Relish primarily uses the open-source LAMP stack for website development along with these standards: HTML, JavaScript, CSS and Flash, if requested. The Apache web server remains dominant above all others (http://news.netcraft.com/archives/2009/01/overallc.gif); not only because it's easy to emulate on a localhost system to speed up project development, but because most hosting providers offer it as a standard part of their hosting packages. We have turned to PHP for years because, much like the Apache web server, it's a widely used standard. There are many web-programming languages available, and if the need arises, we have worked with a wide range of language-specific professionals who can help deliver on niche requirements. However, with the prevalence of PHP and the extensive resources available on-line, we find it to be a great fit for most clients.
The bleeding edge of programming/scripting languages and frameworks are fine for in-house development with a dedicated team of language-specific developers. When it comes to client work, wewant to build a lasting solution that can be transferred to alternate agencies if the need arises, rather than coding the client into a corner with the use of a proprietary solution. Relish Studio approaches every clientas a long-term partner but we realize that there may come a time when which you wish to change agencies. Even if we're not on the project ten years along, we develop and comment our code so that you will not need to start from scratch if we were to ever not be your agency of choice. The "LAMP" stack works, time and time again, for all parties and enables you to quickly source alternate developers if the need arises.
We have employed a variety of Content Management Systems over the years including Joomla, Drupal and MODx (as well as implementing fully customized CMS platforms). We take both short- and long-term requirements into consideration when recommending the optimal CMS for your project and will provide guidance on both the selection and management ends of the project. Our CMS recommendations typically follow our general philosophy of development where commonly-used, open-source platforms are preferred over proprietary solutions. We will custom-tailor a solution that works best for you and recommend Drupal for your project given the request for varying degrees of user permissions and overall site complexity.
Hosting requirements are analyzed on a per-client basis and take into account specialized functionality, scalability and bandwidth requirements. We have found that Dreamhost and LiquidWeb both provide solutions for a wide range of client needs and recommend their services (pending further analysis and discussion of your specific needs).