• Training
  • Introductory "hands-on" training for end-users in how to access the Internet, use of web browsers, newsgroups and e-mail.

  • "How-to" instruction in writing the Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML).

• Developing and maintaining high-quality web pages with text and graphics; including scanning graphics for use in the web page and digital photography. Audio and video enhancement is also available.

• Developing copy for inclusion in web pages, either promotional and/or technical text.

• Issuing press releases and/or advertisements via e-mail, Newsgroups, and e-fax.

• Registration of domain names and web addresses with the InterNIC and prominent Search engines.

• Hosting and setup access privileges.

This section includes actual examples of work produced by MBA. In addition to references, these web pages illustrate different approaches to web page design.

Customer satisfaction is important to MBA; as the saying goes, "If you're not happy, we're not happy." Consequently, MBA conducts all consulting assignments professionally and methodically. Internet web related assignments are no different.

PLANNING

During this introductory phase, our consultants work with the client to outline the scope of the project and define requirements (e.g., developing a Table of Contents and reviewing the type of web pages to be developed). From this, we can review possible implementation solutions with the customer and related costs. Work in this area also includes Internet domain searches, and review of ISP candidates.

DESIGN

This phase represents the actual design and development of the web pages, including both text and graphics, as well as audio and video applications where necessary. Digital photography and scanning of graphical images is available. For bulk data entry of text (for extensive brochures, contracts, etc.), customers can either supply the text themselves or contract MBA to enter the text.

During this phase, the customer is kept abreast of developments and is able to watch their web pages develop over the Internet.

FINE TUNE

With the web pages in place, MBA can fine tune them according to customer wishes; e.g., font sizes and colors, backgrounds, layouts, graphic alterations, web links, etc. When completed, the web pages can be released for general distribution over the Internet.

UPDATES

After the web page is in place, changes will inevitably occur. The customer can either make the changes themselves or contract with MBA for on-going maintenance of the files.

BILLING

All projects are executed using MBA's flagship product, the "PRIDE"-Information Factory, which includes a Project Management system where labor and additional costs are recorded and monitored. From this, customer billings can be generated as required. Such billings provide concise details of time and monies expended on the project. MBA also uses the "PRIDE" project management system to plan, estimate, schedule, and control all projects.

THE RESULT:

By taking a methodical approach, the customer is kept abreast of developments and can make changes as required, thus assuring a quality product.

Unlike printed media, the Internet offers no practical limitations in terms of what can be presented. Consequently, the user's first inclination is to try and put too much into their web page (we call this the "War & Peace" phenomenon). Before embarking on a web page design, it is important to establish a roadmap in the form of a simple Table of Contents. This will ultimately dictate the scope of the project and provide the structure for web design.

The next common pitfall by new users is to try and develop a web page that is overly sophisticated. True, things like music and animation are impressive eye-catchers, but often there is a price to pay for their use. For example, since a web page is essentially a collection of files that must pass over communications lines, the speed by which a web page is displayed is based on how fast these files can be transmitted over the lines. If the files are large, then it will take time (and a person's patience) to display the web page. Although text files travel rapidly over communications lines, certain graphics files (as well as animation and audio files) do not. In other words, the most sophisticated web page may prove to be ineffective if the user has to wait an inordinate amount of time in order for it to load in a web browser. Bottom-line: the web designer must ultimately ask, "Is it worth it?" MBA recommends keeping your first web page simple and to the point (the KISS principle). By following basic design guidelines, you can build an effective web page quickly.

Should I include a web counter in my web page? This is a common question many new web designers ask. A "web counter" is a simple counter shown on a web page to indicate the number of times a web page has been visited. Although this can create a powerful impression that your web page (and business) is popular and important, it can also back-fire on you if you are not careful. For example, if your web page is visited only a few hundred times a year, it will look rather insignificant compared to other web pages that are visited hundreds of thousands of times (or millions of times) a year. Again, is it really worth it? If so, consider using the Counter.Com web counter, which is made available free of charge.

DO'S AND DON'TS

The following is a basic set of guidelines to be observed during web page planning and design:

• Devise a standard web layout for consistency and ease of use. This includes selecting suitable fonts and sizes that are easy to read; a color scheme (consider corporate colors as well as contrast between background and foreground colors); use of corporate logos and trademarks; and basic positioning layout (e.g., a "frames" based web page versus a single standard page). Inconsistent design layouts tend to confuse the reader and present a disjointed picture of your company.

• Follow standard design layouts that are commonly used on the web. It is not always a good idea to pioneer a radically new web layout. Your intention should be to simplify how your web page should be read. A radical new approach to web design may be visually appealing and "state-of-the-art" but is it "user friendly?"

• Building a web page is similar in nature to designing a form; keep it clean and organized, not cluttered and unstructured. Your objective is to make it readable and usable.

• Know your intended audience and speak in their language, avoid technical jargon if possible (unless you take the time to define it). Make it legible and intelligible. Also remember that 73% of all web surfers have a high school degree or higher*. The fact they are reading your web page means the consumer is somewhat computer proficient and intelligent. (* According to a May 5, 1997 research study conducted by Business Week/Louis Harris & Associates/Baruch College).

