Education
Science & technology
For a business looking for a software package, there are two main options available. They can buy an off-the-shelf software package, or have a bespoke software application developed. Here we look at the pros and cons of each.
Software development
& web design
Alberon is an Oxford-based software development and web design company. We build the solutions that make your organisation more efficient.
Our services
Software development
Bespoke software development for improved efficiency
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Web design & development
Web design & web development to exceed your goals
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Managed Web hosting
Reliable & secure web hosting you can trust
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Software & web support
Comprehensive web & software support for your peace of mind
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Customer projects
Jordan Davies - Hertford College, The University of Oxford
Sadie Primmer - Research Complex at Harwell, Oxfordshire
Jude Eades - Jesus College, The University of Oxford
What you’ll get
from working with us
Expertise &
sound advice
We have been designing and developing bespoke software and complex websites for over 20 years. As an Alberon customer you will benefit from these years of experience as we guide you through the process.
20 years of experience
A bespoke
solution
Drawing on our years of experience we will ask the questions you didn’t know to ask and listen to what you need so you get exactly the solution you are looking for.
we listen to what you need
A clean,
secure application
We take security very seriously at Alberon. Our developers follow strict security practices when developing applications to ensure that they are safe and robust.
we take security seriously
Mobile ready
applications
Every solution is built to be responsive. Whatever size device your visitor is using, your web application will adjust itself accordingly to provide the best possible experience.
built to be responsive
Systems that grow with your business
We design platforms to expand and grow with your business. They can be updated or integrated with other software making them flexible enough to meet your business's needs now and in the future.
flexible solutions
Off-the-shelf vs. bespoke software development
Articles
Software development describes the process involving the design, building and testing required to create and support a software application.
Web design is more than how a website looks. Well designed websites make it easy for web visitors to find what they need – they provide a good user experience. Good web design companies consider how visitors will use your website and incorporate your website goals into the design, creating clear user journeys so your visitors can easily find what they need.
Managed web hosting is when your hosting is taken care of by a hosting company. Managed hosting packages include everything you need to keep your website secure and up and running, including hardware and software setup and configuration, maintenance, technical support, bug fixes, security and plugin updates and pro-active monitoring. The hosting company will manage the server, operating system, and any software applications your website has. Managed web hosting is a good option for businesses that don’t have the time or technical expertise to manage their hosting themselves.
A responsive website will automatically adapt to fit the device it’s being viewed on. Your website must be designed to fit a small mobile screen or a large desktop, so your customers still get an optimised viewing experience.
Agile is a way of managing software development projects work through regular communication and collaboration. Unlike the traditional waterfall method, instead of breaking the project down into phases, an agile project is broken down into business requirements. The project then consists of several iterations, and in each iteration a small number of business requirements are tackled.
A content management system (CMS) is a framework that developers use to build a website, but it is also what you use to manage and update content on your website. You can add content, new images and even create new pages, and you don’t need any technical skills to do it. You simply make your changes via an easy to use admin panel. You can easily update your website, rather than asking your development company every time, which could prove costly.
Code reviews are a manual and systematic approach to checking code for any mistakes and ensuring that the website is secure. Errors are not always coding typos, but can be inconsistencies that can lead to security risks.
