Atlantic Business Technologies, Inc.

Category: Strategy & Design

  • What a Web Development Project Nightmare is Made Of

    With a web development project, businesses like to think of the best-case scenarios. It’s more fun to imagine what could be possible with a brand-new website. And it’s often more productive. Fear can be a deterrent. Dwelling on potential mistakes or problems can steal your focus. You won’t be able to see the opportunities that are right in front of you. You can’t fix something that doesn’t exist.
     
    Despite this, we still ask our clients to think ahead. What could go wrong during the discovery and project planning phases? Anything that requires a large investment of time or money should be well thought out. Risk management is essential for large website projects. We want to avoid loss as much as possible. What parts of the project are worth the effort? By figuring out what could go wrong, we can plan for the unknown. In some cases, we can even prevent it.
     
    What kind of risks should you watch out for with your web development project? Here are a few we try to be wary of.

    Missed Deadlines

    What will happen to your project if work takes longer than expected? Your creative firm could fall behind. Members of your team could be unable to provide content or feedback. These are two examples of scenarios that can cause major hold ups. Without necessary information, everything can sit at a stand still. If you’re working on a tight deadline, such a halt can have long term consequences.
     
    Building a flexible schedule at the onset can help when time management issues arise. As much as we want to avoid mistakes, you can not work on the assumption that nothing will go wrong. When you run into a roadblock, what will be your plan? Will it be better for you to delay the launch of your website? Should you release a scaled-down version online instead? Being aware of your options, should your schedule derail. Leaving some wiggle room and having a Plan B will keep your project moving forward.

    Over Budget

    Do you have room in your web development project budget to accommodate any cost overruns? That’s important to know, particularly if you decide to add new features, pages, or ideas as you go. During the planning phase of your project, dig deep into the research. Having a clear understanding of your user’s needs and your company’s goals will help. What components of the website matter most? Prioritizing your needs and wants will allow you to make smart, budgetary decisions.
     
    Be aware that new ideas may develop during the web development project. Or your team may discover more issues that need resolution. Can your budget handle such changes? Decide in advance how you want to address unforeseen adjustments. This will lessen the monetary pains of any surprises.

    Big Changes in Creative Direction

    A complex web development project is strenuous. Changing course mid way can seem ludicrous. But, it’s not completely unheard of. Though rare, clients will want to switch strategies well after work has commenced. Despite significant progress, they want to implement a completely different design. Would your project be able to survive such a dramatic turn around?
     
    Proposing major changes can alter budgets and schedules alike. It can also affect team morale and be a mental strain. If you know where your priorities lie, you’ll still be able to get there, even if you end up taking a new path. A laser sharp focus on your ultimate goals can navigate any shifts in the plan.

    Competitor Actions

    Unfortunately, you can never know exactly what your competition is thinking. But, it’s possible they’re planning something that will alter your web design. It could also affect your online marketing strategy. The actions of your competitors could come light well after work on your website has begun. Despite the direction you’re going in, their work could cause yours to change course with your web development project.
     
    If that happens, there might be tough choices to make. How much stock do you put into what your competitors are doing? If you believe their plans will be a detriment to yours, how do you adjust? Some companies may choose to pick up the speed and be the first out the door with a new feature. Others might want to do the opposite of what their competitors are doing. As always, if you know your priorities, the path there will be clear, no matter what arises.

    New Regulatory Guidelines

    Certain industries have very stringent guidelines about reporting and compliance. The financial, medical, and credit-processing fields must adhere to specific rules. They are not alone. Governments also have numerous, and sometimes complicated, regulations to follow. Therefore, their websites must fall in line with these requirements.
     
    Policies, though, can change. Sometimes they are gradual. There is plenty of advance notice that a new law will soon go into effect. For example, government websites had years to be in 508 compliance. There was plenty of time to add the new developments before the regulations became law. It’s possible to anticipate changes in certain policies and prepare for them. However, it’s always possible new regulations could force you to adapt on the spot. Sudden changes are rare but not impossible. Be sure to stay up to date with any regulations your site must comply with.

