The Other Firm excels in developing integrated web-based applications. All final deliverables are standards-compliant and cross-platform browser tested. While adept with many systems and tools, we are passionate about the use of open source solutions and can demonstrate many successful results using: XHTML/HTML, CSS, Javascript (AJAX, Prototype, JQuery, etc.), Ruby, Ruby on Rails, PHP, Linux, Apache, MySQL, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, MapServer, and Python.
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
Content organization and site architecture are the starting point of every successful effort produced by our team. We have evolved a proven and repeatable process that ensures that immediate needs as well as future expansion are addressed at the earliest stages. Building a solid foundation with a firm focus on feature expansion and scaling allows our products to grow without suffering from growing pains.
USER EXPERIENCE DESIGN
The web experience is constantly changing and users continue to demand more of online tools. Intuitive navigation, contemporary design, innovative features and dynamic interactions are now expectations, not luxuries. Fail to deliver and you risk losing your audience. Our approach is to always prioritize user needs and deliver online experiences that engage even the most sophisticated users.
HTML PROGRAMMING
The programming that produces what users see is an ever-changing art. Our team spends a significant amount of time researching and testing new and emerging methods to better deliver what lives within the browser. We adhere to many common standards and worked diligently to ensure that a user’s browser of choice won’t preclude them from having a positive experience.
DATABASE PROGRAMMING
We’ve been producing database-driven websites and applications since they were rare and are more excited than ever about how dynamic content can be delivered. We’re particularly passionate about Ruby and Ruby on Rails. Since our first major engagement utilizing Ruby in 2005 we’ve continued to refine and expand our skills using this proven platform.
APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT
Building a new application is a huge responsibility and often a major investment of time and money as well. Success requires planning, discipline, collaboration and focus over an extended effort. We’re very proud of the innovative and unique applications that we’ve developed with over the years and the positive results they are providing to our clients.
MAPPING TOOLS
To say we love building map-based solutions is an understatement. Mapping provides context, reference, depth of information and incredible new ways to understand or analyze information. Our mapping tools and systems work great on their own and in partnership with other desktop GIS applications.
CONTENT MANAGEMENT
Site administration and content management is a growing expectation for site owners. It’s always been our belief that if a management tool is appropriate for the need, it should be implemented and utilized. We’ve added simple CMS tools to provide our clients with the ability to add and change data. We’ve also built entire sites around proven CMS tools like WordPress to implement entire suites of content management features.
HOSTING CONFIGURATION AND MANAGEMENT
The majority of applications and sites produced by The Other Firm are hosted in environments purpose-built by our team. We ensure that the server infrastructure and programming is optimal for the needs of these systems from the ground up. Following deployment, we monitor performance, perform software updates, optimize code and ensure ongoing availability where and when it is needed. When scaling is required, we’re there to keep everything working smoothly as we increase capacity and/or performance to meet changing demands.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Coordinating timelines, budgets and resources while navigating unexpected changes or new deadlines is the norm in our world. The Other Firm has a number of processes, online systems and real-world experience in managing our projects from initial concept to final delivery, and beyond. Our clients enjoy a great level of communication and transparency throughout each engagement to ensure that the development process is smooth and that any challenges are managed gracefully.
COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT
Great innovations come from collaboration, whether within a team like our own or in partnership with other teams or individuals. We have successfully co-developed a number of solutions with others and welcome the opportunity to do so again. We’ve brought on talented experts for specific tasks, worked with our clients own staff or partners to maximize their expertise and have worked side-by-side within other development teams in broader endeavors.
MARKETING AND BUSINESS CONSULTATION
Our final products are not singular and they do not stand on their own. They are components of broader initiatives that have a wide variety of business, communication, marketing and other needs. Our broad and deep experience in marketing, advertising, and business consultation (both conventional and online) provide us with the ability to see the bigger picture and advise accordingly. This perspective gives our clients solutions that not only perform well in their own right, but as part of the business they serve.