Tech Tip: What are the key tools/technologies to design, develop and maintain a website today? - The SHIFT

By Tracey Klein, Divisional Vice President, Sales

Q: What are some of the key tools/technologies to design, develop and maintain a turnkey, database-driven website?

A: The Microsoft .NET Framework is an excellent tool and technology platform upon which to develop your database-driven website. The database layer itself can be done with SQL Server 2005 (or the recently launched 2008 version). Any of the .NET programming languages, such as ASP.NET or C#.NET, can be used. The user interface -- or the design -- can be enhanced with Microsoft's new Silverlight ™ technology. Silverlight provides a consistent experience across all popular web browsers.

Third party content management systems (CMS) such as Sitecore can help you to achieve scalability, workflow and security goals at the application level, while providing content owners and publishers with enterprise-class website editing functionality while not sacrificing security.

Overall, the wide support base for Microsoft-driven .NET solutions ensures that you have a website that is customized, but not proprietary.

Based in our Commack, NY office, Tracey is Divisional Vice President of Sales for mindSHIFT’s Managed Hosting and e-Business Applications group.