    Leadership Changes

    Organizations often face changes in leadership. This naturally affects a project’s decision-making tree. This could mean that existing preferences and priorities could go out the window. New leaders often come with new ideas. Maintaining realistic expectations will help as your project changes gears. Consistent and clear communication will also be your friend.
     
    Leadership changes are not the only staff shake ups that can affect your project. The loss of any team member can require adjustments or alter the work. Big web development projects take time. Try to anticipate any turnover that might affect your project before it’s completed.

    It’s unlikely that you’ll run into any of these issues during your web development project. In fact, it’s not all that probable you’ll encounter several of them. But, thinking in advance about the issues that might arise gives you an advantage. While you’re building a new website, you can focus on just that. You’ll be better prepared to overcome the challenges you thought about. Even better, you’ll be ready for the ones that didn’t even occur to you to begin with.

    Want to work with a web development partner who can help you prepare for anything? Contact Atlantic BT today to learn about our work for corporations, universities, government agencies, and nonprofits.

  • Is Your Data Encrypted? It Better Be

    October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Keeping data safe has always been critical. But as threats continue to increase, as well as the scope of the damage and the impact it has on consumers, knowledge and vigilance must become habitual to any organization online. This month we’ll be sharing our experiences, the stories that have our attention, and plenty of advice on how to navigate the current world of cybersecurity.

    There are unknown experts in cybersecurity running about and it’s time we took some notes out of their playbook. Who are these covert coders of data?

    Kids. Of course.

    Little budding encryption geniuses are everywhere, making up their own languages or creating codes to share secret messages right under their parents’ noses. It’s an obvious idea to them. So why isn’t it an obvious idea to us? Why do companies let their data go unencrypted?

    Cybersecurity has never been more vital than it is now. Facebook’s recent debacle shows us that no one is immune. Every security measure counts. As you build a security system for your company’s data, you must include encryption. But, it’s not a task to take on lightly. A thorough understanding of the data you’re aiming to protect will help you develop the strongest plan. Here’s how to do it best.

    Scramble it Up

    Data encryption is preventative security. It’s ready for a hacker to break through the walls. But, it ensures that they won’t be able to decipher the data, rendering it unreadable. How? By the magic of math. Encryption uses an algorithm to transform plain text into cipher text. The only way to revert it back to its original form is with an encryption key.

    Tokenization is a different form of encryption. It adds another layer of protection by randomly scrambling the data. Decoding it requires more direct access to the database. There is no easily shareable key. Instead, tokens are created as a reference point to the original data. However, they can not translate that data into readable information. The real data is stored in a vault, encrypted and safe.

    Discover Data Holistically

    There are right and wrong ways to go about the encryption process. If you want to make sure you’ve covered your bases, you need to have a plan. The best and most important way to start is with scoping and identification. You need to have a thorough understanding of the data you have, where it is, and how it is shared. Identify each piece of data in every transactional state. Whether it’s in transit, at rest, or in long term storage, data must be encrypted at each stage.

    Consider what methods of encryption work best for the kind of data you have. You may think that a standard algorithm is enough for all of the information your organization maintains. But, not all data is created equal. Passwords, for example, can benefit from One Way Encryption. This makes it nearly impossible to reverse the data back to its original form. Other sensitive data, such as social security numbers or bank accounts, can find security via Tokenization. As you discover exactly what you have and where it is, you’ll be able to prioritize accordingly. You must encrypt all your data. Implementing the best type of encryption for each form of data will elevate your security strategy.

    Why You Need Encryption

    The Facebook breach is staggering for many reasons. Most notable is the glaring mistake the security team made with their encryption. They missed the mark and the consequences are mammoth. If Facebook can’t keep their consumer’s data safe, is there hope for anyone?

    Sure there is. The most important thing to keep in mind, with regards to cybersecurity, is that it’s not a matter of if. It’s a matter of when. If you are online, you are vulnerable. Taking steps to protect your online presence, at any stage of development, is the right thing to do. At Atlantic BT, we partner with Arctic Wolf to provide clients with a best in class network monitoring solution and a strategy driven roadmap. Investing in security at the onset can save your company plenty of money down the road. Most importantly, you’re showing your consumers that they were right to trust you with personal information.  

