Atlantic Business Technologies, Inc.

Author: Matt Lemke

  • Thoughts on Open Source and the WordPress Community

    Thoughts on Open Source and the WordPress Community

    Updated: October 23, 2024, as new details and perspectives have emerged.

    WP Engine and WordPress

    It is not surprising that WordPress.org is blocking WP Engine and that Matt Mullenweg is publicly discussing what they have refused to commit to or give back. At some point, communities feel taken advantage of and absolutely must enforce the terms of their licenses. Open Source licensing adherence is critical to the future success of Open Source communities.   

    WordPress holds a special place in the open-source collaboration and innovation CMS ecosystem. Moreover, Matt Mullenweg’s vision and Automattic’s reach have empowered countless individuals and businesses to build and maintain their online presence. Recent events have sparked discussions within the WordPress community, highlighting the delicate balance between open-source ideals and commercial interests. This begs the question, where do we draw the line? Should open-source platforms force contributions? We think not. Should open-source software get paid dividends from successful businesses built on them? Obviously no.

    The essence of open-source

    Open-source software is more than just freely available code; it’s a philosophy that promotes transparency, collaboration, and collective progress. WordPress, as an open-source content management system (CMS), has thrived because of its community-driven approach. Developers worldwide contribute to its core, ensuring it remains secure, flexible, and up-to-date with the latest web standards.

    Mullenweg’s vision

    Matt Mullenweg co-founded WordPress with the aim of democratizing publishing. His commitment to keeping WordPress free and open has enabled a diverse ecosystem of themes, plugins, and services. This ecosystem not only fosters innovation but also provides opportunities for businesses and developers to offer specialized solutions that enhance the core functionality of WordPress. Atlantic BT leverages WordPress, amongst other open-source technologies, to power many of the sites we build. Admittedly, we could do more to give back, and this conversation illuminates that for me. 

    The role of commercial entities

    Companies like WP Engine have built successful businesses within the WordPress ecosystem, offering managed hosting and other premium services. While commercial entities play a significant role in expanding WordPress’s reach, their operations must align with the fundamental principles of the open-source community. It’s also critical that we follow the terms of the licensing models very closely when we discuss and leverage these tools. 

    Tensions can arise when commercial interests potentially overshadow or conflict with open-source values. It’s during these times that the community must engage in constructive dialogue to ensure that the platform’s integrity remains intact. What has happened recently makes one wonder what the argument is really about in this case. There are lawyers involved and billionaires battling it out over money with the future of open-source at stake. Can you imagine a world where the Apache Software Foundation wanted a portion of profits for using their tools? I

    Why We No Longer Support Matt Mullenweg and WordPress.org

    Preservation of Open Source Values: Upholding the principles of open source ensures that WordPress remains accessible and beneficial to all users, not just those who can afford premium services. However, the actions targeting the actual contributions from a company like WP Engine to the community in plugin takeover and other actions go against the ethos of open-source.

    Community-Centric Development: Decisions made through the WordPress.org community involve diverse perspectives, leading to more robust and inclusive solutions but the decisions of one individual seem to outweigh that collective.

    Transparency and Trust: Open-source projects thrive on transparency, fostering trust among users and contributors alike. This trust is paramount for the continued success of WordPress.

    As advocates for open-source software and long-time supporters of Matt Mullenweg’s vision, we believe that staying true to the foundational values of WordPress is essential for its future. We encourage all members of the WordPress community, including commercial entities like WP Engine, to collaborate in a manner that respects and promotes these shared ideals.

    We invite our readers and fellow WordPress enthusiasts to join the conversation. Let’s work together to ensure that WordPress continues to be a platform where innovation thrives, and where the interests of the community are always at the forefront.

    At Atlantic BT, we are committed to leveraging the power of WordPress to deliver exceptional digital experiences. Contact us to learn how we can help you make the most of this incredible platform.

  • Five reasons to outsource your software development project.

    Five reasons to outsource your software development project.

    There are many scenarios where it could make sense to outsource a software project. But first, let’s clarify the difference between outsourced development and offshore development.

    You could outsource to an offshore firm. You could also outsource to a company in your backyard. In this post we are talking about partnering with a software development agency in your backyard, not overseas. 

    Here are a few reasons outsourcing might be the smarter and easier route.

    1. Your team lacks the technical skills needed for this project.

    Although It would be convenient if all programmers had the qualifications to work on all projects, that’s far from reality. Each developer has a unique set of technical skills and experiences. You could have many highly-qualified and capable people on your team. But that does not guarantee that they are a good fit to build the kind of software you need at the moment. By turning to an outsourced team, you can find teams that specialize in exactly what you’re looking for. When you’re positive you’ll get the specific knowledge needed for the job, you lower your risk of missing deadlines and making mistakes.

