DISCOVER >> DESIGN >> DEVELOP >> DEPLOY >> MAINTAIN

CIS prides itself on process. Traditionally, websites have been viewed as simple documents for presentation. However, since the mid-1990's, the web has become a medium for very complex software applications like shopping carts and database-powered applications.

Once just simple static HTML pages, it is now a dynamic medium incorporating various server-side programming languages like ASP, PERL, ColdFusion, and PHP.

Often these "web applications" house important company or scientific data, interface with sensitive personal information, or have serious commercial value--and potential risks. In these situations, the risks to your company and online information are directly related to the quality of programming.

As a result, CIS uses traditional Software Engineering best practices in all web-based programming. This includes formal requirements analysis, flow-chart and UML based design plans. We document just about everything.

For every project, large or small, CIS uses a well-tested and proven approach to developing web sites which ensures predictable, high-value results to our clients:

:: DISCOVERY ::

"Listening closely to your needs from the beginning."

We believe we have two ears, and one mouth, and that we should use them in about that proportion. In short, we spend a lot of time listening to you, and asking questions. Before designing any graphics or writing a single line of code, CIS allows plenty of time to fully understand the client’s wants and needs. Depending on the size and scope of the project, we may schedule multiple meetings with the customer and major stakeholders to determine the needs and wants of the company, and determine what is feasible given such factors as budget, timeline, priorities, constraints, and resources. This is the requirements analysis phase.

During this phase, we focus on the business and technical requirements of the project. We work with you to document business processes and workflows, functions and features, content, and imagery. In addition, CIS usually spends time analyzing competitor sites or products, and performing marketing and demographic analysis which allow us to give our client a competitive edge.

Using a structured approach to gathering requirements allows us to develop S.M.A.R.T objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-based) which nearly guarantees the success of the project. The overall goal is to ensure a focused project direction, a solid schedule, and an accurate budget.

:: DESIGN ::

"Creating a blueprint for success."

Using the information gathered in the Project Discovery phase, the CIS team designs preliminary graphics and a model for the system. This includes a website map, information architecture, web page mock-ups and wire-frames, UML application designs, and database schema designs.

We then submit these design concepts and prototypes for your review, revision and approval. All major design and functional decisions are made in the design process to allow for smooth implementation of your project.

The aim is to produce a model of the intended system that is correct, complete, consistent, unambiguous, realistic, and verifiable. We have found that careful planning and modelling will reduce development time significantly, resulting in a more cost-effective, reliable, and satisfying result for our clients.

:: DEVELOPMENT ::

"Rolling up our sleeves and getting the job done... on time, every time."

This is the point at which requirements-gathering and system modelling ends, and actual graphic design and programming begins. CIS uses state-of-the-art design tools such as Adobe and Macromedia products to design your website.

For programming and database projects, we use Software Engineering best practices to maximize the value and maintainability of your project. We develop projects using the UML modelling approach, Object oriented programming (OOP) methodologies, and processes which are iterative and modular.

Where possible, we incorporate well-tested, pre-built components to maximize the value and stability of your project. We frequently draw on pre-built components from the Open Source community in order to leverage existing, well-tested code at maximum cost savings for our clients.

During the development cycle, CIS employs a rigorous Quality Assurance testing to ensure all aspect of the website meet industry standards for Usability and Internet delivery.

:: DEPLOYMENT ::

"Launching your campaign on the World Wide Web."

Upon final testing and client review, the site is uploaded to the live server and launched for public viewing.

CIS stays engaged with our clients until their projects go live. We provide full project documentation, coordinate with your IT and hosting partners and provide training when necessary for your staff. Our job is not done until you are satisfied.

:: MAINTENANCE ::

"We're the company you keep, for long term maintenance and support."

Once the site has been launched, CIS can provide maintenance and monitoring to ensure the long term, continued success of your website. Our experience shows that measuring what you do, what works, how it works, and when it works is a key component of successful website ROI.

CIS may recommend several approaches to begin measuring website performance and priorities for future enhancements. These may include integration of a statistics package, Search Engine Marketing and optimization, coordination of press releases and other marketing agendas for the website, as well as other recommendations.

View our PDF Media Kit for a full outline of our background, methodologies, and guiding principles:

Capitano Internet Solutions Media Kit