 5 scripting language. 

    Both did an incredible job for years – but as with everything, time changes things and there are better, more efficient ways to get application building done. 

    The world of software development is changing. Creating applications that are far more scalable, and secure and that meet the constantly changing demands of the market requires change. 

    In 2014, Zend Framework 2 stopped being maintained and after pushing back its support end date due to the pandemic, AngularJS support support officially ended in January 2022. 

    Angular, now replaces AngularJS and is a typescript-based rebuild of the AngularJS framework. As a more modern web framework, it includes a number of improvements. The latest version, Angular 15, was developed by Google and released on November 16, 2022, and supports the latest TypeScript 4.8 release. 

    Zend Framework has now been renamed Laminas Project and is under an open governance model managed by the Linux Foundation. It includes a number of professional PHP-based packages for web applications in PHP 7. Laravel is another popular and widely supported PHP framework.

    With AngularJS and Zend Framework 2 now both obsolete and new tools coming out all the time, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll move your applications into the next generation. Not convinced? Here are 3 important reasons to move on to new application tools.

    Security Issues

    Even if your website and applications are still working as they should, it’s important to not ignore the security risks involved with outdated, no longer supported tools. Vulnerabilities in web applications are serious and costly risks. They can allow hackers to go in and manipulate the source code of an application, gain unauthorized access to private data and even interfere with the normal operation of a website or web application. Migrating to a modern web framework is the best defense against these types of vulnerabilities as most come loaded with techniques to protect against common breach types.

    Slow Loading 

    Performance is a critical factor in the success of a business. People expect instant results when they use an application, and anything less is intolerable to them. This is a major problem for businesses because slow-loading applications lead to lost revenues, unhappy customers, and other problems. When your applications are not up to date, you will have trouble keeping up with performance requirements. One way to combat slow loading times is to make sure that you have the most recent version of the PHP or web application framework. Updates happen periodically and should always be maintained.

    Scalability Limitations

    It’s important to have an appropriate technology stack when creating a scalable web application. A good framework is one of the key factors in ensuring scalability, but it must be updated and maintained regularly if you want to avoid common problems.

    The best way to move forward with your application development strategy is by making sure your team has all the information they need to make smart decisions. That’s where we come in! We have worked with hundreds of companies just like yours to help them make those big decisions for their software development future.

    We’d love to help you get started on your journey toward building applications that are future-ready. Reach out today and let us know how we can help!

  • Why Your Content Management System Matters

    Why Your Content Management System Matters

    In the twenty-first century, content is king. Highly targeted and well-crafted content is one of your organization’s most important assets. It’s the tool you use to create positive experiences for your customers and potential customers, enticing them to come back for more. It’s the means to capture your audience’s attention and continually reinforce a positive opinion of your brand. With content as a tool, your content management system should be considered your toolbox.

    For this reason, it’s critical that all companies, regardless of size, have a reliable content management system (CMS) in place for the easy creation, management, and governance of digital content. The right system will serve a broad range of needs from web content management (WCM) to enterprise content management (ECM).

    Which Content Management System Should You Choose?

    Given how urgent content creation is today, a wide variety of content management systems are available, ranging from simple CMS solutions for specific tasks to highly complex enterprise-grade systems. Not only is choosing the right CMS important, but configuring, administering, and maintaining it is crucial. If a system doesn’t meet your organization’s needs, it’s unlikely it will be used to its full potential, and your content will suffer.

    It’s critical, when looking for a content management solution, that you find one that not only meets your needs today but that will meet your needs in the future. For this reason, it’s important to choose a scalable system that supports a variety of channels…even channels you’re not using yet.

    Wix, WordPress, Drupal, Shopify, and Joomla are considered the top five CMS platforms available on the market today (Forbes 11.06.2023).

