hodgson consulting scope of solutions
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www.hodgsonconsult.comFueled by Technology — Powered by People
Company Overview
From our founding in 2001, we have worked ceaselessly to make Hodgson the premier strategic web
development and interactive technology firm in the Greater Washington and Mid-Atlantic region, and
in 2007, expanded our efforts to Boston and the New England region. We have built our business by
understanding that our growth and success depends entirely on helping other businesses achieve their goals,
and have done this through the application of strategic, creative and technology solutions that solve real
problems in the real world.
Hodgson provides businesses and organizations with web-based tools and solutions that are essential to
achieving their important objectives. We meet each client’s expectations by providing accurate analysis
based on a clear understanding of their needs and objectives and our own deep experience. Following this,
we execute every aspect of our engagements with skill, imagination and expertise, all in an atmosphere of
openness and partnership.
We are able to deliver truly effective, functional solutions because we uniquely combine broad business
experience and deep understanding of technology with a willingness to really listen to our clients and
understand their needs and objectives.
Why should you use us?We are experts who know our business inside out. We are partners to our clients and
treat their concerns, objectives and successes as our own.
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Case Study — Portal Application Development & Web Design
Finance Compliance Solutions
Finance and Compliance Solutions (FCS) provides a unique
combination of access to banks, advanced technology and
professional F&I staff. FCS services are designed to be flexible so that
they compliment and enhance a dealer’s F&I operation.
Challenge:
FCS needed rapid architecting, development and deployment of their
portal application and a mechanism to promote their services.
Solution:
FCS engaged Hodgson to provide the following services:
Application definition and architecting. FCS utilized Hodgson’s holistic approach to application
development
Application development and usability expertise in designing functional and intuitive interface for users
Integration of multiple XML data sources being ‘pushed and pulled’ from multiple environments
and locations
Design and development process incorporating five steps with multiple milestones and both
client/vendor approval and review points
Result:
FCS had the portal application deployed and to market within eight weeks and, by utilizing the website as a
marketing tool, had a mechanism to promote their tools and services.
URL:
www.fcscorp.com
Capabilities
Website Strategy (Audit and Assessment):
Following our 8-step assessment process, our website audit culminates with the delivery of a new or revised
information architecture, content suggestions, and recommendations on user interface design, navigation and
existing application integration. The assessment also examines user behavior based on user metrics.
Website User Interface Design:
Hodgson creates sophisticated user interface designs that meet the goals and objectives established for the
website in relation to branding, corporate positioning, content, usability, audiences and navigation.
Website Content Management Tool Development:
Hodgson recommends the Ektron CMS400.NET Content Management System, which provides extensive
CMS functionality while allowing for custom application integration and development. Ektron CMS
provides a rich web authoring environment and includes features such as customizable user control menu
options, full text and page layout capability, permissions and access rights, search, metadata support,
personalization, website analytics, RSS, XLIFF support, surveys and polls and a complete content/document
check-in/check-out process.
Custom Application Architecting and Development:
Hodgson designs, develops and integrates web-based business tools using Microsoft.NET® technology to
create a range of complex applications that include: dynamic data-driven query applications, time reporting
and management systems, invoicing and billing tools, custom content management systems and email
marketing applications.
Search Engine Optimization Strategy (organic and paid):
At Hodgson we are experts in optimizing websites to maximize your potential to be ‘seen’ by search engines.
While we cannot reliably guarantee a ranking position without using paid advertising activities on specific
pages based on user searches, we can, and will, fine-tune your website to give you the best opportunity to get
excellent results through the search engines.
Website Hosting:
Through our solution provider relationship with Rackspace, Hodgson provides both dedicated and shared
hosting opportunities with 24/7 support and a large range of optional managed services.
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Case Study — Web Strategy & User Interface Design
Development Gateway Foundation
The Development Gateway Foundation is an international
nonprofit organization that provides web-based platforms to make
aid and development efforts more effective around the world.
Challenge:
The website was perceived by users to be the entry point into the
flagship resource DG Communities — DGF needed to promote its
brand and other products and to engage casual users rather than
just community members. DGF also needed to streamline and
simplify the navigational structure and access to valuable content.
Solution:
DGF engaged Hodgson to redesign a number of their web properties and execute the following:
Strategic branding assistance to help solidify the DGF brand message and position the Foundation as
a leader reducing poverty and enabling change in developing nations through information technology
Enhancement to DGF’s existing technology team’s capabilities by providing creative user interface design
A navigational structure and information architecture that clearly articulated the DGF
brand and supported the online strategies of affiliates
HTML 508 compliant developed templates along with a web standards style guide
Result:
The redesign effort achieved the following:
Reduced homepage abandonment
Increased loyalty from users (both page views and time spent browsing)
Increased activity on all web properties due to intuitive navigation
URL:
www.dgfoundation.org (foundation website)
www.developmentgateway.org (foundation portal to online tools)
Representative Clients
Advantage Marketing
Akridge
AMC Technology
Blue Ridge Networks
BoxTone
Children’s Literature
Circuit City
Development Gateway Foundation
Environmental Manpower
Flanagan Architects
Harvey Cleary
Inter-American Development Bank
JS Watkins Partners
Keystone Tech Group
Maine Lakes Conservancy Institute
Manugistics
MeriStar
Mid Atlantic Data Systems
NASDAQ
National Association of Gifted Children
National Cooperative Bank (NCB)
Netplay Network
Panacya
Pepco Energy Services
Public Safety Corporation
Quadel Consulting
Roeper School
TANDBERG
The Firehouse Gallery
Uni-Sim Corporation
Web Design DevelopmentEktron
Development Web HostingMarketingSupport
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Our Process
Overall Approach:
Hodgson follows a consistent process through every engagement it undertakes, no matter how large or
small. This process establishes reviews and approvals as a system of checks and balances to ensure that key
tasks, dates and information are communicated.
