Working with you

Introduction

This is the concise guide that we use to explain how Sao Silvero works with you, the client, and how each project is managed from start to finish.

The process has been developed to make the time and effort both parties expend on the project more efficient and to prevent as many of the typical problems that arise during a project of this nature, from doing so.

Sao Silvero strives to deliver a completed project to each client that:

• achieved nothing less than the full implementation of the client’s objectives;
• meets the demands of users and allows for high levels of functionality;
• achieves a professional and consistent design;
• incorporates a high level of security;
• adheres to internationally recognised web standards;
• allowed for the incorporation of expanded objectives that developed as the project progressed.

Importance of Specification

We understand that the desire to start development of the project immediately and get the job done can be great. But careful forethought, consideration of all the options and the formulation of a plan will more likely culminate in a project that actually meets the original goals, on schedule and on budget.

Clients often begin a project believing that they have a clear concept of what they want the end result to be. Only upon looking back at the end of the project do they realise how far they have come and that the final result is very different from what they had initially envisaged.

The ideas, technologies, problems, interface considerations and many other topics discussed with the developer often cause clients to reassess their objectives. Attaining this understanding before development begins reduces the project’s length and cost and allows it to run more smoothly.

Our initial discussions with you will be based around a structured Specification. The completed Specification will define all the required features that the developers will need to consider.

Both parties will agree on this final written Specification, which will:

• state what the client wants the product to be,

and,

• the contents of which are understood and achievable by Sao Silvero.

This Specification will be integral to any contract that we enter into with a client. A subsequent change to the Specification will need to be clearly defined in a written and mutually agreed Contract Change Notice.

Working within these parameters will provide for a better working relationship between both parties and is more likely to result in a product that actually meets the requirements of the client.

Communication

Good communication is paramount to the success of every project. We believe that the use of the following methods leads to more effective communication.

Single Point of Contact

To reduce the opportunity for confusion and multiple lines of communication, each party nominates their Single Point of Contact. These two individuals will be responsible for all primary communication between Sao Silvero and the client during the relationship.

Of course communication can take place between other individuals, but it should be standard practice to involve both Single Points of Contact in all discussions, particularly those concerning design, functionality and the Specification. If there is any communication not involving both the Single Points of Contact, copies or appropriate transcripts shall always be provided to them.

Conference calls

To promote frequent structured dialogue, particularly amongst larger groups, a regularly scheduled conference call is recommended to allow all involved a single forum to discuss progress, ideas and to ask questions.

Face-to-Face meetings

Nothing can replace face-to-face meetings. They are more expensive, sometimes prohibitively so, but are invaluable in establishing and maintaining relationships, and usually result in a clearer understanding.

Where possible we promote face-to-face meetings. They are a valuable component of every relationship entered into, particularly when major project milestones are reached.

Demonstration site

An additional feature that can be made available to clients is a Demonstration Site. This facility allows password-protected access to the view the project as it is being developed. Whilst not showing minute-by-minute changes, regularly updated progress of the site can be experienced.

The Content Management System (CMS)

Acronyms

First a word on acronyms. Sao Silvero strives to avoid the use of acronyms, simply because acronyms tend to be industry specific. Our team works across multiple industries and it would lead us (probably our clients as well) to total confusion as we attempt to translate the various jargon. (CRM can mean Customer Relationship Management in marketing but Cockpit Resource Management in airline operations for example).

However, we will use a single acronym, and use it frequently. It is one with which clients will also become very familiar.

The CMS

The CMS is Sao Silvero’s Content Management System (CMS). It is the core of the majority of websites and web applications that we develop.

The CMS is an application that Sao Silvero developers have designed and built in-house to provide our clients with the ability to manage the day-to-day operation of their own websites without outside assistance.

It is the control panel for the web site which allows you to add, edit & delete content, pages, control user access, manage the language facilities of the web site, and much more.

Many organisations seeking to obtain an online presence, do not fully consider how they will maintained their website once it is up and running.

This should be your highest priority. Layout and styling of the website are in fact the last components tackled during the development process.  Your customers may be initially impressed by a well styled website, but poor functionality, content which is updated rarely (because it is too difficult for the owner to do) and a poorly structured website will not entice them to return.

Design

The website’s graphical design aspect, whilst the last component to be addressed, is still very important. The website’s underlying technology, quality of the products & services on sale, and customer service are all experienced after your customer has initially laid eyes upon the web site. It is often this first impression that determines whether or not the customer will look any farther into the products and services on offer.

Example of graphical design

It is important to choose a developer whose work you will be satisfied with. Reviewing their existing client portfolio is a good way to determine if you like the developer’s style.

Sao Silvero developers produce modern and professional designs and are the designs are tailored to suit each unique project. Examples of our previous work can be seen on our website, www.saosilvero.com.

Modules

Once we understand the project in its entirety, it will be divided into components.

Subdividing the project into smaller, more manageable components allows for more accurate planning of the timescale and therefore costing of the project. It also enables milestones to be identified where completed components can be presented to the client and any problems can be identified earlier than if the project was presented only as a final deliverable.

Sitemap specification

For website projects, the development team will need the Specification to detail a variety of aspects of the site. This will include a sitemap.

A sitemap lists all the individual pages, their primary components and any associated applications that will need to be incorporated.

Style specification

Font and style attributes will also determine the look and feel of your web site. Clients may already have corporate standardised fonts and colours that should be incorporated into the design. Alternatively we can start with a clean slate.

These styles should be detailed in the specification, as well as the styling, the technologies, languages and supported file types used.

Content

Generally the client will create and supply all content for the website. Sao Silvero will format and incorporate this content within the website.

The client will subsequently be able to edit and update all content using the CMS once the site is launched.

Additional considerations

1. A Note on Fonts
If Sao Silvero uses any fonts that the client does not currently possess, we can provide these at the end of the project to enable brand continuity in other marketing materials produced and released by the client directly.

2. A Note on Images
Temporary images will be placed on the site during development until the client confirms acceptance. Only then will fully licensed images be purchased and incorporated.

Acceptance testing

Prior to final acceptance of the project by the client, the site will be put through its paces to ensure it functions as anticipated and meets the specified requirements. Sao Silvero will then carry out any necessary rectification work before final handover.

Note: This acceptance testing is in addition to testing performed by Sao Silvero throughout the development process.

Training

Sao Silvero can provide training on the use of the CMS.

User Guide

Sao Silvero provides an extensive User Guide to all CMS clients.

Financial proposal

Following the completion of the Specification, Sao Silvero will produce a financial proposal. It will detail the total cost, and each aspect of the project these costs pertain to.

Currencies

Sao Silvero is able to price projects in currencies other than Sterling.

Payment options

We provide a number of payment solutions for our products and services. Please speak to us to find out more information about the options available to you.

Contract

Sao Silvero and the client will enter into a contract specifying the total cost and associated payment structure. The specification becomes an integral component of the contract and all changes made to it will be subject to the rules outlined in the contract.

CMS User Licence

As with all software, each client will need to agree to and abide by the Sao Silvero Content Management System User Licence. There may also be additional agreements and licences that need to be adhered to for non Sao Silvero developed components.

The ever changing process

Whilst this process is designed to allow easy and effective project management, there will always be improvements that can be made. Your input as a client is always welcome and we are eager to refine this process wherever possible.