Falling Sky Productions: Portal Development

OFFER YOUR AUDIENCE A REASON TO VISIT...AND RETURN

What is a portal?

The term "portal" means many things these days. In its most simple definition, it is a Web site intended to be used as a gateway, an organized listing of (usually) related links, articles, and/or other features to help your visitors.

Using this basic definition, anything from Yahoo! to your own personal set of favorite links/bookmarks can be considered a portal. And that's as it should be. Because as you'll see, portals (aka portal directories) can be just as valuable to the hobbyist with a collection of craft sites as it can to the large real estate association with thousands of members.

Why would I want a portal?

- Because you want to offer valuable information to your visitors/clients/customers

Restaurant owners might provide a database of searchable recipes. Veterinarians can offer pet supplies, books or links to pet-related sites. Towns might create an online directory of local businesses or services. Real estate associations can offer searchable property listings. X-File fans can catalog the thousands of their Scully/Mulder sites. It's entirely up to you!

- Because you're frustrated by the difficulty in finding information online related to your interest

Tens of thousands of sites are launched every day, and it's impossible for search engines to track them all. This problem is made worse when you consider that many major directories now require fees before they will even consider listing a site...and even then, there's no guarantee that it will be accepted! By creating a specialized directory focused on your own industry or interest, you'll not only make things easier for yourself . . . but you'll provide a valuable service to thousands of others at the same time! (A service that could well be profitable, too.)

Can I create a portal without going bankrupt or crazy?

We can't guarantee sanity, but you don't need the financial resources of a Yahoo! or Netscape to make your own portal -- and you don't need the technical skills of the workers at Intel. There are several options to the small business, nonprofit organization, or individual looking to create a portal presence.

What software or technical products do I need?

Since most portals focus around a directory or search engine, this is probably the most important requirement. There are many different search engine/directory programs available, and it is very likely you will find one that suits your needs.

We can recommend two, both of which are versions of the same highly popular program: Hyperseek. One or the other will almost certainly match your financial and/or technical capabilties -- offering a range of possibilities from purchasing your own completely customizable program at just under $1,000 (US) to a business directory script that's under $150 (US). Write us to learn more about our services developing these robust and potentially lucrative sites!

Why Choose FSP?

Falling Sky's design team has been producing award-winning sites for four years. We've seen the changes on the Web and have kept pace with them. We know what works with online audiences...and what doesn't. Our experience and expertise are balanced by our genuine curiosity and desire to keep learning -- a flexible outlook that ensures each project receives a fresh approach.

Attraction.
Not Distraction.

Our designs emphasize eye-catching style, but never at the expense of getting your message across or hampering user experience. We'll avoid pointless diversions that only serve to turn away your audience, such as excessive animations, slow downloads, and techno-wizardry for its own sake.

Custom Sites Developed for You Alone.

Off-the-rack templates don't always match your unique needs. Using a combination of artistic skill and technical know-how, we'll work to produce a Web site tailored to meet the specific goals you set forth, ranging from publicity to increased sales to educating the public.