• Always do what is practical and works, not what is overly glamourous or sophisticated. BUILD WEB PAGES THAT WORK!

In October 2001, Nielsen/NetRatings estimated that more than 176 million Americans, or 62 percent of the population, had access to the World Wide Web. This represents a 44% increase over the year 2000. In a metropolitan area the size of Tampa Bay, for example, is over 1,000,000 people on the Web. And the number is rising rapidly! Why the increase? Primarily due to the proliferation of Web enabled PC's with faster communication line speeds. Also, the advent of WebTV (surfing the web through your television and cable operator) and Network Computers (NC) (slimmed down computers specifically designed for Internet access) will propel the number of people on the web even farther.

HOW DO I GET ON THE WEB?

You will of course require a computer with a communication device, either a telephone line with a modem, or a special line (e.g, ISDN, T1, or television cable). For software, there are essentially two programs required: an Internet Dialer and a Web Browser. The Internet Dialer is used to dial your local Internet Service Provider (ISP) which allows you to get on the Web. Normally, a User-ID and password is required to access the ISP (and protect your account from unauthorized use). The Web Browser is a software package that allows you to access a Web site by inputting a Web address (URL) and then displaying the Web files (e.g., text and graphics) on the screen. In this latter capacity, the Web Browser acts as an interpreter to read the web files, then present them on the screen. Examples of popular Web Browsers include: Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer, IBM WebExplorer, and Mosaic.

You can obtain Internet software from many sources:

• From your favorite computer store or software retailer.
• From your Internet Service Provider (ISP) as part of the terms of subscribing with their service.
• Most operating systems today come equipped with Internet software.
• From the Internet itself, most packages can be downloaded over the Net using either commercial on-line services (such as America Online, CompuServe, and Prodigy) or through bulletin boards.

CAN I READ MY E-MAIL AND CHECK OTHER PROTOCOLS WITH MY WEB BROWSER?

Most of today's popular Web Browsers provide the means to access other Internet protocols, not just the Web, including: E-Mail, Usenet Newsgroups-NNTP, and FTP (File Transfer Protocol). In other words, Web Browsers are rapidly become a "one-stop" place for all your Internet needs.

HOW WILL PEOPLE FIND MY WEB SITE?

First, you must look upon your Web address (URL; e.g., http://www...) as a telephone number or postal address, and treat it as such. There are basically five ways to promote your Web address:

1. WORD OF MOUTH - let your friends and business associates know about your Web address by e-mailing them the address. It may also be a good idea to notify key contacts, such as news editors, writers, public speakers and other "germ carriers" who will help you spread the word. In addition, you should post it in pertinent Usenet Newsgroups where the Internet community can read it.

2. DIRECTORIES - if your business is regularly listed in printed trade directories, be sure to include your address. Most directories today welcome Web addresses.

3. ADVERTISING - assure that you include the Web address in published advertisements (including the telephone Yellow Pages), business cards, and office stationary. Again, use it in the same places you use a telephone number, fax number, e-mail or postal address.

4. LINKS - contact various Web Masters who may have an interest in your business and invite them to establish a link from their web page to yours (and vice versa), thereby allowing people to easily "surf" between pages. There is normally no charge associated with establishing links. Many web pages also carry LinkExchange banners. LinkExchange is a free service where you advertise banners on your web page in exchange for your banner appearing on other web pages.

5. SEARCH ENGINES - a search engine is a web site on the Internet with a special data base to record and display web addresses based on keyword search requests, thereby providing a "yellow pages"-like service. Perhaps the best known of the search engines are: Google and Yahoo!. Search engines are extensively used by web surfers. Consequently, it is highly desirable to register your web address with these search engines so people can find your site. Although there is normally not a charge associated with registering a web address, some engines do charge a nominal fee.

You can simplify the process of registering with search engines by embedding special <meta> comments in your HTML file, which are statements hidden from public view yet are automatically read by search engines to update their data bases with certain entries describing your web page. The <meta> tags are applied in the <head> section of an HTML file; for example:

<head>
<meta content="ABC COMPANY, http://www.abc.com/" name="author">
<meta content="Featuring the best widgets in the Bay area" name="description">
<meta http-equiv=keywords content="ABC, FLORIDA, WIDGETS">
<meta http-equiv=reply-to content="abc@xxx.net.com">
</head>

Notice the company name and web address included in the first <meta> statement; the corporate slogan or description in the second line; keywords in the third line; and e-mail address to reply to in the fourth. All of these entries are used by search engines. To illustrate, keywords are words or phrases used by Web surfers to look-up a site in a search engine. For example, the search request may be: "ABC, WIDGETS". From this, a web address would be displayed. Although you can give a search engine as many keywords as desired, typically 16 are used. Keywords should include: your business name, geographical location (city, state), products or services, trademarks, synonyms, and common misspellings.

ARE WEB ADDRESSES (URLs) CASE SENSITIVE?

