Creating applications for the Internet or a distributed network that runs from a web server is a common skill set for website designers. New York website developers also are skilled in related areas that include web design, web server administration and search engine optimization.

Web developers in New York 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.

New York web development generally falls into one of the following three areas:

1. Front-end development by a New York 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 website design. New York web developers can perform 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 web development in New York

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

I recommend: 360 Professional Services Group is in Amherst and specializes in websites with a robust, customizable content management solution. Atypica is in Clifton Park and provides a full range of website development, including content management.

Locate New York web developers that provides programming services

Website developers in New York 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: 001design is in New York City and offers a range of programming among its web development services. End Point in New York City uses Ruby on Rails to deliver web applications that are easy to build.

Hire a New York 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 New York that has experience in building these integrated tools to help you create a global market for your business.

I recommend: IBLN Designs in Hicksville specializes in custom web design, including eCommerce capability. Aldo Media is in Williamsville and routinely creates shopping carts and online ordering in its website development.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The cost of a website is directly related to its level of functionality. The most inexpensive sites that a New York website company can make will do very little, but the cost will increase dramatically if you need a site with online payment processing, custom coding and advanced graphics. Web developers will need expertise in Flash and eCommerce development to provide these capabilities.
• •  Review the websites in the portfolio of web developers in New York 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.