Atlantic Business Technologies, Inc.

Category: Managed Services

  • How to tell if my website is outdated?

    How to tell if my website is outdated?

    If your website is not responsive, not accessible, not performant (mobile included), or leveraging outdated or insecure technology, it may be a sign that your website is outdate. This can give the impression that your business is not reliable or trustworthy. In such cases, it’s crucial to consider the services of a company specializing in website development to ensure your site is up-to-date and effective.

    Outdated websites that are not compatible with modern web browsers and devices can lead to poor user experiences. This can include issues such as slow loading times, broken features, and security vulnerabilities. And since users expect websites to be reliable and functional, these issues can be frustrating and off-putting.

    Add to this the fact that old, outdated websites may not comply with modern web design and accessibility standards – such as a website that doesn’t use responsive web design principles. It may not display properly on mobile devices, or if it doesn’t comply with accessibility standards it may exclude users with disabilities. 

    You may think that because your website still seems okay, it’s okay to not update things. But in today’s competitive digital landscape, businesses need to prioritize their core web vitals and ensure that their website development is up-to-date and user-friendly. Without it, there’s a chance you could drive potential customers to choose a competitor’s website instead.

    Based on our 25 years of website development experience, here are four main things that make a site look outdated:

    Non-Responsive Website

    In 2024, non-responsive website development is no longer acceptable because of the increasing number of users accessing the internet through their mobile devices. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, users expect websites to be mobile-friendly and responsive.

    A responsive website adapts to different screen sizes and devices, ensuring that the user experience remains consistent across all platforms.

    Non-responsive websites require users to zoom in and out or scroll horizontally to view content, leading to a clunky and frustrating experience. This gives the impression that a business is out of touch with modern technology and trends, which can negatively impact its reputation and credibility.

    To address and fix non-responsive websites in 2024, businesses need to prioritize working with a website development company who has experience with mobile-first design principles. This means website development with the mobile user in mind and ensuring that the website functions seamlessly on all devices. This ensures that the user experience is consistent, regardless of the device they are using to access the website.

    Another approach is to use modern website development technologies, such as CSS Grid and Flexbox, to create layouts that are flexible and can adapt to different screen sizes. Developers can also leverage frameworks and tools such as Bootstrap and Foundation to build responsive websites quickly and efficiently.

    Accessibility

    When you don’t run your website through tools to measure accessibility you are potentially limiting your audience. Accessibility is a growing concern due to government legislation, contractual requirements, and more widespread news and information about the business value of digital accessibility.  Not to mention it just makes sense.

    Website development companies are now using tools like Google Lighthouse to measure website SEO, Performance, and Accessibility. You may also see accessibility referenced as a11y in your browsing. 

    Needless to say it’s important that your website needs to be accessible!

    Slow Loading Speed

    Slow-loading websites are also a problem when it comes to outdated features. Users expect websites to load quickly, and if a website takes too long to load, they may become frustrated and may abandon the website altogether. This can result in a high bounce rate, lower engagement, and fewer conversions. Additionally, with Google’s focus on page speed as a ranking factor, slow-loading websites may suffer from lower search engine rankings, leading to even fewer visitors and traffic.

    To avoid these problems, website development agencies need to prioritize website speed and performance when building and optimizing websites. This can include optimizing images and media, minimizing the use of large files and complex scripts, leveraging caching and compression techniques, and using a fast and reliable web hosting service. Using a content delivery network (CDN) can also help to distribute website content across multiple servers, resulting in faster load times for users.

    Old Technology

    Finally, using outdated technology on a website can make it look bad and even be dangerous.

    While outdated technology may not be compatible with modern web browsers and devices, leading to a poor user experience, what’s worse is that it can also lead to security vulnerabilities.  Technology, such as Flash, which is no longer supported by many modern web browsers can pose security risks to users, for example. Similarly, using outdated coding languages or frameworks can result in slower performance and limited functionality.