    Care Over Fear

    It’s very easy to scare clients into investing in cybersecurity. To be sure, there is plenty out there to be scared of. But as you consider your encryption needs and options, remember your prime motivation. It’s not a fear of loss. It’s the care you have for your customers.

    Providing service to others is what your organization was founded on. A customer’s success is your success. Protect their data. Protect your Intellectual Property. Act on the beliefs you claim. The best way to value your customer’s trust is to ensure it. Encryption prioritizes the safety of your consumer’s data and your company’s integrity.

    Take a Step Forward

    At Atlantic BT, we know that safety is tantamount to our client’s well-being. When you’ve designed and developed an online presence you’re proud of, cybersecurity allows it to thrive. Contact our security team today to discuss your options and evaluate what strategies are best for you.  

  • What Does Your Website Need the Most?

    One of the things that separates us from many other digital agencies is that we don’t only build websites. Our designs are specific and unique to the vision of our clients. We ask them the right questions so their answers can guide our work. The more we listen, the easier it is to help our clients find the perfect layout and strategy. One topic, in particular, allows us to reach this goal. We establish a “wish list” of items our clients would like to have. Then, we narrow in on the priorities the organization is actually focused on.
     
    This might seem like a small thing, but it’s an important part of our philosophy. That’s because no group has the time or budget to follow through on every idea or moment of inspiration. There are always too many possibilities and not enough resources to cover each one.
     
    We often advise readers and clients to consider constraints to any new project. How does your budget affect what you’re able to build? What legal regulations and rules must you be in compliance with? The answers to those questions will help you map out the strongest path to your goal. They will allow you to answer another, vital question. What are your priorities in a web design project?
     
    Your answers won’t be the same as anyone else’s. But, here are a few we consistently hear from the executives we work with.

    Measurable Hard Benefits

    This is the most popular set of priorities. Of course everyone wants to see their website be successful in driving up traffic. That’s often the biggest motivator to begin with. If traffic wasn’t lagging, you might not have this project on your hands.
     
    The priorities you’re looking for here are measurable ones. There is a clear “before and after” picture. You want to see growth in sales, lead generation, and new revenue, among others. If you’re looking for a specific business result from your web design project, take note. Achieving it might be more important to you than anything else on this list.

    Keeping Web Design Costs Down

    Your organization or department could be on a tight budget. Your website still needs to meet a certain set of requirements. But, it must also do so under a specific cost. This constraint is very effective at weeding out the “nice to haves” from the “must haves”. You may find that you have some flexibility around goals you once thought were necessary. If staying under budget is a top priority for your team, you’ll have to re-weigh those original plans. In the end, you’ll end up with a strong, concise, and affordable website.

    Meeting a Deadline

    Websites have deadlines for a variety of reasons. There could be a new product rolling out in need of an updated website to promote it. A larger media promotion could be in the works. Or a real-life, time sensitive event could be upcoming. Regardless of the cause, your project is on the clock.
     
    If this is the case, getting things done on time could be your most important benchmark for success. Develop a place that takes into account the restricted amount of time. Knowing what parts of the project are worth your time helps you to focus on what your site needs.

    Aiming for User or Customer Satisfaction

    Keeping customers and users happy is often a client’s biggest concern. For other companies, the happiness of their consumers will also be important. But, this could be secondary to meeting hard business targets or balancing budgets. There is isn’t always a right answer. Every company has different services and goals. A smart choice for one group might be a terrible choice for another.
     
    If the satisfaction of your users is tantamount to success, then zero in on how to best make that happen. Dive into the research and use the results to guide your decisions and design. You’ll develop a website made with the users in mind and they’ll know it.

    Soft Benefits and Savings

    When we discuss soft benefits, we’re referring to less tangible aspects of the project. Team communication, improved morale, or an easy scheduling system would all count. Many of the executives we work with consider these goals to be ancillary to other ones. But, they may be big drivers of success in your organization. A soft benefit could be the key to staying under budget or on schedule. At the very least, they deserve consideration, even if they aren’t a top priority.

