Web Site Design Proposal

Presented by LaDezign.com

Friday, March 23, 2007

 

Project Overview

 

DESIGNCLIENT requires a new web site to be designed for the purpose of offering consulting services and workshops and events to its clients.

 

As an integrator of E-commerce and content management software for several years, LaDezign.com has the business and technology experience to meet the requirements of this project. We will not only design a compelling online solution, but will also help to ensure that your site integrates into sound business processes.

 

The base system LaDezign.com recommends already includes a large variety of features to help make your online project a success. These features include easy web-based administration, live reporting statistics, event registration, membership management and payment modules. Additionally, because of the portal platform we intend to integrate, you will also receive many content management components like news and article publishing, video, podcasting, photo galleries, multiple newsletters, events calendars and more.

 

The project should be executed in 2 phases over a 4-6 week period from date of execution of this proposal.

 

LaDezign.com will also ensure that the platform is compatible with the goals of your site’s unique and compelling visual identity. We meticulously address every visual aspect including brand execution, design implementation and content integration.

 

 

About LaDezign.com

 

LaDezign.com has offices in Los Angeles and Tel Aviv. LaDezign.com works exclusively with the developers and creator of the WebCart® Ecommerce Enabled Online Content Management System. WebCart® has been selling shopping cart platforms since 1996 to companies and is one of the only shopping cart driven platforms that combines the best practices of ecommerce storefront needs with content needs like photo galleries, events calendars, newsletters, article and news publishing, online video distribution, podcasting and message boards. Instead of buying software from multiple providers, our clients obtain a “complete online solution” that addresses their primary needs from one tightly integrated platform.

 

To ensure a smooth client integration process, our “Professional Services” division employs a “Solution Delivery Methodology” that takes advantage of a proven, rapid, repeatable, low-risk implementation process, reusable tools and modules, and cross-functional service teams to ensure a competitive advantage for our customers. In plain English, this means that our project implementation team has the skills necessary to adapt the core WebCart engine for each client’s unique and even peculiar needs.

 

Historically, the WebCart platform has been sold to businesses and organizations around the world for over 10 years and it is in its 11th version now. It was completely rewritten 12 months ago into a more robust and scalable platform built in PHP and MySQL and utilizes the Zend optimizer for faster response times as well as encryption.

 

 

Site Design/Development Process

 

At LaDezign.com, it is our approach to ensure that all development is designed with our client’s resources in mind. We understand that Internet development needs to be a collaborative process to ensure that sites maintenance is easily operated and that web technology is applied to yield the most benefit to you and your site visitors.

 

We will give you the advantage of working with a full-service technology company that will utilize only stable, up-to-date and compatible technology for your site. We also have the ability and experience to make sure that the site can integrate with most legacy business software you currently have in place. Our solution is scalable, allowing your company to expand content, format and web features in the future.  

 

The first priority in implementing a new web site solution is to assemble a list of content requirements (i.e. pages) that the web site must contain in order to fulfill its various objectives. This list, which is then transformed into a navigational structure and general site outline, will be provided by DESIGNCLIENT (“ DESIGNCLIENT OUTLINE”). Further consultation with DESIGNCLIENT will involve adding and subtracting pages from the list and then reorganizing the linking structure until a final web site structure including all navigation paths is confirmed. Appendix A includes an outline of the functionality envisioned for this project.

 

 

 


Our Process:

 

1.         Consultation

 

This will involve reviewing functional requirements, recommendations, design guides or brand specifications you have compiled, and a discussion regarding any recommendations for the site’s layout. For DESIGNCLIENT this will also include an initial review of the different initiatives you intend to promote through the site plus an analysis of best business practices of similar sites.

 

2.         Base Installation and Modifications

 

Includes setting up the development environment, the database, and the base system. It will also include making any required modifications to the base system (changes within existing site administration areas, as oppose to module development). This will often be done in tandem with the graphic integration process.

 

3.         HTML Template Creation

 

At this point we will develop the integration page templates for the basic page types the site will utilize and these will then be handed over to developers. We envision the following pages to be included in your site:

 

·         Home page

·         Client Solutions

·         About Us

·         Consultant Profiles

·         Testimonials

·         Contact Us

·         Public Workshops

·         Public Workshops Registration form (including payment options)

 

4.         Testing

 

LaDezign.com will ensure that all features are working correctly and that the site maintains functional and visual integrity across all major platforms.

 

5.         Modules Integration and Augmentation

 

This includes the addition and custom programming of any features that are not currently part of the base installed system.

 

6.         Launch


Website Functionality

 

Broad Overview:

 

1. User-friendly interface including the integration of current or additional graphical elements to the back-end to keep with the DESIGNCLIENT branding requirements and reflect the colors, image and look and fell of your brand identity.