Yes, most are. Why? Because most web sites are implemented on Unix based computers which have a preference for lower case letters. Although this is slowly changing, try to be as precise as possible when typing in a web address.

CAN I OPERATE A WEB BROWSER IN A "TEXT MODE" (NO GRAPHICS)?

Yes. As mentioned earlier, graphic files do not always travel as fast over communications lines as does text. As a result, most browsers provide an option to turn off graphics retrieval. Consequently, you'll notice a performance improvement in how the browser displays web pages.

HOW DOES SOMEONE ESTABLISH A PRESENCE ON THE WEB AND WHAT ARE THE COSTS INVOLVED?

First, you need to establish a "domain" on a web server (either on your own computer or through an Internet Service Provider - ISP). This includes registering a unique URL (Uniform Resource Locator) web address with the InterNIC organization which handles domain registration on the web. Registration is normally for two years and costs $100. For more information on InterNIC, see their web page at: http://www.internic.net.

If you are using an ISP's computer, you will be charged an annual fee (usually payable in monthly installments) of approximately $400 to $500 a year (but can be as high as $1,000).

If you are using your own computer as a web server, you will need special software and hardware to manage web files and support communications lines. For software, you primarily need web server software to enable your computer to access the web, manage file access privileges, monitor and control data transmission, and to track web page access ("hits").

Prices for web server software varies, but expect to pay anywhere from $275 to $1,300. Also, consideration must be given to the operating system to run the web server, which is normally referred to as a "Network Operating System" (NOS) and includes such products as IBM's OS/2 Warp Server, Microsoft's Windows NT, and various versions of UNIX. Prices typically range from $990 to $1,500.

For hardware you will probably need more hard disk space and memory than what is normally on a PC. This is particularly necessary if you have many web pages and associated files that will be accessed by many people. You will also need special communication equipment to link into the Internet and make your computer available to local users if desired. This includes modems, analog telephone lines, as well as ISDN or T1 lines. Costs vary depending on hardware requirements; typically a new ISP can expect to pay $4,000 - 8,000 on hardware alone.

Second, you now have to design and build your web page, which is primarily built using the Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), a language that involves placing "tags" in a text file to cause the web page to display graphics and text in a specific manner. Training classes on HTML are available from various vendors and range in price from $500 to $1,300. For "do-it-yourselfers," information on how to write HTML can be found at bookstores, libraries, and on the web:

The HTML Quick Reference Guide

If you are familiar with HTML, you can develop a web page freely using nothing more than your favorite text editor or word processor. However, most people prefer to use a software product to help them in the design of the web page without the burden of learning HTML. For this, two types of products are available: Word Processors, and Web Authoring tools. Many of today's word processors can easily convert a document into HTML format. Simply write your text in your favorite font and format, import graphics as desired, and have the word processor convert everything into an HTML file. Two word processors that can be used in this regard include WordPro from Lotus Development Corporation and is included in their SmartSuite package, and; StarOffice from Star Division Online of which you can download a Try & Buy Version. Prices for word processors individually range from $50 - $100 ($75 typically), office suite products range from $350 to $500.

The alternative to word processors are various web authoring tools which are specifically geared towards building web pages. In addition to basic HTML support, these tools often provide facilities to make your web page more dynamic, such as interfacing with a spreadsheet or data base. Prices range from $100 to $300.

Graphics are an important consideration for any web page and are vital for producing eye-catching advertising. In addition to display artwork (both illustrations and photographs), graphics are also used as backgrounds in the web page. Tools, such as Adobe Photoshop and SPG's ColorWorks are useful for drawing and touching-up graphics. Other basic tools are useful for capturing screen images or enlarging/reducing/cropping images. The price for graphic tools range from $50 to $300 depending on requirements. For hardware, Digital Cameras are useful for taking photographs and cost approximately $400 - $500. Desktop scanners can convert either a photograph or an illustration into a graphical image (suitable for touch-up by graphics software tool) and range from $500 to $1,500 depending on desired quality. You may also opt to download a wide array of free graphics from on-line services (e.g., America Online, CompuServe, Prodigy), bulletin boards, or the Internet.

The Bottom-Line: Like anything else, your presence on the web is based on what you put into it. Putting a simple "static" page on the Web can be relatively inexpensive. For example, major carriers such as America Online, Prodigy, CompuServe and others can provide you with basic web authoring tools and a location on the Web as part of their service. Although a "static" web page is inexpensive, it is infrequently updated and oriented to individual users or service related companies. For product related companies who wish to develop a "dynamic" web page (a frequently updated web page used as a working tool for advertising) you can expect to pay substantially more. A recent study by the American Management Association (AMA) ("Business Use of the Internet: Organizational Practices, Policies, & Plans; May 1997) revealed that the average cost of developing a home page on the web was $47,690 in 1996 and $56,050 planned for 1997 (an increase of 18%). Admittedly, these costs relate to larger businesses, some of which invest more than $100,000 in web page development. Small to medium-sized businesses can expect to pay $8,000 - $12,000 to establish their web site.