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  • FAQ...

  • At i3m we offer bespoke, intuitive and creative software solutions specific to a brief developed with our clients. With the wide availability of Internet Browsers and the relative low cost of developing powerful software applications to run withinthem, the majority of our software projects are based around applications where the user views or controls the software via a suitable browser. More often than not a web site or data driven, web based, application.

    Although we develop software solutions for other applications and platforms, such as real time controls or data hardware, these FAQ's are primarily for Internet side or our business. For non-Internet software, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
  • Listed below are a few of the questions we are regularly asked by prospective clients for our Internet based solutions. They cover most standard web application projects but are by no means comprehensive. Whether they answer your questions or not please feel free to contact us to discuss your ideas and requirements.

  • FAQ:

  • Question not covered here? contact us

    1. What is the difference between a web site and a web application?

    2. A web site is generally a first step into using the Internet. Web sites tend to be a small number of pages that give information to visitors. In contrast a web application or data driven sites are dynamic, in that their content changes depending on the visitor. Features like blogs, forums, file shares, downloads, real time process information, historical trending etc. are all examples of data driven applications that can use a web browser as the interface to users and visitors.
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    1. How long does it take to build a website?

    2. Each web application or we site is a unique project and as such it's development, testing and roll out timescales vary. As a very simple rule a basic website can take somewhere between 3 and 4 weeks to get be up and running, while a more involved data driven application may take between 12 - 16 weeks. Each project is assigned an experienced Project Manager who is tasked not only with ensuring the project runs to brief and to timescales but also keeping you, the client, informed of project progress and milestone achievements.
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    1. How much will it cost?

    2. Our i3m web based solutions start from as little as £1000 but are dependant on the amount of time it takes to design, develop and roll out your bespoke solution, which meets the needs of your business. We guide and recommend your solution which is best suited to your requirements and the most cost-effective against your budget. We always quote all projects for your approval, providing you with a transparent and comprehensive proposal document, outlining specification and cost.
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    1. What about upgrading my current site?

    2. There are many companies that can produce web sites and applications but many are poorly designed and coded. In most instances it is quicker and therefore more cost effective for you, if we start from scratch. We can retain existing elements, such as text and images, which helps to keep prices and timescales down.
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    1. What if I want to make changes to my site?

    2. Quite often clients want to make small changes to their sites themselves. Adding small pieces of content as their business grows. At i3m we have produced our own Content Management System (CMS), which allows such tweaks to be undertaken by you or key members of your staff. You needn't be technical as no programming knowledge is necessary. Using a standard web browser and a secure login you can manage your site and making any changes necessary. Multiple logins are available to allow different staff different permissions to make changes. Additional pages or upgrades that require new programming are quoted and charged as requested.
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    1. What is the procedure if I experience problems?

    2. If you experience problems with our CMS or your site please feel free to contact us by telephone, this web site or email.
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    1. I don't want to update my own website, can i3m do it for me?

    2. A large element of our client base are happy for us to run and maintain the web platform. Everything from development and hosting to annual contracts to suit both your business and your budget requirements, so that you can be sure your website will reflect a new and fresh look, with the most up-to-date content on your site.
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    1. How long am I tied into a contract for the design and development of my website?

    2. Each project proposal is different and can be just the development, testing and deployment of application right the way through to hosting and regular maintenance and upgrade. In most web based cases clients normally expect their websites to be hosted and managed by i3m, so hosting is provided on the basis of a 6 month or 12 month contract.
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    1. Do I need to purchase my own website domain name?

    2. No. We can purchase your domain name or names based on what is currently available and your selecting a domain name which is the best fit for your business.
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    1. What if I already have my own domain name?

    2. That's simple and i3m will manage transfer of your domain name to your new website completely free of charge.
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    1. What happens if I cancel my service with you at any time?

    2. All domain names within your i3m account are registered in your name and are an asset of your business. This means that in the unlikely event that you decide to cancel your account with us you are free to transfer your domain name to another provider. Your email addresses will need to be reconfigured within your new server's settings.
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    1. What happens to the copyright of my website, if I move web provider?

    2. Once you have paid for the development and upload of your web site application i3m can, if requested, supply you with a copy of the source files and graphics used for the website on physical media such as a CD or by email. Unlike many web software companies we will also pass the copyright for software over to you. This means that you are free to have your website amended by a third party, should you so desire. The Intellectual Property of the source code remains with i3m but you are free to reuse it with permission from i3m.
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    1. Can you advise me on using images & photos relevant to my business?

    2. Yes. We run our own creative libraries at i3m and also have a dedicated online facility called istockcreative.com where i3m, clients, members and visitors can source and supply images and graphics suitable for use in their projects. You can also commission us to produce photography and images for your projects. Where neither istockcreative.com or commissioning bespoke photography and images is not an option we can source images from other, third party agents.
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    1. How can I promote my web presence?

    2. The Internet is the fastest growing media for promoting your business and i3m web sites are written with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) in mind. This means that all our web solutions include the necessary elements to maximise the chances of improving your search results. If you wish to further promote your website i3m plan execute and measure online marketing and/or an e-marketing campaigns to promote your business.
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    1. What about if I want to trade on line?

    2. Contrary to popular belief trading on line is relatively simple and cost effective. Many small companies have started out just using EBay to sell their goods and have grown from there. While we can help with merchant accounts for e-commerce we are also experienced in providing online trading solutions managed through Paypal, which is the the money handling business owned by EBay. Again, this allows clients a first step to securely trading and handling credit card transactions without the cost of hardware or merchant accounts. Peace of mind is also assured as end customer financial and personal security is handled by Paypal too, at no additional cost to you.
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    1. What are the payment terms for a website project?

    2. At i3m we operate standard software development terms, which are 50% deposit upon commissioning a quoted project, 20% upon client approval for the development build proposal, 20% upon client approval of the main build and 10% on completion, upload and test.
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    1. What are the payment terms for the hosting?

    2. We offer very competitive hosting deals depending on your sites requirements. We run our own, UPS backed, servers in house, which start at around £3.50 per month right up to third party partner shared or dedicated hosting. This is discussed early on in the project to allow you to make an informed choice about your hosting platform depending on your site availability requirements and budget.
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    1. Are there any other costs for my website?

    2. No. Only ongoing hosting fees and upgrades would potentially incur costs but these would be discussed and quoted if necessary.
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