Case Studies

“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 past seven 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.”

- Ray Gilley, President & CEO, Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission

Summary

The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) is an organization that helps businesses locate and expand throughout our 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.

Challenge

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.

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. While the cost of the initial implementation of Solodev was considerable, once it was put into operation and the staff trained, the EDC realized a complete return on investment within two years.

Technical Description

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 guarantying 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.

Results

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 six 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.