Functionality - This a five-syllable word is a short way to refer to the different logistical parts of your website: the structure, flow, usability, and the "behind-the-scenes" programs and applications that make your website work for you, your company and your customers. Functionality also refers to end-users issues: cross-platform compatability, backward- and forward-compatability, screen resolutions and load-in speed. To help you better understand these variables, let's define them:

Structure
The division of information groups.
(The outline of what information goes with what.)

Flow
The hierchial method by which information is accessed.
(The layout of "this page" leads to "this page.")

Usability
Very close to flow, but includes cross-reference or out-of-sequence consideration. (If a user is "here", what other areas can he or she "click" to?)

GUI EXtension Applications
GUI stands for Graphical User Interface, or in other words, webpages as they appear in a browser. An extension application help webpages do things. For example, if a customer enters his or her zip code to find your closest retail outlet, an extension application processes the request and returns the appropriate retail location. Extension applications reside on the computer, or server, where your website physically resides.

Cross-Platform Compatability
Your website should work well when veiwed on both Internet Explorer and Netscape, PC and Mac. Each of these platforms handles pieces of the "code" of your website somewhat differently. Your developer can almost always compensate for these differences ensuring that no matter what platform your end-user prefers, the same great website will be available.

Backward and Forward Compatability
Not all versions of a browser are the same. Not all end-users employ the latest version of a browser. Improvements in browser technology are being made at a very rapid pace. Don't forget to consider the members of your target audience that haven't caught up to the latest developments. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that your website works in the most current browsers and the versions immediately previous.

Screen Resolutions & Monitor Sizes
Consider that not all web surfers see the same picture of your website. Dependent on monitor size and personal preference, end-users may see your website differently. Your website should present well in at least two of the four screen resolutions available to accommodate the widest range of settings used. Right now, the two most common screen resolution settings are 800X600 and 1024X768. (Just FYI - the factory-default screen resolution of 640X480 is rarely used anymore and only the larger 19"-21" monitors handle the highest screen resolution of 1280X1024 well. Most end-users use a 15"-17" inch monitor.)

Load Speed
Have you ever waited more than a minute for a webpage to load-in? No matter how beautiful the picture or how valuable the information, end-users will very rarely wait more than 20 seconds to view your pages. Graphics, sound, length-of-page and the front end of extension applications all play a part in how fast or how slow pages load-in. A good rule of thumb is have each page of your website load-in in 20 seconds or less.

What Aegis Internet Technologies Can Do For You
You know your business and your customers better than anyone else. Your involvement in the creation of your website from the ground up is essential to success. Your Customer Service Representative (CSR) will help you decide on the best structure, flow and usability strategies so that your website works for both you and your customers. Our Graphic Arts, HTML Development and Programming teams work with you and your CSR to be sure that all end-user issues are addressed and that all the "parts" of your website work together correctly.