Django is a high-level Python Web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design.

Developed four years ago by a fast-moving online-news operation, Django was designed to handle two challenges: the intensive deadlines of a newsroom and the stringent requirements of the experienced Web developers who wrote it. It lets you build high-performing, elegant Web applications quickly.

http://www.djangoproject.com/

Building your website- Planning and Execution Part 1

So you or your company has decided to build a brand spanking new website. You’ve been handed the keys and decided to start this project with all the best intentions in the world but how do you start. You need to start with precise and clear planning and then follow through with the execution. Now you ask yourself where do I start.

When building a website for any business the most important question you must ask and more importantly answer is what do I want to achieve. Is your site a directory in which case you want to build traffic or are you building an online retail store in which case you need sales and must design a site that is not only has relatively friendly UI ( user interfaces) but you must also incorporate a secure online shop that allows you present your products in the best way possible. Defining these points in the planning stages of your project can be the make or break for a successful site. Get started by creating the following 3 documents.

1. Mission statement- You declaration of intent
2. Design Specs- Clear design specifications will assist in
achieving your goals
3. Budget- Know what you’ve got before you plan a project
beyond your budget

I will continue this post and others over the next week. Stay tuned for Part 2…

Choosing a CMS ( Content Management System ) for your company-Do’s and Don’ts

I work with many clients that are either looking to build a new website or are interested in better managing their existing site. Inevitably the conversation leans towards the use of a CMS. In my own professional experience this could be either a brilliant strategic move or a complete disaster for a company. The following is a list of Do’s and Don’ts for those companies that have decided move towards an internal site management strategy.

Do’s-

* Lots of research on the the current crop of CMS software
* Ensure that you have the internal skill set to operate the system
* Find the best CMS that fits for your business needs
* Make calculated changes to your site
* Ensure you site compatibility with the chosen system
* Regular site analysis ( A/B testing is an invaluable tool)

Don’ts-

* Go for the a cheap option-remember you get what you pay for so if the best fit for you cost a bit more than look at it as an investment and not an expense
* Buy a system that is beyond the skill set you have internally
* Try to be a “whizz” straight out of the gate-take the time you need to get comfortable with your CMS
* Try and re-invent the wheel- go with what works

If you are currently looking at making this kind of move for your website or are in the process of developing a new site where you want to incorporate a CMS then make sure you have answered all your questions before you move forward. A CMS can be an excellent asset to your company’s website but tread lightly for the “Code God” can be cruel if not treated with its due respect.

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Announcement

Rowan Meade Consulting and Bigrock.ie are proud to have won the contract to create a new website and social network for http://www.gorhinoshield.com