    To avoid these problems, developers and designers should stay up-to-date with the latest web development technologies and design trends. This can include using modern programming languages and frameworks such as HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. These technologies provide more advanced features and better performance, resulting in a better user experience.

    If you’re looking to update your website and ensure that it meets the latest technical standards, consider Atlantic BT as your website development partner. We have 25+ years of experience in website development and design. We can help your business to modernize its website and provide a seamless user experience that engages and converts visitors.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What does it cost to build and host a web application in 2023?

    What does it cost to build and host a web application in 2023?

    Web applications play an essential role in business operations. These software applications are accessed through a web browser and don’t need to be downloaded. They provide functionality through a URL so companies can engage with customers, automate processes and improve efficiency. With web application development, most businesses want to first understand how significant their investment in the technology will need to be. The answer can differ depending on many factors.

    In 2023, the cost of web application development is determined by things like the size and complexity of the application, any refinements and/or constraints, and hosting and maintenance costs.

    Start with the basics: how to determine size and complexity.

    To determine the size and complexity of your web application, we need to first define what it’s going to do. The specifications for modern software are often defined by ‘user stories’. These user stories are a simple way to describe discrete functionalities your application should provide, from an end-user perspective. They are often used by developers to define and estimate the effort required for web application development.

    Let’s use Facebook as an example of a web-based application that most people are familiar with. While Facebook may seem relatively simple to use, it is actually a massive web application with many different layers of functionality for different user groups. Describing it in user stories would take a very long time, however, if we stick to its most basic functionality we can use it as a good example. Here are some examples of web-based user stories:

    • As a user, I need to register and create a profile
    • As a user, I need to verify my email address to complete my registration
    • As a user, I need to find friends to connect with
    • As a user, I need to request to connect with the friends I find
    • As a user, I need to add pictures to my profile 
    • As a user, I need to post status updates to my feed 
    • As a user, I need to be able to react (like, love, hate, cry, etc) to posts 
    • As a user, I need to be able to comment on posts 
    • As an advertiser, I need to compare the performance of my campaigns
    • As an page  manager, I need to manage roles for my page

    I think you get the idea. 

    Defining this application in user stories would take a very long time, and producing each piece of application functionality takes a lot longer! With the table below we will try to ballpark the relative size of your web application using the number of user stories.

    When you are thinking of your user stories, also think of the relative complexity of each user story. For example: ‘As an advertiser, I need to compare the performance of my campaigns.’ is not the same level of effort as ‘As a user, I need to be able to react to posts.’

    We normally apply a ‘level of effort’ attribute to each user story to help scope the application. In development, ‘low’ might mean 5-10 hours, ‘medium’ 10 to 20, and ‘hard’ 50 to 100.

    Any user story more complex than that should be broken down into smaller stories. For example ‘As a user, I need to manage my profile’ is not an acceptable user story and should be broken down into even smaller pieces.

    Micro (< $50,000)Small($50,000-$200,000)Medium($200,000-$1M)Large($1M+)
    10-15 “low effort” user stories25-50 “low effort” user stories50-100 “low effort” user stories200+ “low effort” user stories
    5-10 “medium effort” user stories10-25 “medium effort” user stories25-50 “medium effort” user stories50+ “medium effort” user stories
    1-2 “large effort” user stories2-5 “large effort” user stories10-20 “large effort” user stories25+ “large effort” user stories
    Web Application Development Cost – estimated in user stories

    What’s next? Identify web application refinements and constraints.

    Another factor that can impact the cost of building and hosting a web application in 2023 is refinements and constraints. Refinements include features and functionality that are not essential but enhance the user experience or provide additional value. 

    Constraints refer to specific requirements or limitations that the application must meet, such as compliance regulations or security measures. These can add to the web application development time and cost of the project. 

    Web Application Development: Gain a competitive edge by considering user delight.

    With any web application you build, you are most likely facing competition in one form or another. In many cases it is with a direct competitor, but you are also competing with your users’ expectations of what an efficient and pleasant web interaction feels like. 