    2. A new project could derail your busy team.

    In other cases, your software development team may have the right background needed for your project. But companies with in-house programmers usually have many ongoing needs. Your team may not have time in their schedule to give the project necessary attention and care.

    Or maybe your team is focused on other features and don’t want to do the upkeep or grunt work on a new application. Adding a large job on top of existing duties can slow down work on critical tasks. It can also leave your new development project in a perpetual purgatory. On the other hand, let’s say your programmers do have the time to tackle the new project. Do they have expertise in using new tools? Buying necessary tools to complete a new project and training your software development team is costly.

    3. You need the project finished on a tight deadline.

    An outsourced programming team is your best bet when you need a new piece of software finished yesterday. They have the ability to devote a specific group of developers to the job and on your schedule. 

    When you outsource a project, it is with the intent that the team you’ve hired focuses on your deadline. They’ll go to work knowing that time is of the essence and a vital part of making the project a success.

    And let’s not forget about money as motivation. Your outsourced team is working under different financial parameters than your in-house programmers. Payment is dependent on a successful project completed on time.

    Your in-house programmers are most likely salaried and not facing the same pressure. In other words, a vendor has more incentives to work at the pace you need than your salaried employees might.

    4. You want an outsourced perspective on the project.

    Deciding to outsource your software development project brings about many benefits, aside from providing you with extra hands to do the work. You also get the benefit of many years experience and a new perspective. Your vendor has, thus far, not been a part of the process. They weren’t in the same meetings. They can see the project through the lens of their own expertise, finding patterns over time. They know the causes of your pain and can help you avoid common pitfalls.Your vendor can also look at the merits and constraints of the job with a more critical eye. This allows them to ask better questions and give more productive feedback. The result will be a stronger app or piece of software. The project will not only meet your standards, they will exceed them

    5. You need user experience perspective.

    Let’s face it, software developers are great at writing code and all the fancy DevOps automation, but they often lack the necessary empathy to be critical of the user experience they are creating. A critical step to deliver a satisfactory UX will involve bringing in an outside team to provoke conversations. Have structured conversations around how the user interface and user experience are impacting the software and ultimately business value.Outsourcing software development can reduce stress.It’s always great to have your own team of trusted and talented programmers in your company, but you don’t have to rely on them for every project. In fact, letting a partner handle excess can create focus and boost employee happiness. We’re always game for any type of project thrown our way. Learn more about our process and reach out. We’d be glad to have a more in-depth conversation about your specific needs and what we can do to help.

  • Unleashing the Power of Cloud with Atlantic BT’s Select Tier AWS Partnership

    Unleashing the Power of Cloud with Atlantic BT’s Select Tier AWS Partnership

    Welcome to the future of cloud computing, where we, as a Select tier AWS partner, are ready to take your business to new heights. Our partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) is more than just a badge—it’s a testament to our commitment to delivering top-tier cloud solutions to our clients.

    The AWS Partner Network (APN) Advantage

    Being part of the AWS Partner Network (APN) is a significant achievement. The APN is a global community of partners who are committed to helping customers build, market, and sell their AWS offerings. This includes a wide range of services from storage and databases to analytics and machine learning.

    As a Select tier partner, we’ve proven our expertise in AWS services. We’ve passed rigorous certification processes and demonstrated our ability to deliver effective solutions. We’re not just experts—we’re trusted professionals with a track record of success.

    Take, for example, our work with Mutual Drug – a billion-dollar business that supplies more than 500 pharmacies with over 25,000 drugs and other items. With a business model completely dependent on online transactions, Mutual Drug recognizes the importance of superior network reliability and Amazon Web Services’ position as the leader in this space. Several years ago, we helped Mutual Drug to create a scalable and fault-tolerant hosting solution on Amazon Web Services. 

    Delivering Success with AWS Partner Led Business Support

    Our partnership with AWS extends beyond the Select tier. We’re also part of AWS’s Partner Led Business Support program. This program enables us to provide our customers with extensive technical support, ensuring their AWS solutions are optimized for their specific needs.

    We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of the cloud. Our team of certified professionals will guide you through every step of your cloud journey, from initial consultation, to ongoing support, and through your first production incident. We’re committed to delivering solutions that drive your business success and keep you secure.

    Why Choose a Select Tier AWS Partner?

    As a Select tier partner, we’ve met specific requirements set by AWS, including extensive training and a proven track record of customer success. But we’re not just a partner—we’re a proven, endorsed team of cloud professionals.

    It’s tempting to chalk up this success to simply choosing the right technology and capabilities to master, then implementing these solutions for our clients.  But the truth is, we got here because of the effectiveness and empathy of our team. How they creatively approach problems, while collaborating with clients, matters. 

