Web development agencies in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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.

Rhode Island web development generally falls into one of the following three areas:

1. Front-end development by a Rhode Island 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 web development in Rhode Island

Web development companies in Rhode Island 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: Iatek is in Newport and is a leading provider of web content management systems. New Fangled Web Factory in Providence uses NewfangledCMS to facilitate the entry and adjustment of web content.

Locate a Rhode Island web application developer that provides programming services

Website developers in Rhode Island 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: Envision Technology is in Providence and primarily uses ASP and PHP to provide dynamic solutions in its web development process. Mattson Software is in Smithfield and has specific expertise in code optimization for websites.

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

I recommend: 2xCreations is in North Providence and specializes in large-scale custom eCommerce solutions. Jamison Multimedia Productions is in Johnston and provides a range of web development services, including eCommerce.

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 web developers in Rhode Island 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.