Profile
Our primary objective is to
develop ‘Websites that work for you’ – not
just passive brochure / content based, but
also integrated and actively involved in
supporting customer and partner business
processes. Foxford Services has steadily
grown its client and skills base since 1999
built around a simple but powerful idea –
involve the client at every stage of the
software development lifecycle.

Our extensive development experience covers
everything from clear and simple start-up
websites to advanced online transaction
processing and complex business community
relationships.

Skills include SSADM, SQL, UML, HTML, XML,
ASP/VB, .NET, JavaScript and Java. We also
host domains.

Foxford Services’ system designers are
commercially aware individuals qualified to
B.Sc. / M.Sc. Computing standards from a
diverse range of industries. We are very
flexible in our approach to client
situations. For example, an 18-month pilot
project was cost-effectively resourced and
managed to meet a client’s budget from our
close liaison with the Staffordshire
University Industrial Placement department.
Our system designers are highly skilled in
techniques such as:

Systems Analysis & Design - The main method
used is known as entity-relationship
modelling, whereby information is logically
decomposed and then re-grouped and linked in
diagrams and catalogues. This information
can be used to generate information stores,
typically databases accessed via internet-
based applications.

Prototyping & Rapid Application Development
(RAD) – We use modern development tools to
allow applications to be quickly sketched
and refined, so that working prototypes can
be quickly built to confirm the data models
are accurate and meet the clients
requirements. Tools such as Macromedia
Dreamweaver, Microsoft Access and Visual
Studio are commonly used, although any
others could be substituted. Library &
object based frameworks using VBScript,
Java, Javascript and databases such as
Access and SQL Server 2000.

Usability testing & feedback - The end users
should and must be involved at every
possible step in the analysis, design and
development cycle. Foxford Services uses a
task-based approach to measuring the
performance of a particular aspect of the
user interface, for example; exactly how
much time is taken to place an order? How
many seconds could be saved if the process
was reduced from 5 steps to 2 steps?

Business-to-Business - XML (Extensible Mark
up Language) The smooth flow of information
should not be dependant on which formats you
are running on your pc or server. With the
advent of XML-based messaging and
communication, doing business over the web
can be more flexible and adaptable.

Our Philosophy - People are the driving
force behind any successful enterprise. To
solve any business problem or introduce new
products and services, their ideas and
issues must be carefully understood and
analysed.

Processes are the operational engine of the
business. Even a small business can evolve a
complex web of systems and rules. A full
understanding of how and why they exist is
vital to progress.

Places - people and processes need a place
to meet and exchange information. The key
principle is to use the right place at the
right time.

Accreditations held by Foxford Services Ltd
UKWDA - UK Web Design Association