A dynamic web site keeps the three essential components of a web site separately, yet delivers them seamlessly to create web pages. These components are:

• Content - static and dynamic text, images, and data sourced from applications, files and databases
• Navigation and business logic - the dynamic relationship of one set of content to another or one web page to another, or one business process to another
• Interface - the presentation or 'look and feel' of the content

Dynamic systems are built on database management and database application software, to provide managed and secure access to information. This information can be stored on the web site's own server, or on a remote server, and can consist of any form of electronic document, data or image. Web site users make on-screen selections by clicking links, which in turn send instructions to application programs running on the web site. Web pages or other electronic documents such as PDFs are then typically constructed "on the fly" from the data stored on your web site or in remote locations. These documents are presented in a consistent format to the web user using standard templates that hold the site's look and feel. Web pages as such do not exist as individual complete "static" entities.

What kind of business needs a dynamic web site?

A dynamic web site is a suitable solution for your organisation if:

• you have information that needs to change regularly - such as news, events, scores, or feedback
• you want web users - whether the general public or your staff - to be able to upload data or information onto your web site
• if the information you want to present on your web site is or could be stored in a database
• if the information on your web site comprises numerical or other similar data
• if you have a lot of web pages and a lot of data
• you need to maintain a consistent look and feel
• your web site content is managed by a number of people

What is a dynamic web site like?

A dynamic web site might offer features such as:

• forms of all kinds for site users or administrators to upload data of all kinds
• news, event calendards, polls, feedback forms, enquiry forms
• catalogues, shopping carts and other ecommerce functions
• image galleries

It is also possible to add dynamic features to simple static web sites. This is a typical method used by web developers of moderate skill.

What are the advantages of a dynamic web site?

You will probably need a dynamic web site, or dynamic features on your web site, if you want to put some or all of your business processes on the web. A dynamic web site may offer:

• Economy, because manual business processes and additional technology investment are lessened
• Simplicity, because smanagement is uncomplicated and can use familiar processes
• Rapid implementation, both for initial and on-going deployment

 With a dynamic web site:

• Visual design, business logic and content are kept and managed separately, allowing experts to manage their own sections.You can change the design without having to re-enter the content and vice versa.
• You can add more functionality in the future as and when needed, thus protecting your investment.
• Web site content is up to date, because it is easy to manage. You can add, edit or delete pages, parts of existing pages, or manage data online without need a programmer and with minimal technical skill. Your web site is more useful for your web users.
• You can have far greater real-time interactivity with your users.
• Website content is kept up-to-date
• If the information on your web site changes regularly, then a dynamic web site means reduced ongoing maintenance costs.
• Because the look and feel of a page, and the navigation system are typically created automatically, there is more chance of keeping the site looking and working consistently well.

Recommendation

For most purposes other than a simple brochure web site, a modern organisation will need a dynamic web site or at least some dynamic elements.

Scale, scope and budget are factors in the type of solution appropriate. If a significant budget is available, or requirements are unique and complex, a custom-designed and built dynamic web site may be the best solution. If budget is very modest, consider a static web site using freely-available web components that can be added in. To get the most value, use a Content Management System and stick with standard functionality.