    Making Sense of Web Design Priorities

    This list is an example of the most common priorities teams choose to focus on. It is in no way definitive. You can choose several different goals for your project. In fact, some of the most important ones for your specific work might not even appear here. What matters the most is what your project needs so it can reach the finish line. What feels mission-critical to your web development project? Which priorities follow that? This tiered planning can reduce distractions and enhance the strengths of your website. Your web design team will have solid direction to work with. Even better, you’ll be able to allocate your resources in a way that makes sense.

    Want to work with the creative team that makes your organization their priority? Contact Atlantic BT in North Carolina today to schedule a free consultation!

     

  • How to Choose the Right Web Programming Team

    Choosing to launch a new website or update the one you have, is a bold move. It is not for the faint of heart. But you’re ready for this challenge. Heck, you were BORN for this challenge. Right now, you’re listening to ‘Eye of the Tiger’ while reading this and taking notes. (And if you weren’t, it’s definitely playing in your head now). Now, you have one big decision in front of you. You need to choose the right web programming team for your project.
     
    This can often be stressful for many business owners and executives. There’s a lot at stake. For one thing, there might be a great deal of money involved. This includes the initial investment, as well as the potential success (or failure) of the new site. But, there is another factor at play, making the decision difficult. The average decision-maker, in this situation, isn’t all that fluent in web programming. In other words, most know what they need, but not a lot about the process involved in getting it.
     
    That doesn’t mean you can’t find the right web programming team to work with, though. Doing some research and finding good advice can get you going in the right direction. Once you know what to focus on, you’ll be able to avoid seduction by an unethical sales pitch. Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing a web programming company to hire.

    Be Clear About What You Want

    You might not be able to explain, in programming terms, what you’re hoping to get, but you don’t have to. Work with your team to outline a set of features and capabilities you’d like to see in your finished app. The more details you can provide, the better. Be sure to include deadlines and cross-compatibility needs. Any concerns that come to mind are important to note.
     
    The programmers you meet with will be making similar outlines. Based on what they know about your project, and their own experience, they will have ideas and suggestions at the ready. A good programming team is never waiting around for instructions. They view your project as a collaboration. Once you share your vision, they’ll get to work drafting ways to make it a reality. As you meet with various teams hoping to earn your trust, you can compare the outline you have to theirs. Which proposal seems most in line with yours? The team who listens best, shares your values, and takes initiative should be easy to spot.

    Look for Experience and Dependability

    Programming is a complex job to the uninitiated. And yet, there are many misguided assumptions about the work that whittle it down to its barest form. But programming is more than only knowing certain technical languages and requirements. It’s as much of an art as it is a science. Being well versed in various forms of code is an accomplishment, to be sure. But what are these programmers choosing to say with the language they’ve mastered? How are they communicating with consumers on your behalf? Are they creative and flexible? The ways they utilize their skills will give you a great deal of information about working with them.
     
    Equally important are the traits you would look for in any employee or partner. Working styles vary across the board. Do the people in this company have a style that matches that of yours? Also, consider things like productivity and project management. This is important if you want to have your software finished on schedule and under budget. Keep these considerations in mind when checking out potential vendors. Don’t overlook the importance of experience and dependability.

    Do Your Homework

    Here is an unfortunate truth. There are web design companies out there who will say almost anything to drum up business. It’s your job to ensure they can back up their claims. Any company that sounds too good to be true most likely is. It’s ok to ask for more information rather than to accept a blanket statement as sacrosanct. Look through case studies from previous projects. Follow up on referrals to clients this company has worked with in the past. These actions will help you make the best, educated choice.
     
    Don’t feel bad about choosing to dig deep. You’re not putting them on trial. This is a job interview. Not only that, it’s for a vital position that will determine the success of your project. You’ve already invested a great deal into the work and plan on putting in a great deal more. You want to get this right the first time. What past clients have to say can speak volumes. Listen to their experiences. Does this company respect other teams? Are they able to take responsibility for mistakes and work to fix them? If a past client has an issue to share, you must consider it seriously. No matter how much you’ve been liking this company thus far, the client’s experience is valid. A programming team you can trust is invaluable. They are out there. Don’t get distracted by the companies that shout the loudest, putting on a show. Sincerity counts. Make sure you’re going to get all that you’re paying for. You want to know that the creative team you’re hiring is going to be easy to work with. At the end of the day, you want everyone involved to be proud of the work they’ve done together.