    That being the case, you want to refine your application to not only beat the competition but to also be a joy to use. Therefore, you will probably want to pay attention to usability in the design of your application. 

    Software developers often have a basic idea of usability when developing web applications, but there’s a big difference between a rudimentary interface and an efficient experience developed by a UI/UX professional. Here are a few classic UX design failures to illustrate the point.

    Good usability is best built into the design and informed by user research. To add a UX professional or team to your web application development project might add another 5-10% in cost (could be more depending on the nature of the application and how important the experience is). That said, this 5-10% can save you much more down the road in rework and enhanced customer satisfaction and retention.

    Criticality, security, and regulatory requirements directly impact web application development cost.

    Is your application critical to the daily operation and success of your business, or that of others? Does it deal with health and safety or finance? Does it deal with an industry with regulatory requirements, such as PCI or HIPAA? Do federal accessibility requirements apply? If you answer yes to any of these questions, your web application needs to be developed with special requirements in mind.

    All of these considerations will increase your web application development budget significantly; not only through the additional requirements, but also due to the need for testing. All well-developed applications are tested continually through the development process with both automated testing and human testing and peer review. 

    Application software that is extremely sensitive or critical would have additional layers of testing and security added throughout the process. Normal development of a web application would include a 20% cost for testing and security, but on critical or extremely critical software that might grow as high as 40% of the total cost.

    Ensure a smooth run with ongoing web application development support.

    Designing and developing the application is just the start. Once it is built, it must be operated from somewhere by someone (hosting), and all software needs periodic maintenance such as security and feature updates.

    What about hosting?

    For most web applications we recommend a cloud environment for scale and redundancy. Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure to name a few. Processing cycles, storage, bandwidth, backup, disaster recovery, and other details all add to the web applicating hosting cost. With a disclaimer on accuracy for your particular application, here are some ballparks below.  

    Micro SmallMediumLarge
    < $100 / month$100-$500 / month$1,000-$5,000 / month$5,000-$100,000+ /month
    Web Application Development Cost – hosting estimates

    Don’t forget application management.

    Applications have an ongoing cost of ownership — all software, especially critical applications, need security updates, periodic maintenance, updates to supporting software and technology, and perhaps testing of backup and disaster recovery. To keep your web application secure and performing well, these need to be performed as preventive maintenance, not as an emergency response after problems occur.

    To make sure all these happen, you will want some level of application management, whether that’s internal or through a managed service provider like Atlantic BT. Because you have a custom application, your best bet in choosing a managed service provider will be a company that can both manage the hosting and the ongoing web application development and support. 

    It’s very rare that you ever “finish” developing your application. Normally, you continue to evolve and improve your application over the course of the time it is in production. Choosing a managed service provider that has a continuous DevOps chain from development through hosting will ensure efficient, continuous operation.

    The costs of managed services around a custom application could range from 5%-20% depending on how well it was built originally and how many features and requests you want to continue to add as the application is used. 

    Are the numbers starting to make sense?

    This web application development cost article will help guide you in the right direction for a ballpark estimate. More importantly, it tells you how to approach estimation in general for software development and lifecycle maintenance. 

    Trying to figure it out on your own is time consuming and relatively imperfect if you don’t have the in-house skills and experience. We can help in a couple ways:

    1. If you just want to chat — we’re always here and look forward to getting to know you and what you’re working on. We can probably give you a SWAG (scientific wild ass guess) in just a few minutes, but more likely we’ll recommend some kind of discovery to start nailing things down to plan the web application development. 
    2. If you need something with a bit more fidelity for an internal budget request or pitch to management we can help with a “QuickStart Web Application Budget Workshop”. For a very high value engagement that won’t cost you much, we’ll put 3-4 of our top brains in a room and create a budget range and document the broad requirements for your application. 

    Ultimately, the investment in a well-designed and well-maintained web application can pay off in increased customer engagement and business growth. Working with an experienced development team to create a detailed project plan and budget will provide the most benefit.

