2013-06-25

WEB-O-LUTION | How Things Have Changed

The UN-OFFICIAL and abridged history of web development.

Without question, the evolution of web development changes almost daily - here is a look back over the last decade (or so) of how things have changed.

The 1990s

While we were still pondering the impact of the ‘Milli Vanilli Scandal’, anyone who could write a few lines of HTML code was starting a business in the web design & development space.  In these days, a website with a phone number, address and email link were acceptable.  A few photos and a contact form were considered ‘cutting edge.’

2001 – 2003

The Internet ‘monoliths’ that we are familiar with today – such as eBay/PayPal, Amazon, Dell, etc.) were carving out enormous footprints (and market share) online.  These companies were pioneers who showed everyone what can be possible online.  They truly pushed the boundaries of Internet-based business process integration.

2004 – 2006

A website became a necessity vs. a luxury.  Content management programs became crucial in the development of a complete website.  This trend set the stage for products like Tellerik/Sitefinity, DotNetNuke and Wordpress.  Your organization now needs a platform vs. a website thanks to this trend.

2007 – 2010

We were (collectively) introduced to Social Media.  Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn dominated the news media.  During this time, web integration (i.e. online purchasing, data management, etc.) turned into a mainstream requirement for serious organizations.

2011 – 2012

‘APP’ development was the new trend.  The brilliant marketing of Apple – coupled with the exponential adoption and usage of smart phones has created an environment that no one would have imagined 5-6 years prior.  Mobile marketing is here – and here to stay.

2013 and Beyond

‘Websites’ are required – but a ‘Web Presence’ is a necessity.  In order for your organization to succeed in the new economy – you require a trusted partner.

www.AISoftware.us

2013-06-18

Sitting On A Porcupine

 



One day, Jim ran into a long-time friend at the park.  His friend, Doug was sitting on a porcupine.

Confused, Jim asked the first thing that came to his mind . . . . ‘Does that hurt?’

Doug responded – ‘Oh yes, it is terribly painful, you have no idea, the slightest movements are agonizing.’

‘Then why are you doing it’ Jim asked.

Doug responded:  ‘Jim, it is MY porcupine.’


Don’t just hold onto ideas because they are ‘yours’ – expand your boundaries with the proper and most qualified design and development partners like AI Software, Inc.

2013-06-11

Internet Trends


Here at AI Software, we had the unique opportunity to be privy to an excellent presentation created by KPBC regarding Internet trends.

Here are a few highlights:

  • Declining user base at Facebook (still the largest social user base by a country mile) ;  given the rapid growth on Instagram, FB could still claim a growing base in total
  • Nokia / Linux smartphone market share declined from over 60% in ’05 to less than 5% in ‘12 (primarily Android driven)
  • 100 hours per minute uploaded to YouTube (vs nothing 6 years ago)
  • Took less than 3 years from intro before tablet shipments surpass PC shipments
  • Alibaba Gross Merchandise Volume exceeds Amazon + eBay in Q4 ‘12

The full presentation can be viewed at the following link:
http://www.kpcb.com/insights/2012-internet-trends-update

2013-06-07

Success Through Tradition


Since AI Software is an organization in the web development industry, we have been (and still are) viewed as a ‘startup’ company. This label does not make much sense since our firm celebrated a decade in business in 2012 – and the only reason that we have enjoyed 10+ years of growth (with no debt and no venture capital) is by applying standard, real and proven business principals to an industry riddled with ‘start-up’ companies.

As we find ourselves in 2013 – there have been three (3) or four (4) generations of ‘start-ups’, which are:

  • The 1990s – everyone who could write a line of HTML was receiving enormous paychecks just to bring a website online. These were the days when a website with a phone number and logo were considered ‘cutting-edge.’
  • 2001 – 2003 – the ‘monoliths’ that we are familiar with today (such as eBay, Amazon, Dell, etc.) were establishing a HUGE Internet footprint and continue to grow today.
  • 2004 – 2010 – the advent of Social Media gave everyone with an ‘idea’ the opportunity to capitalize on the Internet. Few got wealthy, some got rich and many have ideas that still are ‘on the shelf’ or ‘in development’ as Social Media continues to evolve (YouTube being the front-runner in reach and innovation).
  • 2011 – 2013 – ‘APP’ development is the trend. Thanks to the brilliant marketing of Apple (and the followed competition from the Android marketplace), there is now no shortage of ‘WANT-repreneurs’ who are looking for the next Billion-dollar idea.

The reality is – for every Mark Zuckerberg, there are thousands of programmers who never had that billion dollar idea (or even a thousand dollar idea) for that matter. None of these ever panned out – and, you did not hear about them since it’s not ‘news’ unless the underdog makes a boat-load of cash. No one made a movie about the ones who failed.

Let’s have a similar look at the progression of AI Software – a company that used standard (time-tested) principles of business to become more than a startup:

  • The 1990s – The founders of AI Software were engaging in such activities as sneaking out of their parents’ homes and going to prom. Toward the end of that particular decade, each principal had their own web design / development company, each embarrassing by today’s standards.
  • 2001 – 2003 – AI Software, Inc. was founded. The core belief was creating websites that could be managed by the client through a content management system (CMS) – then called ‘SiteManager’. Nowadays, this type of system is commonplace, but back then – it was revolutionary.
  • 2004 – 2010 – AI Software grew to 400+ clients in 30+ states operating out of offices in Cincinnati, Ohio and Scottsdale, AZ. The CMS evolved – as did the quality of our design.
  • 2011 – 2013 – AI Software has morphed into more of an ‘Online Marketing Partner (OMP)’ than web developers – staffing people who specialize in the areas necessary to build an effective web presence. These areas are:

Flair – how your website looks (professional design).

Function – how your website works (professional development).

Find-Ability – how you rank on search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing.

Friends – your social media footprint (which varies based on your industry).

The evolution of AI Software, Inc. is not because of a ‘cooler’ idea or a ‘better mousetrap’ – but through traditional business principles such as:

  • Provide each and every client a unique and special experience.|
  • Create a product and service model that defines each client and sets them apart from the competition.
  • Execute a systematic process that ensures each product is built with care and quality.
  • Offer custom support programs that provide each client exactly what they need.

AI Software did not ‘build a better mousetrap’ – we found a way to deliver a new product by utilizing proven and effective business principles and standards. Our firm now enjoys success in a relatively ‘new’ industry – following the models of production and service created by such revolutionary people as: Henry Ford, Sam Walton and Cincinnati’s Own – Richard ‘Dick’ Farmer.

AI Software, Inc. – new technology delivered through proven principles.

BEYOND YOUR VISION – BEHIND YOUR SITE