Around 90% of all computer users have a Windows system installed.
W3 Schools, October 2009
More than 96% of enterprises run a version of Windows.
Forrester, March 2009
Technology used (and why it matters)
Specialists in creating business-friendly online solutions
From the very beginning, we wanted OBS-Group to be made up of specialists, not generalists. That meant basing most of our solutions on the technology of a single partner.
Our reasoning? We could then:
- Become experts in that field
- Attract the most talented developers
- Offer robust, business-focused solutions
- Keep ahead of the curve for updates and new trends
- Offer clients the best possible service
Why specialists are better for your business
By specialising in one type of framework we avoid the trap of being jacks of all trades.
Your websites and applications won't be patched together with a series of fixes and shortcuts. They'll be robust and reliable - based on a rigorous understanding of the underlying code. That's why it pays to work with experts.
(It's the same reason you wouldn't call a plumber to fix your car.)
Business-friendly technology
Microsoft Windows runs on over 95% of all enterprise computers worldwide. It made sense, therefore, for us to focus on using Microsoft's .NET Framework for development. We've been using .NET since its introduction in 2003.
Though other frameworks have their benefits, in our opinion .NET is ideal for building commercial websites and applications. Because it's based on Microsoft technology, you don't have to worry about compatibility issues and you can enjoy a level of future-proofing that not all frameworks provide.
Working with .NET means that our core technical approach is based around these three areas:
- Development platform: Microsoft .NET 3.5 (and subsequent upgrades)
- Development languages: Primarily C# (as well as Javascript)
- Database platform: Microsoft SQL Server (with implementations from SQL 6.5 to SQL Server 2008)
We've also got the in-house skills to offer Adobe Flash development, Javascript (including extensive use of the J-Query library) and other development options. While we build most of our solutions using .NET, we have the ability to integrate other languages and applications as required.
Of course, all of our projects offer fully compliant HTML and CSS coding according to W3C Standards. We also take accessibility seriously and ensure that all of our sites measure up to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG 2.0).
A Microsoft-certified agency
OBS Group is a Microsoft Certified Partner. This is both a seal of quality awarded by Microsoft, and proof that we follow best-practice when developing .NET applications.
Currently, we're a Certified Partner, but we're on course to receive our Gold Certificate very shortly. Such is our ability as a .NET specialist agency, one of our projects has recently been featured as a case study on the Microsoft website. Find out more about what it means to be a Microsoft Certified Partner, or read our Microsoft Case Study.
The OBS team and our approach.
All of our developers possess qualifications such as computer science degrees and/or official Microsoft Certification - in addition to lots of "real world" experience.
We use a three-tiered development framework, with dedicated staff for each tier. Each stage is unit tested, as well as being fully tested at the Alpha, Beta and Gold release stages. We use the AGILE philosophy for all development work. This means our team can be responsive, accountable and adaptable throughout the process. (The end result being the best possible website for your business.)
The future?
As Microsoft .NET and other programming languages evolve, so do our services. Over the years we've added mobile applications and social media design to our skillset. As web-obsessed specialists we keep on top of all the latest technological shifts in the internet landscape.
If you want to talk more about our approach, our services - or if you're ready to request a free quote - get in touch.