full stack solutions
a plain English guide to software development
'Full stack' simply means that everything needed to develop software for a website, intranet or mobile 'App', is available in one place. Click on the bonus content below for a jargon busting explanation of LAMP technologies and coding languages that are used to design tailored solutions.
▼ FAQ: What does the acronym 'LAMP' stand for?Linux This is simply the operating system on your server Unlike Windows OS or Apple's iOS however, Linux is freely available and open source.
Apache (or http server ) Apache is free, open-source, software that connects your web server to a user's browser and transfers files back and forth.
MySQL (or PostgreSQL ) These are fully relational databases that utilise 'Structured Query Language' (hence the SQL acronyms ). Again, both are open source and free.
PHP is a programming language that tells Apache what information to get from your database, and where to display it within the web page.
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These four tried & tested technologies are the most widely supported and, collectively, will allow almost any functionality to be developed and delivered. . . if you can think it, it can be coded!
online retail sites
• powered by a bespoke cms
If you want to sell goods or services on-line via your own website (rather than utilise a third party application such as Etsy or Ebay ), ipinx is the cheapest one-stop shop, providing everything you'll need to start trading effectively; from product branding and design of your public website, to a fully bespoke Content Management System with secure payment integration.
Project managed at every stage of design and development, I make the whole process painless, understandable and, most importantly of all. . . affordable.
Remember, you can find more answers in the FAQ & ANSWERS page.
blogs & catalogues
The other most common application for a Content Management System is to create and maintain blogs, online magazines, news sites or reference catalogues that can be updated and edited by the site owner. . . with little or no technical knowledge.
It may be the case that only a small part of your website needs to be user updatable, the rest of the site being 'static', with all of the SEO benefits that static content affords (more fully described in the section on SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMISATION ).
Indeed, in many cases, a CMS may not be necessary at all. Why not call me for an informal chat and discover the full range of options. . . many of which you may not yet have considered.
the development process
For most software projects I employ a Rapid Application Development (RAD ) process because it allows features and functionality to 'evolve' during the early stages of development.
As always, your initial consultation is completely free of charge. Two formal quotations can then be provided; a fixed quote for the Discovery phase of development, and an outline estimate of the final costs to completion (including a projected timeline ) based on the information you provide.
The first charge point will be when you place an order and Discovery begins.
▼ FAQ: What are the three phases of RAD?Phase 1 - Discovery: This is the process of intellectually rationalising the system; its functionality, features, appearance, visitor dynamics, revenue models and data flows etc. Discovery would normally commence with research, an analysis of competitive offerings. . . followed by an agreement on the functional shape of the finished application.
As a general rule, the longer spent in Discovery, the fewer amendments that are likely to become necessary during subsequent phases (a factor known as 'feature creep' ). Your input will be crucial throughout this phase, with documentation and proofs regularly exchanged and discussed.
Phase 2 - Scope & Specification: The 'Scope' is a plain English description of the software's functions, whilst the 'Specification' is a technical document that defines the role that each of the previously described LAMP technologies plays.
Although preparing the Scope and Specification is largely the domain of ipinx, your input will still be required from time to time, especially where issues arise that may impact development cost, timelines, security or future development planning.
Phase 3 - Coding & programming: The physical writing of the software code and database.
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The main benefit of the 'Rapid Application Development' (RAD ) method I employ is that changes can still be made relatively easily, without additional cost, during the Discovery phase. Once physical programming and coding has commenced however, any 'feature creep' will almost certainly incur additional fees and delay.
• delivery and launch
Alpha. The database and code is written and the system made available in a temporary space to test the basic user and management functionality.
Beta. The system is integrated with its front-end design (including copywriting ), then made available for dynamic testing of the both the user and management functionality, plus external system interfaces such as payment services etc.
Gamma. The system is uploaded to its own name space, effectively opening it for public use. Gamma delivery (also referred to as sign-off ) is the final development charge point, which only becomes due once your software is fully functional and tested in the real world.
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