The charity was registered in February 2008 after being set up a few months previously; the obvious next step was to get a website to provide a 'shop front' for the organisation. With having no previous experience of web design or leading a website launch project, founder Sarah Burnard really needed some help, from a source with experience and whom she could trust. The project was put out to tender and Sarah met a number of solutions providers and quickly decided that Open Source Content and Document Management specialists Isotoma was the company she wanted to deal with.
"The way Isotoma dealt with me, their professionalism, obvious experience and enthusiasm left me in no doubt that they were the company I could trust to deliver exactly the website I needed".
There were numerous factors Sarah had to consider; she felt that the maturity of the Isotoma team, along with their track record would ensure she got the website she needed, and to give her the confidence she required knowing she was only able to manage the project to a certain level. The expansion of the site also had to be taken into consideration at this stage, as there were already plans for future development. Some of the plans needed revision, but this was what the Hope for Home team wanted - someone who could explain what would not work so well, whilst at the same time offering possibilities and potential that exceeded expectations.
The resulting site is a great success; Hope for Home found that the Plone Content Management System worked incredibly well - it looked professional too, which was very important for them - the site was their most important investment and as a new charity, they needed to be taken seriously. Being able to incorporate video was very important to Sarah, as video is an essential part of the way their message is conveyed on the site and her team has limited experience of producing video for the web. The solution Isotoma delivered allows her to add videos to the site with ease. Integration of Google Analytics has also been really effective; the Hope for Home team have found this kind of information and accessibility very empowering and it has enabled them to see that the website is working for them.
From the outset, it was known that the site would need frequent alterations; Sarah has been delighted with the support she has received; the content has changed quite a lot and has always worked brilliantly, with the quality never compromised. Sarah says,
"It is an utter delight working with Isotoma; when I phone they are always available and helpful. They have exceeded my expectations on every level and I never worry about the site".