Obviously, all clients have unique needs and requirements. Hodgson prides itself on having a process that
can adapt to each project’s requirements while still following an established project path understood by
both the Hodgson team members and our client’s team.
Our process is very collaborative, utilizing key points of contact on the client’s side and a dedicated project
manager on our side. To do this, we utilize the subject matter expertise of our clients and partner with them
to design and develop a website that meets their needs and objectives.
Detailed below is the process with which we approach each project we undertake.
Case Study — Ektron CMS Implementation & Web Design
National Cooperative Bank
NCB is dedicated to strengthening communities nationwide
through the delivery of banking and financial services,
complemented by a special focus on cooperative expansion
and economic development. Headquartered in Washington,
DC, NCB has offices in California, Connecticut and New
York. In addition, the bank has a growing community banking
network in southwestern Ohio.
Challenge:
NCB completed a branding exercise and needed to redesign the corporate website and non-profit arm to
conform to the new brand and message. In addition, NCB needed to implement a CMT that would allow
content providers access to update content.
Solution:
NCB engaged Hodgson to provide the following services:
Website audit and assessment – utilizing our proven eight step process to analyze all aspects of the NCB
web properties to understand how to users interact with the site and where improvements are needed
Configuring and implementing the Ektron CMS400 to allow content providers access to update content
and streamline the form submission process utilizing custom .NET application development
Creative user interface design and experience with community building websites
Result:
Hodgson implemented the new brand and message and configured the Ektron CMS to seamlessly integrate
with 3rd party applications and custom built applications.
URL:
www.ncb.coop (corporate website)
www.ncbcapitalimpact.org (non-profit website)
Define Phase:
To establish criteria, specifications, requirements and business goals from which the design
can begin.
Design Phase:
To design the creative, technical, and business system that meets the criteria outlined in the
define phase.
Develop Phase:
To manufacture, produce, and execute the design into the desired deliverable format.
Integrate Phase:
To deliver the developed or produced materials to the desired environment.
Operate Phase:
The execution and operation of the final deliverables.
Case Study — Web Property Management & Administration
TANDBERG
TANDBERG is a leading global provider of visual
communication products and services with dual headquarters
in New York and Norway. TANDBERG designs, develops and
markets systems and software for video, voice and data.
Challenge:
TANDBERG needed web support for all internal and external
global web properties utilizing many skill sets and resources.
Solution:
TANDBERG engaged Hodgson to:
Manage and administer all aspects of the global web marketing function for TANDBERG
Work as a team to update content, develop applications, design and enhance user interface design
Review web statistics and metrics and develop strategies in relation to ROI and SEO
Implement secure internal web-based applications including document management tools
Assist promotion of the site through banner advertising
Implement and manipulate streaming video
Administer and manage the local, development and hosting environments
Result:
TANDBERG had at its disposal a full set of resources on an as-needed basis that understood both the
marketing and technological needs and goals of the organization.
URL:
www.tandberg.com
Case Study — Web Design & Ektron CMS Implementation
National Association for Gifted Children
NAGC is a non-profit organization of more than 8,000
parents, teachers, educators, business professionals, and
community leaders who unite to address the unique needs
of children and youth with demonstrated gifts and talents
as well as those children who may be able to develop their
talent potential with appropriate educational experiences.
NAGC is a small association with no IT department and
is predominantly made up of subject matter experts and
association specialists in finance, membership and meetings
management.
Challenge:
NAGC needed a way to enable project managers to update website content in real time, as well as update
and access membership contact data. They also needed to allow site visitors to purchase publications, make
donations, request information, and review resources.
Solution:
NAGC engaged Hodgson to:
Create a new and sophisticated interface design to promote the NAGC brand
Implement the Ektron CMS 400 Content management system
Customize the resources directory to enhance the search functionality and highlight premium sponsors
Result:
Implementation of the Ektron CMS allowed content providers easy access to update content and the new
information architecture transformed the site into a valuable resource for their membership.
URL:
www.nagc.org
www.hodgsonconsult.com
WASHINGTON, DC
3750 University Blvd., Suite 201Kensington, MD 20895
TEL: 301.942.7040FAX: 301.942.7034
BOSTON, MA
258 Harvard Street, #337Brookline, MA 02446TEL: 866.942.7040FAX: 301.942.7034