    Resist the Temptation to DIY your Content Management System

    Since saving resources today is very critical, it’s tempting to think you can build your own custom CMS. While it may seem like saving you money, most professionals will tell you that it’s unlikely to work without hiccups. Your team members don’t have the years of experience necessary to create and support a good CMS platform. (And even if they do, chances are that they don’t have the time.) Custom builds are prone to failure if not executed properly and can waste a lot of time and money before they invariably do work. You want a content management system that allows your employees to implement campaigns and strategies that increase your digital presence instead of spending valuable time managing the technology itself.

    Quality of Support Is as Important as the Solution

    Content management systems are complex and will require significant support even if you choose the ideal solution for your organization. If the platform is not available when you need it, your business will suffer. Look for a solution that allows developers to work without disrupting the creation and management of content.

    Hire a Professional Consultant

    At Atlantic BT, our CMS consultants help you identify and prioritize needs, performing a comparative analysis of a subset that most closely matches your criteria. This method is similar to a personalized magic quadrant analysis. Once we’ve helped you choose a content management system, we’ll set it up for you, optimizing the solution for your needs. We’ll carry out necessary upgrades and maintenance to keep it working for your organization. Whatever your volume, traffic, and disaster recovery needs, we can architect, build and maintain the hosting structure for your CMS. Learn more about our website redesign services here.

    Atlantic BT is an award-winning technology firm located in Raleigh, NC. We offer enterprise web design, accessibility testing, IT consulting, software development, cybersecurity, and cloud technology to help clients easily manage, secure, and scale their core technologies. We combine full-service digital marketing with custom software development and technology solutions. Our awards stem from outstanding results in all aspects of digital, from UX design to modernizing applications. For more information, visit our website or call us at 919-518-0670.

  • The Benefits of Outsourcing Your Web Development

    The Benefits of Outsourcing Your Web Development

    Here’s a scenario: you run a business and have an in-house web development employee. This individual controls your critical digital platforms and helps support your vital business systems. One day, this person gets a better offer from another company and departs. Perhaps they get recruited by NASA to join the Mars program or decide to move to the mountains and just ski and enjoy life. 

    Whatever the reason, this individual takes nearly all your web development knowledge and know-how out the door, and your business immediately feels the pinch. For some, it even leads to an operations catastrophe. Building up a business takes a lot of work and something like this could be a deathblow to a burgeoning enterprise. 

    Why it’s a Good Idea to Outsource Web Development

    While your own situation may not be quite so dramatic, there’s a good chance you won’t have your web development person forever, and a sudden departure won’t leave you with enough time to transfer knowledge to someone new. 

    This will result in lost knowledge, delayed projects, customer displeasure, workforce chaos and lost revenue. Good reasons to outsource include the following:

    Risk mitigation. By aligning your company’s future with a professional web design and development firm, your business can mitigate the very real risk of sudden brain drain. Outsourced web development companies can provide all the same services as your in-house personnel – while also offering a broader range of services that can help your company grow.

    A new perspective. If you’re not 101 percent pleased with your company’s website, it may be because you’re stuck in a rut. After all, a single individual can only work from a single perspective. Outsourcing your website development is a great way to introduce new perspectives to your web presence. Having someone working internally on your software and programs means they know it well, but access to even more creativity and talent to solve technical challenges is a reason to outsource as well. Today’s technologies are growing and changing at a rapid pace and having a team of dedicated individuals who are skilled in all of these areas can provide incredible benefits in terms of growth and resiliency for your business.

    Search engine optimization. While your current website developer may wield a mean on-site banner ad, he or she may not be an expert in other tools and solutions that will further optimize and expand your possibilities for growth and future-readiness. A professional web development and IT consulting company will have experts on staff to assist you in building a more robust technology environment. 

    It consolidates marketing responsibility. In many businesses, it’s the marketing team that is expected to put a great deal of time and effort into the website. Unfortunately, this responsibility often leaves the marketing team with less time to do their actual job: marketing. Outsourcing allows your employees to focus on their core job responsibilities, which will help your business grow and succeed.

