Q. I have a vision for what I’d like the web to do for my business – so what's next?

A. A vision without a plan some would say is just hallucination. A 1999 survey conducted by KPMG reported that many traditional companies failed to successfully integrate the Web into their core business. In other words, they went into engagement without adequate planning to support a clear strategic vision and often without the IT talent required to deliver the results.

The Web should support your existing business processes while exposing new and better ways to work with customers and suppliers. Unless you have the in-house expertise, consider consulting services to help you develop a practical plan that makes use of best practices for the Web development of your company.

Q. What are some of the basic considerations in designing and managing a web site?

• Think like your customers. Make sure you design with the customer needs in mind. Make it easy for them to find what they are looking for and clearly present benefits, solutions and ideas.
• Remember NAPA, not the wine region, but rather a simple acronym for Navigation, Appearance, Presentation and Accessibility. Challenge your designer or consultant to ensure these elements are well set out – your customers will thank you!
• Keep your content and technology current. A stale, dated web site is a poor reflection on your company.