A Content Management System (CMS) is a collection of tools for building websites. They allow non-technical users to publish online content and manage website configurations that would have previously been handled by a web or IT department.

A majority of Kudasai's web projects are customised installations of open source CMS's. We work most commonly with Drupal as it provides excellent flexibility, extensibility, security and customisation. We also work with JoomlaJoomla is an open source Content Management System and framework., SilverStripeSilverStripe is an open source Content Management System and development framework., Word PressWordPress is a highly functional blog publishing platform with a focus on aesthetics, web standards, and usability. and others. Kudasai also offers it’s own fully-customised CMS’s.

One of the most common questions we are asked when we mention CMS's to clients, is "Do we need one?" Our simple answer is "yes". Unless a prior web management system in place, then a CMS is a logical solution to consider. We find that resistance to the idea of a CMS is based on previous poor experience or misconceptions that the technology applies to large organisations.

A CMS is a way of managing your website, not a specific product in itself. And as with all products there are good ones and bad ones. Cars aren't necessarily bad things just because your 1983 Dastun won't start on a cold winters morning, and the same is true of a CMS. This is where our expertise comes in - we can demonstrate how a successfully implemented CMS can facilitate an expanded web presence while reducing maintenance time and cost – allowing our clients to concentrate on their business.

Visual design is a central pillar of a successful web project. Research has shown that aesthetics are one of the main factors a visitor uses to form an immediate opinion of a website and in turn the organisation behind the website. Get it wrong and you're at a disadvantage before your users have read a word of your beautifully written content. As design affects people in less overt ways, it's often overlooked as being an important part of the communication process.

Design is a complicated task, and event the most simple visual designs can take considerable effort and time. This is a result of the number of visual elements that a designer needs to be aware of (color, fonts, white or negative space, tone, message etc) and how they interrelate. We have a talented team of designers whose collaboration ensures that all projects communicate a visual message supportive of the projects outcomes.

To put it simply: design is important; and we don't skimp on design.

Occasionally a particular set of requirements will require a custom written solution. The requirements that lead to such a solution do not necessarily have to be very complicated, they can also result form the desire to perform a very basic but specialised task. Kudasai have developed solutions at both ends of this spectrum, from highly complex online applications, to small plug-ins for existing products.

Domain name registration and hosting are two services that are required for a website to operate. A domain name is equivalent to a street address for a house, and hosting is the physical storage required to hold your website data. Kudasai can provide assistance in managing these two services as well as the setup and management of email address on your domain.

Accessibility and usability refer to how users interact with a website. Usability refers to the ease with which a website can be understood by users. Accessibility is a subset of usability principals which seeks to ensure that all web users have equal access to the content and functionality of a website. Kudasai consider usability and accessibility throughout the entire project, from planning, though design to delivery. When adhered to, accessibility and usability guidelines result in a project that can be used more easily by more users.

For clients with smaller budgets we have a range of options that provide high quality solutions while minimising costs. These solutions include the creation of Dreamweaver templates or a theme for an online publishing application (such as Word Press or SilverStripe).