A solution framework-based web site uses a pre-existing web application, such as a Content Management System (CMS), to deliver a “vanilla flavour” installation, with reduced cost and time compared with custom development. The installation is then readily customised with your unique “look and feel”. Many site management and user-interaction functions come standard. New features can be added with low cost modules purchased over the web. New and custom-designed features can also be specially designed and programmed for your needs.

A CMS allows the web site owner to update content, with minimal technical skills, and without having to involve the developer. As well as CMS systems, there are other kinds of solution frameworks such as web catalogues and shopping carts that can be implemented for you.

What kind of business needs a solution framework for their web site?

If you need to change your web site content regularly, if you want to achieve a big impact at a lower cost, or if the functionality you need is similar to that of many web sites you have seen, then a web site built around a solution framework may be suitable for you. Typical functions delivered with a content management system include:

What are the advantages of a solution framework?

• Design, business logic and content are kept separately. This means you can change the design without having to re-enter the content and vice versa.
• Easily expandable. You can add more functionality in the future as and when needed, thus protecting your investment.
• The web site is kept up-to-date. A CMS allows a non-technical person to update the content of your website easily at any time, from a PC with Internet access. You can edit or delete existing pages, add new pages, add new sections to existing pages, and much more.
• Site content is searchable.
• Savings and low maintenance costs. Implementation is normally faster and less expensive, and you spend less money. Even if you use a web developer to maintain the site, their time is spent adding value by maintaining your web site or adding custom functionality, rather than recreating functions that exist on nearly every dynamic web site.
• Search engines favour the ranking of websites that keep their content up-to-date.
• Web users will find a site that is kept up to date to be more useful, thus returning more often.
• Because many of the links and menu items on the web site are automatically created by the CMS, the chances of having dead links on your web site are fewer.

Recommendation

Building your web site on a solution framework, such as a CMS or catalogue system, is generally preferable for all but the most specialised needs, or the biggest web budget. Your web site has a greater change of staying lively and up to date, because maintenance requires time more than technical skill.

Financially, the return on both initial and ongoing investment is likely to be higher from a web site built on a solution framework, because typically you effectively pay only a fraction of the cost of developing the underlying system.