    Check the Terms and Conditions

    You’ve found The One. An ideal team that is consistent, creative, and within budget. Not only that, they’re also genuinely good people that you want to work with. You’re ready to get started!
     
    Wait!
     
    Do you know exactly what you’re getting into? Are you both, beyond a shadow of a doubt, on the same page? Don’t be in a rush to commit to the project, with your chosen vendor, in writing. Take the time to review their agreement and terms. Make sure you understand what you’re entitled to receive. Also be aware of any obligations that fall to you, such as providing content or feedback. The agreement should also specify what will happen at the conclusion of the project. You should know who will own the rights to the finished work. It should also be clear how long the programmers will be supporting the site. These kinds of terms should be clear and detailed so you can avoid any confusion down the road.

    Want to Work With the Best?

    At Atlantic BT in North Carolina we have design skills, technical expertise, and a long track record of success. More importantly, though, we have a reputation for putting our clients and their needs first. So, if you need web development or custom app programming that’s a cut above the rest, contact us today to set up a free consultation.

  • The Hidden Risk You Need to Avoid in Complex Web Design

    Looking for the right firm to work with on your new web development project can be its own complex process. In fact, we assume that process might be what led you here, to our blog. You’re evaluating your options. And, like most people doing their research, you’re likely worried about making the wrong decision.
     
    That’s only natural. Complex web designs involve a lot of time and money. They can put your reputation and the future of your organization on the line. It’s definitely worth doing your homework and asking lots of questions.
     
    Finding the right partner can make or break your project. But responsibility for success is a joint effort. Experience has shown us the areas where a web project can be the most vulnerable. Missed deadlines, depleted budgets, and complete failure often comes from a common source. They usually rise from issues within a client’s own organization. Competing personalities, misaligned goals, or a lack of enthusiasm can cause damage. Combined, they can all be deadly when you’re trying to build a large website. Knowing exactly how another company works is very important. But, it’s also important to pay attention to your own internal processes.
     
    Issues between executives and departments can sink your website before it goes live. Here are some ways you can prevent that from happening.

    Get Buy-in on Your Priorities

    The best way to avoid conflict down the line is to make sure everyone is on the same page to begin with. Stakeholder approval and investment can give your project much needed support. That support turns into momentum, moving the work forward in a positive way. As it is in any relationship, communication is key. As your new project is being planned for, include your stakeholders in that process. This should include anyone who has input on the web development project. From budget approval to department heads, each role matters. Everyone should be a part of the conversation. The entire team can better understand the ultimate goal if they know at the forefront why a new website would be beneficial. They can agree with you about the measurable outcomes you are hoping to achieve. That agreement will help them provide the backing your project needs most. Gathering content, feedback, and approvals all becomes easier. Your team can reach each major milestone with confidence.
     
    Imagine if this wasn’t the case. Anyone who can influence your project will still be able to, regardless of how much they know about it. The less information they have, the bigger the hold up they can cause. Confusion leads to disagreements, which in turn leads to stumbling blocks. When the end goal of the website is vague, stakeholders may become distracted by other ideas. They could also become indifferent. When stakeholders are not invested in the work, they lack incentive to help. This, despite the fact that your project will affect them significantly. But if they do not understand this, they have no reason to engage in a positive manner. When the site inadvertently affects them negatively, they will be the first to let you know. Conflict usually ensues. When no one agrees on the need or purpose for web development, it’s difficult to keep moving forward.

    Put a Process into Place

    A great web design team can do incredible things for your company’s online presence. But despite their outstanding skills, your company still has a pivotal role to play. There are still some pieces of the web puzzle that will need to come from inside your own walls. Your organization will have plenty to contribute during the design and development processes. You will need to provide new content. There are designs and concepts to approve. You’ll also need to test various interfaces. This is only the beginning of an extensive, participatory list.
     
