In an effort to boost client Internet presence while reducing the time spent on Web development solutions, Kellen Interactive has increased its focus on leveraging open source technology.
Open source means the software is free and its source code is accessible. It is developed in a public, collaborative manner and the result is often better quality, higher reliability and more flexibility. Essentially, Web developers are able to build a solid site without starting from scratch.
Kellen Interactive recently adopted these public applications as a framework for several client Web sites or blogs including Calorie Control Council (CCC), Research Chefs Association (RCA) and Georgia Natural Gas (GNG.) For example, the CCC and RCA Web sites utilize Drupal, a popular open source Content Management System, while GNG uses WordPress, a leading blog and publishing platform.
Using and modifying this software for clients has proven advantageous for Kellen Interactive. For example, developers typically log extra hours creating RSS feeds, internal searches and other Web 2.0 standards now commonly found on Web sites. Open source systems like WordPress and Drupal, however, come equipped with these functionalities, as well as free add-on modules that enable everything from e-commerce to blogs and peer-to-peer networking to podcasting. In addition, both Drupal and WordPress allow the client to easily update the site, keeping the content fresh and engaging to the user.
"Open source software has allowed us to reduce the hours spent on site design and maintenance," said Josh Linard, Business Development Manager for Kellen Interactive. "As a result, we've been able to focus on client needs and messaging without the typical time delays associated with installation and configuration."
So how else has this approach benefited Kellen Interactive clients?
Using Drupal, Kellen was able to more easily redesign and reorganize CCC's Web site, which encompasses more than 250 pages of content. The sleek, new design features a blog, interactive news scroll, RSS feeds and online video, as well as enhanced weight control tools, recipes and calculators. The soon-to-be-unveiled GNG blog, which is built on WordPress, will serve as a community outreach calendar of sorts, announcing different charitable and fundraising efforts and local events. And visitors to RCA's Web site now find enhanced graphics, streaming video, an improved online member center, unified events calendar and centralized document library. Through Drupal's open source content management system, RCA staff is able to maintain all aspects of the site through a single interface.
"This is an exciting advancement for RCA, whose members embrace the latest innovations in Web technology. The site has a fabulous new look and feel, and overall it's a beautiful site that really showcases what RCA has to offer R&D professionals and students of Culinology," said RCA President Stephen A. Kalil, CEC, CRC.
Today, open-source tools and methodology provide invaluable benefits to development time, as well as the quality of the end product. Kellen Interactive is looking forward to more frequently integrating these tools to better serve clients.
For more information, please contact us or call 404-836-5050.