 

 

TIMELINE

 

 

Phase I: Site Structure (2 Weeks)

In the first phase, LaDezign.com will work with DESIGNCLIENT staff to complete the DESIGNCLIENT OUTLINE navigation structure for the site. This will include utilizing the list of content areas identified in the DESIGNCLIENT OUTLINE and selecting which areas should be part of the site structure for the initial launch. Considering that there are budget constraints in any project, the idea of the DESIGNCLIENT OUTLINE is to give a very detailed analysis of best practices of similar sites and then to work with DESIGNCLIENT staff to come up with a priority list of which areas to focus on for site launch and which areas to add in the future.

 

A password-protected site administration area will be developed.  From this area, DESIGNCLIENT will be able to:

  • Add/Remove/Update Content
  • Set up and Administer user accounts
  • Upload PDF, image, video, audio and other document type of files

 

Phase II: Site Design and Integration (2-4 Weeks)

Once the navigation and site structure is confirmed, LaDezign.com will work with DESIGNCLIENT staff to develop and integrate the graphics and content into the full site design project.

 

There is a certain amount of give and take in the integration process because we must take into account personal preferences, local preferences, and other design considerations.

 

As to the variance of 2-4 weeks, the primary reason for this is scheduling. We anticipate that between renditions of designs and integration, there will be gaps in time as DESIGNCLIENT staff will need to coordinate meetings internally just to review designs and assemble comments to move the project along. The faster the comments are forthcoming, the faster the project can be completed.

 

As the design is competed, LaDezign.com will work with DESIGNCLIENT staff to upload and enter content into the site. This will include filling out ALL necessary pieces of information on each web page plus uploading any required members, documents, databases, images, videos or audios. The speed at which content is transferred into the new platform will determine how quickly the site is ready for launch.

 

 

Phase III: Future Development

LaDezign.com anticipates that there will be improvements and additions to the site structure and design over time. As such, the DESIGNCLIENT OUTLINE is conceived as a framework to highlight MOST of the possibilities available to build into the site. Certainly some items will be “left behind” either because of budget constraints or as strategic decisions because they are not vital or less important to the initial success of the project. LaDezign.com will work cooperatively with DESIGNCLIENT staff to assess future needs throughout and after the initial project completion.

 

 

Website Hosting Setup

 

We provide Linux servers which we host for you in Los Angeles. We've found that the hosting facility we use offers us excellent 24/7/365 email and phone support so that we are able to better monitor and manage your web site needs. We do not make any direct claims to their performance and only offer this recommendation as a courtesy to our clients.

 

If you feel you need more robust hosting we would be glad to discuss dedicated hosting options or another hosting company.

 

The cost for hosting can be found in the “Hosting Costs” at the end of this document.

 

 

Security

 

Registered user access to the site will be restricted by a username and password. We recommend that you purchase an SSL certificate and that all personal information is communicated to the server under encryption. Access to the Administration section of your site will also be restricted by a set of usernames and passwords.

 

As an ongoing project dependent upon three major components/platforms of modern web development (Apache, mySQL, PHP), our platform offers ongoing security updates to address issues or changes in these components as well new internal security concerns.

 

Apache, mySQL and PHP have their own development cycles and security updates of course. Hosting services will usually update these components for you. LaDezign.com does not take responsibility for making these updates and with most hosting companies will not have the privileges to do so.


Pricing

 

 

The pricing is based on 5 factors: Software License (if applicable), Customization, Design Integration, Hosting and Support.

 

What appears below is a detailed analysis of how each of the 5 factors may be priced. The customization, design and integration fees are a one time charge.

 

  1. Custom Programming and Design – ($XXXX)
    1. Site design and integration fee including 2 submissions of designs and includes graphic elements for each section of the web site:
    2. Development of features outlined in Appendix A:

                                                              i.      Reporting and Trucking

                                                            ii.      Billing and Payment

                                                          iii.      Event information and Registration and other forms

                                                          iv.      Email system

    1. For additional changes to the functionality of the WebCart or software platform, or custom programming or graphic design, the hourly rate is $85.00.

 

  1. Content Implementation and Integration
    1. For additional assistance with uploading and entering content, the hourly rate is $65.00

 

  1. Ongoing Site Maintenance and Support
    1. Includes assistance required including consulting, programming or content integration/implementation. $85.00 per hour.
    2. See other maintenance plan options here: http://www.ladezign.com/maintenance.html

 

  1. Hosting and License Fees ($XXXX).

 

  1. Variable bandwidth and storage fees
    1. Each portal installation includes 30GB of storage or hard disk space. The rate for additional storage requirements is $5.00 per Gigabyte per month.
    2. Each portal installation includes 30GB of bandwidth per month. The rate for additional bandwidth overages is $30 per 10 GB overage per month.
    3. Email newsletters are included at a rate of 1MB per second. Any overage is billed at $85.00 per MB per month.

 

  1. WebCart license fee ($XXXX)
    1. Includes setup and installation of WorldClassPortal web site platform with feature set described in Appendix B
    2. Note on license: If the number of users or level of activity (storage, bandwidth or resources) exceeds the capacity of one PC, then the license will be transformed into a distributed multi-PC version, for which pricing will be arranged separately. The costs to be discussed for this type of license are variable by nature and depend on user levels, traffic levels, storage capacity and number of users at a time accessing the system, and such costs will include hardware, software and integration fees on an as needed basis.