    It’s a good idea to establish a process for feedback and approvals early on. Such a plan allows everyone to know what their responsibilities look like ahead of time. Each role is clear and distinct, as well as the leadership hierarchy. This gives your team structure which strengthens communication among its members. You won’t lose important tasks in the shuffle, once expectations are clear to everyone. Should any confusion arise, each team member will know exactly who to go to for clarity, which saves time and keeps the work flowing forward. If no one knows which way is up, your project can come to a grinding halt. The web design team you’ve hired will continue to do the best they can, but if they can’t count on your internal team for consistent and accurate answers, things could get messy. 

    Decide Who Calls the Shots

    The larger your website is, the more likely it becomes that you’ll experience disagreements over resources and creative direction. A complex and industrious website usually means a larger number of stakeholders, who all have differing ideas on what will make the project successful. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Having more viewpoints and opinions can prevent you from developing tunnel vision and missing the needs of certain users or interested parties. For example, the security of a website is an often overlooked component of a design project. It can easily appear as an afterthought. However, there will be stakeholders involved who see the value in integrating strong security measures into the website during the development process. Listening to their priorities and acting on their guidance will lead to a stronger final product. The insights of others often have an immense, positive impact. 

    In the end, though, decisions do have to be made. If members of your team can’t come to a consensus, it’s important for everyone involved to agree before the fact who will be responsible for making the final call. That way, you can get past a stalemate and move your website towards completion.

    We Make Large-Scale Web Design Easier

    At Atlantic BT, we make it easier to create and redesign large websites by applying decades of experience and technical knowledge to the problem. Contact us today to set up an appointment with our team and get answers to the specific challenges your organization is facing. 

  • This is When Your Web Design Team Should be in Touch

    You’ve made it to this moment. Finally, you have decided on a direction to head in with your large web development project. As a result, you’ve found and chosen the best creative vendor for the job. You’ve also signed a contract, paid a deposit, and cleared them to begin working. So, now what? How often should you expect to hear from your web design team?
     
    There isn’t a set answer to this question, of course, given that every project and client are different. Some of the executives we work with like to communicate with us regularly. Others only want updates when we have something new to show them. And some only want us to check in and get their input before making important decisions. Also, consider the web development process itself. There are some parts that call for more feedback than others.
     
    You should never feel left out of the loop when it comes to the progress made on new layouts, software, and features. In fact, there are a few communication moments you should always plan for and expect.
     
    Here are the most noteworthy occasions when you can count on hearing from your web design team.

    Project Discovery and Kick Off Meetings

    The first few weeks of a web development project require most of the client’s time. There are going to be interviews and follow up questions about the organization itself. Also plan on information gathering about topics like users and future goals.

    Regular Updates and Check-ins

    Once the preliminary discovery phase is out of the way, you should still hear from your design and development team regularly. If nothing else, they’re going to want to fill you in on the progress they are making. You can be kept up to speed on how everything is coming together and know when to anticipate future updates.

    Milestone Achievement and Review

    Your website development plan should include a number of milestones, such as the creation of market pages or a wireframe that shows how your website and content will be organized. Expect to hear from your web design team during these times, and to be able to provide feedback without too much delay.

    Escalation or Decision Trees

    You may hear from your project manager or even individual designers or programmers when certain “either-or” decisions have to be made. Your input should guide the process, particularly when there is any disagreement or lack of clarity about the best way to move forward.

    Follow Up After the Website Launch

    Website development doesn’t end after a site goes live; it simply moves on to the next phase. Your web design team will want to stay in touch with you to review analytics, update content, make programming tweaks, and ensure your online marketing campaigns are working as planned.

    All things considered, you’ll find it’s normal to hear from your web designers at least once a week. Expect this to increase when you reach a design stage that calls for more improvements. Making the time to develop a productive dialogue with a creative partner is worth the effort. Especially if you are lucky enough to find a web design team committed to keeping you involved. We don’t mean with only the occasional meeting. We mean every step of the way. Then, you’ll be on a straight path to success, getting the web presence your organization needs.
     
    If you are searching for said creative partner…we know some people. Contact Atlantic BT’s design and development teams for a free consultation.