“In 2001, the EDC introduced a new initiative designed to expand
the brand of Metro Orlando on the Internet. The EDC looked to
Solodev to integrate the theme of “Putting Imagination to Work”
into our site, OrlandoEDC.com. Over the years Solodev has become
and remains a strong partner in all of our marketing initiatives
online. I can say - without hesitation - anytime we contact Solodev
with a request, issue, or idea, our needs are met quickly and
professionally. We value them as a business partner and would
highly recommend their services.”
- Lisa Addy, Director of Publications & Web Management, Metro
Orlando Economic Development Commission
The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) is an organization that helps businesses locate and expand throughout a four-county region. The EDC team of 34 business development and marketing professionals are dedicated to meeting the needs of today’s industries and creating a competitive economic climate where businesses can thrive. To meet this goal, the EDC provides key services and support, which range from relocation and expansion expertise to export counsel to long-term planning with their community partners. In 2001, the EDC contracted with Solodev to redevelop their corporate website and provide strategic Internet consulting services to increase brand awareness and their presence on the World Wide Web. They were also interested in maintaining their website in-house.
This organization and its website serve a vital function to the health of the local economy and is an important information resource for companies in and outside the region. Their site is updated frequently and updates need to be done in a timely and cost efficient manner. Previously, updates were done externally and it would take days, sometimes weeks, to be accomplished. Additionally, the cost of making daily updates quickly added up and the EDC was in search of a cost effective solution.
After initial meeting with the EDC, it became readily apparent that Solodev was a perfect fit for their needs. The software provided a simple and cost-effective solution for them to manage the site almost entirely in-house. In 2001, the software was installed and the site redevelopment began. The design process lasted several months while Solodev met with executive team and staff members to ensure the new site was precisely what the EDC wanted in both appearance and functionality. Additionally, Solodev worked cohesively with Fry Hammond Barr, a Florida-based advertising agency, which assisted in the re-branding of the EDC image by designing a new corporate logo and community brand logo. The tagline chosen for the community logo, “Putting Imagination to Work,” served as inspiration for Solodev designers. After careful collaboration, numerous drafts were presented and the design was approved once the new look and feel became the ideal representative of Orlando and the surrounding communities. The EDC realized a complete return on investment within two years.
The definition of a website is no longer a
mere collection of HTML pages designed to look pretty online. In
order to stay current and compete on the World Wide Web, it must be
a software application that can display database information and
collect user data. It is these facets that enable a business to
function at its optimal level and thrive on the Internet.
Along with their website, the EDC had several custom application
requirements: a searchable investor directory, a press release news
module, a document data center, and online event calendars. These
applications were identified to be critical in the daily operations
of the EDC website. As with any software development project
Solodev undertakes, we work with the client to develop a UML
diagram which explains the process of the application and then
create a detailed project plan outlining each phase of development.
Solodev adheres to strict software development principles
guaranteeing that every project we undertake will be a success.
Solodev was able to provide each and every component the EDC needed
to become one of the best economic development sites in the
world.
In October 2001, the first version of the
Solodev-powered OrlandoEDC.com was launched. The EDC now had full
control of the website and Solodev was able to focus on search
engine marketing for the site. As a result, the EDC now ranks at
the top or near the top of the search engines on virtually every
topic they target.
Furthermore, a site that would normally take a dedicated team to
manage is controlled by one person. No small feat considering how
large the site is at more than 500 pages including more than 1,000
documents.
The EDC is an invaluable customer to Solodev and an ideal example
of how the software can work for an organization in an all
encompassing capacity. Since the original Solodev-powered site
launched 10 years ago, the EDC has utilized Solodev to redesign and
launch numerous other revisions and sites including
FilmOrlando.com, bioOrlando.com, and two multilingual sites.