Terms & Conditions

Limitation of Liability

In no event shall LaDezign.com be in default of its obligations under this agreement (the “Agreement”) or incur any liability to DESIGNCLIENT (the “Client”) because of failure to perform or delay in performance of services to be provided by LaDezign.com under this agreement where such failure or delay is caused by any event beyond the control of LaDezign.com, including, but not limited to, any of the following events; acts of God, acts of terrorism or war, legal acts of public authorities, strikes, picketing, riots or other civil disturbances, failure of communication, or power supply or mechanical difficulties with the equipment which could not have been reasonably foreseen or which should have been reasonably prevented.

 

No action to enforce any claim arising out of or in connection with the transaction which is the subject matter of this Agreement shall be brought by Client against LaDezign.com more than one year after the cause of action has occurred.

 

Client acknowledges and agrees that, in the unlikely event of damages arising out of and directly resulting from LaDezign.com’s involvement in the aforementioned Client project, LaDezign.com is under no circumstances liable for repayment of damages beyond the professional services fees paid by Client specifically related to such damages.

 

LaDezign.com makes no warranties, whether written, oral or implied, including any warranty of merchantability or warranty of fitness for a particular purpose.

Agreement Not To Hire

Both LaDezign.com and Client agree not to hire or solicit employment of personnel employed by the other company during the course of this Agreement or renewal or extension of the Agreement and for a period of one year after the conclusion of this Agreement. However, in a situation that Client desires to employ an employee of LaDezign.com on behalf of Client or any third party, Client agrees to compensate LaDezign.com for such loss with $50,000 or 50% of gross annual compensation of such employee, whichever is higher.

Payment Terms

 

  • 30% deposit upon execution of agreement
  • 20% due upon completion and approval of Phase1.
  • 30% due upon completion and approval of Phase2.
  • 20% due upon completion and approval of the complete web site.

 

Note: These costs do not include any applicable federal, state, or local sales or use taxes, or freight charges.

Additional Expenses

If travel, lodging, or out-of-pocket expenses are required for the purpose of this project, Client will reimburse LaDezign.com for approved expenses upon presentation of related invoices.

Schedule of Delivery

LaDezign.com consultants are available to begin procurement of software within 7 days of execution of this agreement and receipt of service payment and deposit for hardware and/or software.  Any delivery times quoted by Vendor or its personnel are estimates only and Vendor shall not be liable for any delays in delivery.

 

It is Client’s responsibility, without charge to LaDezign.com, to provide and prepare a site for the installation of the system in accordance with specifications supplied by the LaDezign.com.

Governing Law

Notwithstanding the place where this Agreement may be executed by either of the parties hereto, the parties expressly agree that all terms and provisions hereof shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and wholly performed, and to transactions wholly consummated, within that State.

Entire Agreement

This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the services to be performed and materials and Client property to be delivered under this Agreement and supersedes any previous related written or oral understanding.  This Agreement shall not be amended nor shall any waiver of any right hereunder be effective unless set forth in a document duly executed by the parties.

Proposal accepted by:

 

Name:              _______________________________

 

Signature:    _______________________________

 

Title:            _______________________________

 

Date:           _______________________________


 

Appendix A

Overview of Added Content Management Functionality

This section outlines an overview of the online administration tools for managing the content and look and feel of your portal web site.

1.      Written Content:

o        Blog – Includes main features to manage multiple blogs with readers’ comments

o        Articles – Use built-in MS Word type of browser-based text editor to write and format unlimited number of articles which can be categorized (multiple number of categories too) as well as “Tagged” for social bookmarketing purposes. 

2.      Digital Content

o        Photos - Categorize digital photos and post them in multiple galleries. Visitors to web site can even rate or comment on the photos in real time.

o        Videos - Post videos for people to watch instantly. Videos can be cross-categorized and stored in multiple galleries.

o        Music - Upload your favorite mp3 music for easy access. Utilize podcasting options for uploading and sharing audio recordings of events and speeches.

3.      Networking

o        Events Calendar – Post events into an online calendar. Each event can be categorized and using the built-in online html editor, a full description including photos can be prepared with regular html graphical effects. 

o        Tell-a-friend – Use the viral referral page to enable visitors to recommend pages

o        Conference and Tradeshows- Use the tradeshow module to enable people to register for conferences and tradeshows. Even enable speakers at the events to post their collateral materials in advance of the event for registered users to access from their home or office computers.

o        Email Newsletter – Manage multiple mailing lists and multiple newsletters with automatic unsubscribe capability. Send out newsletters anytime you want.

4.      Invite Feedback

o        Surveys - See what people's opinions are with unlimited custom surveys.

o        Message board (forums) - discuss topics of interest and have moderators create discussion sessions.

o        Newsletter platform – includes option for multiple mailing lists and automatic maintenance of subscribe/unsubscribe requests.

5.      Track Visitors with Reports

o        Live Reports - let you see who visits your site and what they do.