A static web site is usually built by a web designer in HTML or CSS-XHTML. To change the information or picture content you have to have some knowledge of the code behind the site or employ someone to do the work for you.
A dynamic web site usually has a Content Management System (CMS) behind it so that information can be managed by the site owner's staff.
Static Web Sites
In a basic small business web site the preference is for a static site in most cases as the content or business direction is often fairly consistent. A review of information every 6 or 12 months, with changes and updates applied is usually a quite cost effective way of managing your content for a small site, provided that you have a web development company that is customer focused and willing to make the process as easy and affordable as possible. At Queensland Net we look after many sites that fall into this category.
Dynamic or Database Driven Web Sites
If your business requires an online catalogue, shopping cart, or if you have different sales offers on a very regular basis, or share your resources with other businesses - ordering online or checking parts availability etc... you require a database driven web site. The advantages are that the web site can be designed to directly interface into your existing business.
A CMS based web site is far more costly to establish initially, however in a larger organisation it often allows the staff that manage major areas of the business, to actually maintain that area of the web site. This makes the site very dynamic and a great asset for all the business partners and associates who have a working relationship with that company. Hosting is more costly as well; however sites built on these ideals usually perform a major function of the companies overall business.
Which ever method of construction, no matter what the budget, your web site must show a return on the time and money that you invest in the project. Our experience has been that the affordability and cost benefits are generally trending upwards. As Australians, we have really embraced this technology and the infrastructure is slowly catching up; far better coverage and the new Next G network is really offering mobile computing wrapped in a telephone device. One thing is for certain - this technology is here to stay and will simply become more portable and become more available to all Australians.
The technology roll out is finally underway! Better late than never!