    To really delight clients, you need more than intelligence and expertise. You need a spirit of cooperation that listens closely to a client’s unique situation. That is the inspiration to design an inclusive process to craft, test, and optimize technology. 

    The Future is in the Cloud

    The benefits of cloud computing are extensive. From increased efficiency to cost savings, the cloud is transforming the way businesses operate. As a Select tier AWS partner, we’re at the forefront of this transformation. We’re not just delivering cloud solutions—we’re building the future.

    Ready to Elevate Your Business?

    Are you ready to take your business to the next level with AWS? As a Select tier AWS partner, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our AWS services and how we can help you achieve your business goals.

  • Why Your Website Needs Accessibility

    Why Your Website Needs Accessibility

    We’ve all heard the saying that “content is king” when it comes to the web. But what if you’re a sight-impaired person trying to access your favorite website? In a perfect world, your screen would read out all of the text on the page and give you the option to click on links. That’s where website accessibility works: to ensure that everyone has access to the same information and tools, regardless of disability or other factors.

    Most of us already know that there are rules for physical premises when it comes to accessibility for people with disabilities, either physical or socio-economic. Fewer know that accessibility can apply to online content, as well. 

    The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates something called WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliance, which is a means of designing websites, tools, and technologies so that people with disabilities can use them as easily as possible. WCAG compliance covers several types of disabilities, including blindness and low vision, deafness and hearing loss, limited movement, speech disabilities, neurological limitations such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s, and cognitive limitations such as learning disabilities. 

    The goal of ADA compliance is the creation of a website that uses a variety of different design and web development practices to assist people with disabilities in successfully navigating the site.

    Who Needs to Have an Accessible Website?

    The ADA requires state and local governments to be accessible under Title I and any business that is open to the public under Title III. 

    State and local government websites, as well as any private business that receives federal funding receive the most scrutiny for accessibility. An inaccessible website can bar users with disabilities from the government entity’s services, events, and activities.

    Websites are increasingly becoming accepted as public spaces and public spaces are required to be accessible in order to be ADA compliant. The Department of Justice has historically interpreted that ADA compliance applies to all “goods, services, privileges, or activities offered by public accommodations, including those offered on the web.” Public websites may include those for:

    • Retail
    • Restaurants
    • Hotels, Inns, and Motels
    • Hospitals and Medical Offices
    • Banks
    • Theaters and Sports Arenas

    What are the Benefits of Accessibility?

    There are numerous benefits to making your website ADA compliant. In terms of customer retention, it’s a good idea to design web content to be as accessible to as many people as possible. Users with disabilities are a highly under-served segment, so ADA compliance can help your organization differentiate itself from competitors. Accessible sites and apps allow more people to engage with your organization, buy your products, or access your services. 

    Some other ways that Accessibility benefits your organization include:

    • Reduced risk of legal complications
    • Improved user experience for everyone
    • Improved website Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

    Simply put, managing your accessibility is part of building a modern, robust digital platform.

    How Do We Know We’re Compliant?

    Companies seeking ADA compliance often undergo a website accessibility audit that includes both automated and manual testing to ensure compliance. The audits help companies identify problems and put them on the path to improving their practices, reaching a broader audience, and avoiding discrimination or legal complications.

    What is the Process for ADA-Accessibility Audits?

    The process is quite straightforward. Once you identify a company that performs accessibility testing, you provide your contact information with the website you’d like the company to review. In particular, you will want your homepage, service/product pages, contact page, and other key landing pages reviewed. Once the report is completed, the company will follow up with a call to discuss their initial findings and share their detailed accessibility audit report with recommendations.

    If problems are suspected, the audit company will set up automated testing to catch code issues that make your site inaccessible. The experts may recommend that you update old, inaccessible document repositories to be compliant with modern standards, and can help you develop your accessibility remediation strategy and work with a trusted partner to ensure your site stays up to date.

    Consult a Professional Web Design and Development Company

    Atlantic BT is an award-winning technology firm located in Raleigh, NC. We offer enterprise web design, website 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, contact us or call us at 919-518-0670.

  • Why User Testing is Critical for UX

    Why User Testing is Critical for UX

    Disjointed user experiences are a widespread marketing pain point, according to research conducted by Gartner. User testing is a powerful tool that can help businesses identify and rectify these disjointed UXs, enhancing website performance and ultimately leading to improved customer satisfaction and increased conversions.

    “Siloed UX approaches based on traditional channel mentality are preventing organizations from delivering a seamless digital customer user experience to internal and external audiences,” said the company. 

    In the past, user testing was a complex process, and it often involved collecting volunteers into labs and using high-tech solutions such as eye-tracking cameras. These high-tech solutions, of course, had high costs to go along with them. Luckily, times have changed, and companies are now offering a new generation of usability testing solutions and strategies.