    Partner with a Professional

    Atlantic BT is an award-winning technology firm located in Raleigh, NC. We’ve been building websites since 1998, providing 25+ years of web development experience that your business can capitalize on. We also offer website redesign services, IT consulting, software development, cybersecurity, and cloud technology to help clients easily manage, secure, and scale their core technologies. Our awards stem from outstanding results in all aspects of digital, from UX design to modernizing applications. For more information, contact us or call us at 919-518-0670. 

  • Five questions to ask a potential SEO firm.

    Five questions to ask a potential SEO firm.

    It’s easy for SEO firms to lie to businesses who have little SEO experience in-house. In fact, when you look behind the curtain, many SEO agencies have spammy practices or are a one man shop pretending to be larger.

    That’s why it’s important to ask the right questions when vetting an SEO agency. Better still, learn how to evaluate their answers.

    1. Ask if page 1 rankings are guaranteed.

    If an SEO firm promises rankings or immediate results right from the beginning, it’s a major red flag. For one, it is dishonest to promise something that is beyond their control. Basically, claiming that your site will rank #1 or show up on the first page for a specific keyword is not accurate.

    The reason is that nobody but the major search engines (Google , Yahoo and MSN) control how websites rank in their organic search results. No SEO firm can guarantee results because they have no control over the search engines algorithms.

    It is true that a reputable SEO firm understands what factors go into ranking websites and can help increase search engine visibility, but no quality firm will ever promise rankings. Look for month-to-month contracts, references from existing customers, or portfolio of results.

    2. Ask what is involved in a successful SEO strategy.

    SEO Process

    A legitimate SEO firm is able to explain what goes into a successful SEO strategy in plain English; not some overly technical industry jargon. Every strategy should mention important on-page and off-page optimization, tracking results through website analytics, content development, link building, and continuous tweaking/testing to increase rankings and conversion rates.

    3. Ask when you can expect to see results.

    Setting proper expectations on both ends is key. Any firm that says you will be fully optimized in 2 weeks is lying. A successful SEO campaign is ongoing and always improving.

    The first thing the SEO firm should ask you is what are you goals? Without understanding what you are trying to accomplish, there is no way anyone can give proper expectations. Once your goals are established, the following can be determined: realistic expectations based on the current condition of your website, an understanding of your competition, and how much time/money/resources you can devote towards SEO efforts.

    A quality SEO firm will not necessary be able to say that you will see results in exactly 2 months; however, they should be able to give you a range as to when you will start to see a noticeable increase in traffic and conversions.

    4. Ask how SEO efforts are measured.

    In order to track whether your SEO efforts are successful or not, you need to monitor your website analytics, ranking reporting, and any other type of marketing measurements your company has readily available.

    This is also a question for both teams. You’ll want to let an agency know how you measure success so you can align goals. Then, find out how an agency will track and report on how their efforts contribute to goals.

    5. Ask how often you’ll collaborate on progress and strategy.

    meeting1_full

    Since SEO consists of an initial SEO setup and then ongoing monthly maintenance, it is important that the SEO firm outlines when and how often you will meet to discuss your SEO strategy.

    As the search engine’s algorithms change, your SEO firm will need to get creative, try new strategies, and make adjustments as required. In an effort to have both marketing and SEO strategies running in line, meeting regularly is recommended. It is not uncommon to meet on  a monthly or quarterly basis to talk about your website analytics, conversion goals, and recommendations to improve your SEO.  It is also important to see what the firm has been doing to improve traffic, conversions, etc.

    A good SEO firm knows that they will require the assistance of their client to get them where they need to be. It is a true partnership between client and SEO firm. Because content development is such a big part of SEO, the company should devote some resources for writing articles, blogs, and press releases. Ask the firm how you can help to increase results faster.

    Need help with digital strategy?

    If you need help finding a vendor for ongoing SEO, we’re happy to help you out. Atlantic BT is also happy to perform SEO audits, offer guidance throughout your SEO strategy, and develop a website that supports SEO. Contact us to see how we can help you out.