1
Understand the problem
Start with what the website needs to do, not with a preferred technology.
About Virtualtopia
Web experience built around practical solutions.
Virtualtopia is a New Zealand web development and hosting business focused on building websites that are clear, reliable, maintainable and suited to the way each client actually works.
V
Virtualtopia
Web development, hosting and technical support with a practical, platform-neutral approach.
Based inNew Zealand
Web experienceSince the 1990s
PlatformsFlexible
ApproachDirect & practical
ExperiencedDecades of web development experience
Platform-neutralChoose the technology around the project
Hands-onDevelopment and technical support together
PracticalFocus on what the website actually needs
A long history on the web
Building websites since the web was still new.
Virtualtopia's experience goes back to the early days of the commercial web in the 1990s. That means working through several generations of web technology, from hand-built HTML sites to content management systems, ecommerce platforms, custom development and today's lightweight static architectures.
The tools have changed dramatically, but the basic requirement has not. A website still needs to communicate clearly, work reliably and make sense for the people who have to use and maintain it.
1990s
Early web development
Building online projects when websites were largely hand-coded and the web itself was still emerging.
2000s
Dynamic websites
Working with database-driven sites, hosting, content systems and increasingly complex online functionality.
2010s
CMS and ecommerce
WordPress, hosted platforms, responsive design and integrated online business tools became central to web projects.
Today
Choose the right architecture
WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, static websites and custom development can all be used where they fit best.
How Virtualtopia works
The technology should follow the requirement.
Virtualtopia does not start by deciding that every client needs the same platform. The first question is what the website needs to achieve.
Sometimes WordPress is the best fit. Sometimes Shopify, Wix or Squarespace makes more sense. For a simpler project, a static website can be faster, more secure and easier to maintain. Custom development is available when standard tools cannot solve the requirement properly.
2
Choose the simplest good solution
A project should not be made more complicated than it needs to be.
3
Think beyond launch
Hosting, maintenance, security and ease of management matter over the full life of the site.
4
Keep support connected
Development, hosting and troubleshooting are easier when the person helping understands how the site was put together.
Direct access to the person doing the work.
For many clients, that is simpler than moving between sales, project management, hosting and development teams.
Fewer hand-offs
Less information lost between people
Technical context
The person helping understands the build
Practical support
Advice based on the actual website
Have a website project or problem you want to discuss?
Tell us what you are trying to achieve. We can help work out the platform, scope and technical approach that makes the most sense.