A basic Web site is no more than a collection of text files that can be edited in a program as simple as Textpad in Windows or SimpleText in the Mac OS, along with a number of image files, which can be embedded in those pages. The pages are written in a language called HTML, which describes the way the content should be displayed in a Web browser. There are a number of tools out there (Adobe GoLive, Macromedia Dreamweaver and Microsoft FrontPage to name a few) that aid in the process of laying out these pages and allow you to use a graphical interface to format your pages rather than directly typing in the HTML code. In most cases, a series of static pages developed in this manner will suffice to deliver your message on the Web. If, however, you are ready to take the next step and deliver dynamic content on the Web, you'll most likely need a more sophisticated site.

Using a database in conjunction with your Web pages allows you to deliver text, images, and other Web content based on specific requests for information from people viewing your site. So rather than static pages which always deliver the same information -- a list of all your staff members, for example -- you can offer dynamically generated pages which could better serve your site's visitors. An example of a dynamically generated page could be a searchable staff member database. Probably the most recognized type of database-driven Web site is the search engine. You enter some text into a box, click a button, and you are presented with a list of options that hopefully are what you are looking for. This page is generated dynamically based on the request you made and, most likely, the information is stored in a database.

Each dynamic website is a unique project. We will take time to understand your business needs and to work with you to identify what a website could and should do to help you. Please contact us if you would like to discuss any ideas.