Launching a World Wide Web Site

by Bill Sweetman, June 1996

What are the pros and cons of in-house development versus out-sourcing?

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How much does a Web site cost?

How long is a piece of string? The cost of a Web site varies greatly depending on your requirements. A very basic but professionally designed corporate site could be created for as little as $5,000, but on average you should expect to pay anywhere from 2 to 20 times that amount. Do not forget to factor in the cost of content updating and maintenance, which can easily add 10-25% to the budget.

If these figures seem high, consider how much money you might lose (down the road) by not putting your company on the Web. And please do not try to cut corners. This is your public image you are dealing with.

What is involved in setting up a Web site?

• information content and structure
• host computer (server) hardware
• server software
• Internet access
• ongoing maintenance

Questions to ask yourself

• Do you have expertise?
• Do you have content creation skills?
• Do you have technology?
• Do you have the people?

Think long and hard about doing it completely in-house. How much money will you really save if the finished product ends up looking like the work of amateurs?

Comparing in-house versus out-source

Hosting a Web Site In-house

• server hardware $6,000
• server software $5,000
• power supply / backup systems $1,500
• router / firewall $4,000
• high speed Internet connection $12,000 per year
• UNIX/Internet technician $45,000 per year

Total: $73,500 per year

or . . . .

Hosting a Web Site on a third-party Server Farm

• monthly fee $100 to $1,000

Total: $1200 to $12,000 per year

What personnel are required?

1. Project Manager (in-house / out-source)
2. Writer / Content Specialist (in-house / out-source)
3. Designer / Graphic Artist (in-house / out-source)
4. Marketing Specialist (in-house)
5. Programmer / Technology Specialist (in-house / out-source)
6. Customer Support Specialist (in-house)

Consider a Combination Approach

In-house

• Management
• Content Maintenance

Out-source

• Content Production and Integration
• Technology Maintenance

• Table of Contents
  
• Does having a Web site make sense for your business?
  
• What are the stages and timing of developing a site?
  
• How do you choose a Web Developer?
  
• What are some of the common mistakes to avoid?
  

Bill Sweetman is MultiMediator's Founder.