    Atlantic BT’s years of experience and expertise in web application development, combined with our ability to handle everything from design to hosting and management, make us the ideal choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive solution to their web application development needs. 


    Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business thrive in the digital age.

  • AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Journey with AWS She Builds

    AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Journey with AWS She Builds

    The Certified Cloud Practitioner journey is about as simple as you allow it. The AWS She Builds program is strictly for women or individuals who identify as women. However, this post will discuss the free resources offered in a non-structural format, allowing all individuals interested in getting certified to learn more. Most importantly, studying for 1-3 months and taking the exam while it’s fresh in your mind is recommended.

    The initial sign-up process for AWS She Builds was simple. There are individual cohorts that span eight weeks. To clarify, you’re not limited to those eight weeks as it’s self-paced. Therefore, taking this journey with a full-time job is possible. However, they request that you get through the process within a specific time frame to get a free voucher ($100 USD value). There is a requirement to attend the initial onboarding meeting. After that, they will send an email, including an invite to Slack, and your journey will begin! They offer near-immediate responses to questions within the Slack channels. In addition, previous cohorts and other women who are more experienced can also provide guidance.

    The next cohort starts on August 25th (2022):

    AWS She Builds – SkillUp with CloudUp – Cloud Practitioner

    What is AWS She Builds

    • Flexible 8-week program for individuals who identify as women only.
    • Community-driven learning environment.
    • Utilizes AWS Skillbuilder for structure.
    • It provides a baseline structure to keep you on track.
      • A weekly guided academic-based flow with modules and dates to help you stay on track.
    • Live training sessions and webinars.
    • Study groups within Slack that are available online across the globe.
    • Resources from external sources are provided for extra practice.
    • Weekly live Q&A sessions for any individuals who feel ‘stuck’ or just want to listen.

    Why is AWS She Builds just for women?

    • AWS She Builds desires to bridge the gender gap, pay discrepancies, and lack of diversity in IT teams.
    • Allows women to bond and come together to discuss tech, leadership, and network for career expansion.

    What about others?

    The resources used for AWS She Builds are available for free for others. The caveat to that is that you cannot participate in live webinars or Q&A sessions or get the detailed structure paths the mentorship provides.

    Resources to get certified for Cloud Practioner:

    AWS Training and Certification Skill Builder

    Digital Cloud Cloud Practitioner Cheat Sheet

    AWS Educate

    AWS Power Hour

    Cloud Practitioner YouTube Playlist

  • Maintaining a Website is like Owning a Car: An Analogy to Help Website Maintenance Make Sense

    Maintaining a Website is like Owning a Car: An Analogy to Help Website Maintenance Make Sense

    In the previous post, I discussed how the planning and development of a custom website can be similar to having a custom house designed and built. The analogy works in many ways, particularly in the planning and designing phases, but it’s not a perfect analogy.

    In this post, I’ll correlate website maintenance and ongoing development with owning a car. Keeping an application “purring like a kitten” takes effort, and I also won’t leave out aspects of digital upkeep that just don’t make sense with car terminology.

    When you’re done, the last post in the series compares the experience with your vendor to a fine dining experience.

    Keeping Fuel in the Tank

    Visiting the gas station is probably the most ubiquitous aspect of owning a car, unless the sole purpose of the vehicle is keeping it on a pedestal for viewing only. With a website, the same case can be made for hosting. Server or cloud hosting is foundational for a site to be usable. And similar to a car that may be driven more or less in a month, hosting costs can fluctuate – particularly from high or unexpected amounts of traffic.  (Although we want web traffic, we don’t want car traffic.)

    With a website that your users (or future customers) depend on, someone needs to be monitoring that hosting. A common offering these days is the Managed Service Provider (MSP). Picture this as a dedicated fueling crew, keeping the gas and fluids topped off. With the monitoring and ownership of an MSP, it could be said they also maintain and protect your garage and driveway, which can be compared to how your site reaches the rest of the internet.

