Montana web developers create applications for the Internet or a distributed network that runs from a web server to a browser. Most web developers also are skilled in related areas that include web design, web server administration and search engine optimization.

Web developers in Montana contribute to a set of guidelines that they consider to be best practices. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) maintains these standards that developers use to enhance and improve web-based technologies. These advancements counteract the effects of novice web developers who frequently do not adhere to accepted standards.

Montana web design generally falls into one of the following three areas:

1. Front-end development by a Montana web development company relates to the interaction of the website with the user. This includes the actual appearance of the website as well as the means used to display information and accept user input.
2. Back-end development refers to the database portion of the application. This includes the maintenance and administration of the database in addition to the storage and retrieval of information.
3. Middleware is the term used to describe software that connects the front end with the back end.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find experienced content developers to perform Montana website design

Web development companies in Montana will be able to design the website, write and edit text, as well as document conversions. Content development also includes the creation of guest books or forums and site navigation.

I recommend: Viciedo is located in Bozeman and provides custom web development with dynamic content generation. S&K Technologies in Saint Ignatius is a web design firm that offers content management among other services.

Locate a Montana web site developer that provides programming services

Montana web designers should be proficient in technologies that include CGI/PERL, HTML, Flash and Javascript. These tools will create hyperlinks, e-mail auto responders, web page validation and user access.

I recommend: J-Tech Communications is located in Bozeman and has expertise in a variety of programming languages for its web applications. GetYourOwn.net generally uses PHP and MySQL to build powerful, scaleable back ends.

Hire a Montana web development agency that develops websites with eCommerce capabilities

Your website will need features that include electronic funds transfer, online transaction processing and online shopping tools to sell products and services online. Find a web developer in Montana that has experience in building these integrated tools to help you create a global market for your business.

I recommend: Crytech is located in Billings and can create a shopping cart with the same look and feel as the rest of your site. aSureFit.com is located in Missoula and uses the latest technologies to allow credit card transactions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Review the websites in the portfolio of web developers in Montana to see that they make a good general first impression on you with graphics that make the site look neither too sparse nor too busy. Additionally, you should check to see if the pages load quickly and are easy to navigate. A web developer should also have experience creating sites for your industry.