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Tips for Selecting a Web Development Firm?

Posted by Cliff on from the before-dumping-eggs-in-a-basket dept.

cyrano asks: "The organization I work with is looking for nothing less than a complete re-launch of its web site - upgrading from cobbled together static HTML and ASP pages to nothing less than a dynamic, database-driven site with a full-featured Content Management System and a secure eCommerce component. I have already collected proposals from several firms, each advocating the benefits of Java and Struts vs. ASP.NET vs. PHP...however, the technology used by each firm will only form a small part in my final decision. My true concern is ensuring that the firm I contract will be professional, cooperative, timely and will ultimately deliver their services as promised. What sort of questions should I be asking them, and what sort of warning signs should I look out for to make sure I find the perfect fit?"

3 of 106 comments (clear)

  1. Re:One warning sign... by rednip · · Score: 2, Interesting
    once I had gathered myself together I couldn't persuade them otherwise.
    Oh, they know better. Ask them to document those proceedures and then ask 'anyone' to follow their instructions from the documentation alone. I'd bet that the instructions are like "telnet to the server as root, log into the database as 'sa' do then do a complex SQL update affecting at least 3 tables." Keep asking questions until the documentation is complete.

    The trouble is that once a system is up and working it's hard to get the authorization to make changes unless there is a critical business need for the update, and someone willing to pay for it. Asking for proper and complete 'idiot' documentation is the least which is needed.

    --
    The force that blew the Big Bang continues to accelerate.
  2. Re:what they've done by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Exactly, look at their previous work.

    At my last job, they had a similar project. They wanted to port all of our existing applications to a web based system that would be accessable to outside clients and offsite employees.

    The company ended up choosing a consulting company who had just started, and didn't have any previous experience. They just happened to have the slickest marketing, so they won the contract.

    Long story short, the last I heard, they are still developing the project (Which was supposed to be done in mid 2002). It's pretty much useable now, but it isn't fully functional. It is also several years late, and the final cost ended up being about 3 times what was originally estimated.

    From what I've heard from friends who still work there, the company is suing the consulting company.

  3. Re:what they've done by a2wflc · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Make sure you look at websites created by the indivuals who will be working on your site. I've had a case where the 5+ example sites we saw were VERY impressive and for large & famous companies. But the team assigned to do our site was not quite as competent as the teams that did the other sites we looked at.