The Internet evolution continues...
Revolutionising the computer and communications
world like nothing before it, the Internet has quickly become a household-name.
With the stage set by previous communication-revolutions such as the telegraph,
telephone, radio, and the personal computer, the Internet has changed the way
the world communicates. A world-wide broadcasting medium, the Internet allows
instant information dissemination, collaboration and interaction between
parties without the limit of geographic boundaries. And society is loving it.
Modern society is increasingly using online tools to accomplish their commerce, information acquisition, and community operations needs. In fact, recent studies have shown, that more than 60% of consumers will now research a product online before purchase. Plus, it seems the terminology is catching. Today, terms like "www.findme.com" or "bob@abc.net" are such a common part of the vernacular that it can be heard in everyday conversations.
But while, society's love affair with the Internet is a new obsession, the evolution of the medium and its meteoric rise can be broadly broken into three distinct phases...
Modern society is increasingly using online tools to accomplish their commerce, information acquisition, and community operations needs. In fact, recent studies have shown, that more than 60% of consumers will now research a product online before purchase. Plus, it seems the terminology is catching. Today, terms like "www.findme.com" or "bob@abc.net" are such a common part of the vernacular that it can be heard in everyday conversations.
But while, society's love affair with the Internet is a new obsession, the evolution of the medium and its meteoric rise can be broadly broken into three distinct phases...
1G - In the beginning...
Launching onto the business scene in
1991, the first generation of websites were primarily an online brochure. For
business at this time, the Internet was about being seen and about
technologically keeping up with their competitors.
Website presentation was basic,
features were limited, and there was no interaction with the viewer.
Customer use of the medium at this
time was low and scepticism was high. A website was more of a novelty than a
useful business tool.
2G The evolution begins...
This era in Internet development saw
widespread community acceptance of the medium. The Internet became universally
accepted as a credible information resource and businesses en mass embraced
the quickly evolving technology.
This change in purpose also prompted
the marked change in consumer attitudes towards the medium.
Widespread accessibility, with cost-effective Internet access packages and
a drop in hardware prices, also became the norm.
The second generation website was all about the
'WOW" factor with movement, sound and video capabilities. Most advances,
though, were in the front-end with very few opportunities for customer
interaction or the capture of measurable results.
This era also saw the development of commonly
available website publishing tools such as FrontPage and DreamWeaver. These
tools made the Internet accessible to businesses of all sizes. Unfortunately,
this time was also marred by the Industry "cowboys" who charged lots
and delivered little. The industry lacked an advisory body that would guide the
development of professional and useable sites that met the needs of the business
community.
3G Websites - The current age...
Society is continuing to cement its love affair with all things
on-line and is constantly increasing its dependence on the Internet as a source
of information, communication and even relaxation.
This strong upward trend has driven the monumental advances
in technology and software that we are now experiencing. These trends, along
with changes in the way society wants to interact with the Internet, has seen
the recent emergence of the 3G websites.
By far the most technologically advanced and user-friendly
sites, a 3G website boasts more advanced options in terms of
development, appearance and interaction than ever before. In addition to this,
a 3G site is also search engine friendly.
Fighting against the competitive throng of websites online
has necessitated the development of smart programming to ensure that the 3G
websites is able to be optimised for listing on major search engines such as
Google.
Designed to fully utilise the marketing potential of the
Internet, a 3G Website will produce measurable results for your business.
Depending on your goals and the type of business you run, these results could
include:
- Increased sales through an
online, secure shopping facility.
- Increased leads and
referrals through smart interaction
with existing and potential customers.
- Reduced product/service
support personnel requirements due to
interactive FAQ's and easily accessible product information.
- Increased potential for
repeat business with regular
customer contact.
Here are just some of the benefits that a WSA-approved 3G
Website has to offer:
Functionality
3G Websites are results-driven, creating an interactive space
that is more than just an attractive company brochure. A 3G website will pay
for itself by putting the Internet to work in your business.
Reliability
3G Websites provide Business Owners with the ultimate
in peace of mind. Smart programming ensures that the website remains
functional and online from the moment it is published.
Ease of
Use
Intuitive and consistent, 3G Websites give your customers the
information they are looking for and the tools that they require to easily
interact with your business. Essential website tools, such as the ability to
print pages, bookmark the site, an up-to-date site map and several contact
points are easily found from EVERY page within the site.
For the Business Owner, a 3G Website will cut the umbilical cord
between you and your Web Developer. Its user-friendly back-end system allows
you to quickly edit and/or add content yourself. Thus ensuring that your site
is kept current and up-to-date at all times.
Compliant
3G Websites comply with WSA standards for quality of
workmanship, programming and design. They conform to a set of pre-determined
industry standards or web specifications that ensure a usable and browser
oriented site is created every time.
Versatility
A 3G Website's greatest selling point is its ability to
integrate practical and pretty. Elements that are essential to the success of
your business can be designed not only to remain functional, but also to appeal
to your target market.