    Maintenance Every 5,000 Users or 3 Months, Whichever Comes First

    No, not really every 5,000 users. But maintenance should be performed at least every 3 months. You may fuel your car regularly, but you also need oil changes and other regular maintenance items. Hosting on its own isn’t enough. 

    Code libraries and software versions need updates. If your site uses a Content Management System, those platforms also require regular updates. Code needs love just like your car. Your team of mechanics (development team) should perform these regularly.

    Sometimes these updates can cause small unexpected changes to the site, and fixing those are usually part of ongoing maintenance. It could be considered professional detailing whenever you bring in your site for maintenance. Keep it shiny! If you don’t perform regular updates, issues can build and compound. This is what we refer to as technical debt. 

    But Wait, I Want Something New On My Site

    We haven’t even gotten to new development yet – it’s all been upkeep. Yup, that’s on purpose. Would you spend money to upgrade a car you don’t even bring in for maintenance? I doubt it. New features don’t correlate to owning a car quite as well – but maybe at some point you want a custom paint job or to upgrade the console. 

    In my experience, it’s pretty uncommon that someone builds and launches a brand new site and then never wants anything to change. The process of a new feature for your car or your website is roughly the same: you talk to someone about what you want, provide some detail, get an estimate or quote, you approve the work, the work is completed, and you’re good to go. Where does website development beat out vehicle improvement? You don’t have to drop your website off and rely on another one while the work is being done.

    Lifespan & Resale Value

    Just like a car, your web application will have a longer lifespan if it’s better maintained. You might drive daily and reliably for 8 years, but if you never take it to the mechanic, the life span of your car is going to be shorter. If you let technical debt build and build, there can be a point that it would be cheaper to rebuild a new site than upgrade and fix the current one. There may not be “resale value” in a web application, but in five to ten years when you’re ready for a new one, the cost of building a new one will be lower if it’s been cared for. 

    I’ve known people who drove cars to the absolute maximum end of a car’s lifespan, spending as little money as possible on maintenance and upkeep. And yes, that’s an option with a website. However, as a website that presents your brand, brings in customers, and is possibly part of your employee’s workflow – it’s not going to end well.

    Where The Car Analogy Screeches to a Halt

    As you can see, there are a lot of similarities between owning a website and a car. But not everything fits.

    The most important difference? A website isn’t a product. There’s a reason we’re not discussing how buying a car is like building a site – it’s not. Almost all cars are manufactured, with certain options to choose from, in very specific configurations. A website simply isn’t a thing you buy, it’s really a service that you (with a development crew) build.

    Another difference is with a website, new technologies (or just time) can uncover vulnerabilities in code. This is why updates to libraries are important, as they’re where those vulnerabilities get fixed. Every time you bring your car in for an oil change, you’re not also changing the locks and reinforcing the windows. There typically aren’t new advances in car theft that you need maintenance every few months to prevent. However, even this is changing given the amount of digital components in vehicles, such as recent stories of key fobs being maliciously replicated.

    Problems or bugs will occur on a website. It’s reasonable to assume or hope a car won’t have any problems or recalls for the first couple years. Bugs will happen on a website. I promise. With a car, there’s typically a single operator (driver). On a site? Thousands of visitors with unique combinations of browsers, operation systems, hardware, and digital savviness are using your application. It’s impossible to guarantee every aspect of a site will work all of the time for everyone.

    There’s also not a good vehicle comparison to deployments. Deployments are when a site is first launched, but also any time code or hosting changes are made. Possibly driving the car off the lot is equivalent to the initial deployment of a new website, but other than that? I suppose when you leave the mechanic with your car in top shape – but it’s not a metaphor that feels right.

    There’s plenty of other aspects that don’t overlap between cars and websites. Website hacking, car insurance, and your friend borrowing your car – it doesn’t all match up. 

    Finishing The Trilogy

    I hope this article and the others in the series help to provide you with better context in your next web site or application project. To wrap up the series I’m going to dive more into the experience of working with a partner when building a website. 

    How Building a Custom Website Is (and Isn’t) like… A Fine Dining Experience (3 of 3 in Series).