Hosting
Web site Submissions
Structure of Web Site
Data Capture

Hosting

When the web site is complete it needs to be located on a web server. The connection of the server to the Internet is very fast and ‘always on’, allowing the site to be accessed simultaneously by many people. For resilience there are three internet connections to the server, supplied by UUNet, MCI Worldcom and Avensys Networks This ensures that the fastest connection is always used and that if one connection fails the server can still be accessed via the others. Depending upon the requirement, hosting can be arranged on either Windows or Unix servers.
TOP

Web site Submissions

To ensure that the public can find the web site, it is necessary to submit the web site to all search engines. ASP Software Services uses specially designed software to assist in the submission of sites and the subsequent tracking and reporting of the sites position within each search engine.
TOP

Structure of Web Site

There are two basic methods of constructing a web site.

In the first method each page is created individually with text and graphics being positioned exactly as required. This can be likened to a page in a printed brochure or catalogue. As the contents of each page cannot be readily changed, this method is suitable for creating small or static web sites.

The second method utilises a database to store the data that is required for display. Depending upon requirements the database structure may be a simple table of data or a complex series of connected tables. Web page templates are created for each distinct page layout, and linked to the database. As each web page is viewed the relevant information is retrieved from the database and displayed. To add, delete or amend data it is necessary to make the changes to a copy of the database and upload this to the server. Alternatively a ‘Content Management System’ can be used to edit the database remotely via an administration web site. An added advantage of using a database is that search facilities can be used for locating and displaying required information.
TOP

Data Capture

A facility can be provided to allow customers to e-mail directly from the web site. This can be further enhanced to an enquiry form that automatically updates a database with the details. Having captured this information it can be used for statistical purposes, or for generating mail shots or newsletters. The data can also be downloaded as a ‘comma separated values’ file and then manipulated in packages such as Word, Excel or Access.
TOP

143 Active sessions on this site