A brief outline of some of the web technologies we work with

XHTML

When possible we ensure all the web pages we generate are XHTML 1.1 compliant. Sometimes however, such as when we are modifying a site that is dependent on frames or that has previously generater browser dependent code we must leave existing code alone or adhere to XHTML 1.0 Transitional.

JavaScript

Javascript enables immediate manipulation of pages without data having to be sent to and from a server. This means the DOM can be manipulated determined on user actions or the status of the environment. We can use it with AJAX to develop systems that can authenticate information on the fly. That is, usernames for instance, can be instantly known to be unique or taken by sending small queries instantly after the user has completed a field. This means that error or success messages can be shown near instantaenously once a user has inputted data.

Another common use it to provide users information as and when they need it. While users are browsing or mining for data, there is rarely a need to fetch the entire dataset for them to navigate. AJAX allows only the required data to be shown as the most appropriate times meaning little wasted bandwidth.

Java Applets

The Java language is significantly more powerful than browser embedded or server side languages; entire custom applications can be written with it with much more freedom and accessibility. As the Java code runs as an applet it is limited somewhat in it's functionality to prevent security risks from malicious or untested code.

Image and document manipulation

Images and documents can be created or manipulated dynamically using server side technologies such as the GIMP toolkit or PHP image functions. We can automatically resize, add company graphics, apply digital watermarking or a myriad of other graphical manipulation techniques.

Security

We know how important security is for all businesses. The data protection act says that data must kept securely, Wirebox adheres to many secure procedures to ensure that solutions we produce are safe for data to be stored and transported to and from. TSL (SSL) cryptography provides a secure way to transfer data across unsecure networks. This means everything from bank information to personal details can be transmitted with confidence.

Databases

Databases extend the power of the web by allowing environmental states to be stored server side and linked to from the clients interface. By adding a database to your website it's usefulness is only limited by your imagination. Visitor's information, browsing trends, authentication, client interaction and countless other opportunities become possible. We try to stick with MySQL, if it's good enough for NASA it should do for us.

We write our code in a suitably abstract way so that the database engine we use is transparent to the development team. We have experience with Microsoft SQL and PostgreSQL environments and are only too happy to use new database management systems.

Shockwave

The Shockwave and Flash technologies have enabled the web to become a more vibrant, interactive and exciting place. When used properly, Shockwave can enable a business to market products and communicate abstract ideas in innovative ways compared to traditional non multimedia solutions. Wirebox can help you design your site to avoid the mainy pitfalls of Shockwave based design.