Quattro Web Solutions, a new Web development and consulting company based in Cape Town, is launching a locally-developed Web site creation tool aimed at putting even the smallest company online.
The new tool, RapidWEB, is to be launched at the Cape Computer Faire 2001 next week. It gives simple point-and-click interface, allowing companies to build and manage their own Web sites within a Web browser. Quattro says marketing is already underway to launch the product in Europe.
Nick Maunder, Quattro project manager, says RapidWEB saves companies from tackling complex development processes and hefty Web development bills.
"Once logged in through their normal Web browser, the delegated webmaster of the company is given options to set up pages using a flexible page editor similar to Microsoft Word. The company can add any predefined module, including common Web site functions such as news, links, downloads, feedback and calendar. A number of other modules to be added soon include Postcards, Tour Builder (for the tourism industry) and a property module for estate agents. E-commerce functionality is also in the pipeline."
The page designer includes tables, pictures, links, font changes and colours. Users can copy text from other programs and paste it into their browser window. A menu editor enables users to link modules and pages for easy site navigation, and they can edit their corporate identity by setting up styles, fonts, background colours, images and user-defined menu buttons.
"Basically, we give organisations a low-cost Web site with a whole range of modules that make it incredibly scalable. They can add or subtract functionality at whim, literally with the click of a mouse," says Mauder.
To build Web sites, users need a copy of Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 or higher. No programs or plug-ins are needed, and a built-in quick reference feature guides the user through the process of designing the site. Support is available online or through Quattro Web Solutions` Cape Town office.
The product runs from an SQL 2000 database server on Internet Information Server 5. Each RapidWEB is a separate SQL database installation hosted separately from other Web sites.
Quattro charges a set-up fee of R850, and R285 per month, including hosting. Domain registration costs R250.
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