The simple answer: the best platform is the one that works best for you. While at the root, a lot of code looks the same, how it grows and takes shape has less to do with the program and more to do with what you’ve asked the program to do. In other words, do you need the code to bend to your will or are you flexible when it comes to the outcome?

When To Choose Open Source like Wordpress

Your needs are straightforward.

Wordpress, our favorite open source solution at Ciniva Web Agency is a rock solid marketing platform that is agile, smart and quick. You want to be able to log in from anywhere in the world and make updates on the fly with little web experience and zero html? Wish granted. With 10 minutes of training, you’ll be able to add pages, post on an integrated blog and add create granular permissions for bloggers and webmasters alike. The user interface is clean, user friendly and uncluttered – but full featured. Ciniva Web Agency can design a custom and unique look and feel.  Wordpress accommodates graphic designers beautifully. This is combined with functionality pieces (forms, calendars, slideshows) that look and behave in a way with which Ciniva’s clients feel comfortable. The outcome is a gorgeous mashup of high-end design and solid functionality with a no-frills interface.

Wordpress is a collaborative platform. Thousands of designers and programmers are tinkering, bending, and pushing the limits in the form of functionality “widgets” every day. Which, is the best possible segue into Wordpress’ only downfall. If you go with open source, your needs have to bend a bit to match what’s available. Because it’s a modular build, if you want something custom, it can only be as unique as what’s already been devised and structured to fit Wordpress.

When To Choose Custom Programming

Custom programming is the best solution if you want all of the features listed above, but you are in no way interested in bending. Many of Ciniva Web Agency’s custom programming clients have a database, an ecommerce platform or a ticketing system that they needed hooked into their website and they needed this integration to be seamless to both the user and their staff. Payments can be processed, secure socket layers can be added, members can be managed.

Custom programming means the platform bends to meet the unique need of the client, not the other way around.  With open source you buy a box and you can only add other boxes. With custom programming, you can have any shape your heart desires.

One of the best features of custom programming is what happens before Ciniva ever lays down a single line of code. Custom programming allows for an incredible conversation to take place, one that includes a frank discussion on what our clients like…and what they don’t. We lend an ear and expertise to any internal or external issues they need to solve with regards to branding and image. A custom programming solution from Ciniva Systems involves a lot of brainstorming, a fair bit of dreaming and a lot of hammering out a solid match. The end result, a website as unique as the customer that ordered it riding on a platform that can dance any way we tell it to.

Still not sure? Come on over for a free consultation. We’ll help you define your presence on the web.