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) -- Hyperseek -- to a portal service that's under $30 (US)
a month (SearchKing's portal program). Write
us to learn more about our services developing these robust and
potentially lucrative sites!
Back to top