    In Gartner’s report entitled, “Drive Seamless Digital Customer Experiences with Composable UX,” the company noted that a better strategy around customer data management and customer journey intelligence is needed to make composable UX attainable.

    What is Composable UX? 

    Forbes has noted that composable UX helps businesses keep up with the lightning speed of change. It flexes as circumstances shift, allowing for the real-time assembly, combination, and orchestration of individual customer employee experience capabilities from a robust set of building blocks: product, marketplace, CX ecosystem, and development. It’s labeled as “composable” to differentiate it from the brittle, inflexible user experiences of the past. 

    Why Is User Testing So Important?

    In order to serve your customers and enable your employees, you need to know what their needs are before you can begin to address them. (Guessing seldom works out for anyone.) User experience testing, of course, is the process of testing different aspects of the user experience to determine the best way for a solution, a website, or an app to interact with its core audience.

    The following are some of the most critical processes that must be undertaken to engage in effective user testing: 

    Usability testing. This involves putting a website to the test to see if usability problems are stopping your users from reaching their goals.

    Contextual inquiry. During this step, you’ll uncover opportunities for improvement by watching users interact with your sites and products.

    Surveys. There is no substitute for asking users directly about their experiences, so in this stage, you’ll gather large-scale feedback from customers on the questions that you need answers to. 

    Tree testing. This is a way for you to visualize your user experiences (as a decision tree) to figure out where your navigation might be confusing for users. 

    Card sorting. Understand how users group your content by hearing straight from them how they think your topics should be organized.

    Benchmarking. Learning from the best is still a great way to gain insight into the design of the user experience. Perform large-scale user testing to compare efficiency and effectiveness between different designs.

    Consult a Professional Web Design and Development Company

    If you’re in doubt, it’s worthwhile to turn to professionals to jump-start the user experience testing process.

    Atlantic BT is an award-winning technology firm located in Raleigh, NC. We offer enterprise web design, IT consulting, software development, cybersecurity, and cloud technology to help clients easily manage, secure, and scale their core technologies. We combine full-service digital transformations 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 on how we can help improve your website performance with user testing, contact us or call us at 919-518-0670. 

  • How are you leveraging your data?

    How are you leveraging your data?

    As we leverage more tools and create more sophisticated digital engagements/experiences, we have more and more data about our customers available. With customer experience data alone, the average organization has over two dozen potential technology applications and data sources to leverage customer data (1) These include multiple social media streams, CRM platforms, marketing automation, PPC advertising, Point of Sale/eCommerce, survey tools, email marketing tools, and the list goes on. 

    There is so much we can do with data, but many organizations, managers, and executives feel like data exercises are frustrating and time-consuming. How can all this data be useful if we don’t have ways to connect, view, measure, and act on it?  

    While technological advances may have gotten us to this issue of data overload, technology is also the solution to making data more meaningful and useful. Imagine the possibilities for efficiency when all of your information is available in one single location and all working together. This may sound like a costly endeavor, but the return on investment will be well worth it. According to a study by the University of Texas in Austin on Fortune 1000 companies, a 10% increase in data usability could increase a company’s revenue by over $2 billion. (2) 

    Suggestions for using technology to make data more meaningful:

    Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Integrations

    As the hub that ties all other administrative applications of an organization together, an ERP system is usually the most massive piece of software in an organization. The system includes modules for every facet of the business – finance, accounting, customer management, human resources, manufacturing, inventory management. Most organizations cannot afford to operate without the automation, integration, and efficiencies an ERP delivers. 

    Having a way to get information out of an ERP into other systems for specific reporting or usage is critical in today’s IT environment. Leaving data locked away in an ERP system may be slowing you down.

    Having an application in place to automate these ETL functions of your business should only be the beginning. The real magic comes when you have meaningful data pipelines to get the information to the right departments, clients, or executives at the right time and in the format they need it.

    Better Integration with your SaaS, Custom, and Third-Party Apps 

    Successful organizations leverage many different systems to achieve results — ERP, CRM, eCommerce platforms, accounting, analytics, marketing automation, channel/marketplace integrations, warehouse, fulfillment, and more. Most modern applications are built leveraging API’s. These API’s are the gateway to integrating systems and more importantly their underlying data. For software without an API custom software and services may be able to unlock that data and get it into the hands of the right people. 

    The takeaway – the cost of increasing data effectiveness is relatively minor compared to the resulting substantial returns. 

    —-

    At Atlantic BT we have over two decades of experience building software and integrating software to work more efficiently together. Not every source of data or software application “plays nice.” That won’t stop us. We can build unique ways to harvest and integrate data, even if it’s not easy. We love a good challenge. What’cha got?