APPS
WEB
CREATIVE
STUFF
ABOUT
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Apps

Overview

'Apps" is short for "Applications". Lobster Computing specializes in utilizing web-based technology to develop applications. With this technology, your employees need only a web browser to access the application. This type of application can be accessed from your private intranet, from your private server over the internet, or from somewhere in 'the cloud', anytime, day or night. Web-based apps are agile, adaptive, and cost less to manage than traditional client-server technology. Leveraging this technology could save your company thousands of dollars and many headaches!

Industries

Lobster Computing has created applications to help run businesses, both large (Fortune 500) and small. Over the years, Lobster Computing has built apps from the ground up for businesses in the following industries:

  • Inventory Management
  • Project Management
  • Conference Management
  • Aviation/Fuel Management
  • Health Insurance Claims
  • Accounting (A/R, A/P, P/R, G/L, Supply Chain)
  • Online Store/Order Fulfillment
  • Health Club Management
  • Festival Sales/Tracking
  • Health & Human Services
  • Home Loan/Grant Management
  • Textiles/Sportswear
  • Lab Testing
  • Client/Counseling
  • Home Alarm Tracking

Technologies

For those who are interested, Lobster Computing prefers the following technologies for building applications:

  • ColdFusion
  • Databases (mySQL, SQL Server, SQLLite)
  • XHTML/CSS
  • JavaScript/jQuery/SPRY
  • XML/JSON
  • Flash/ActionScript

Specialties

Lobster Computing has developed specialized expertise in the following areas:

  • Intranet/Extranet/Internet-based applications
  • Database-driven applications
  • Barcode integration
  • External Device Programming (printers/scanners/hand-held)
  • PGP Encryption
  • FTP Integration
  • EDI (Electronic Data Interchange, specifically healthcare and banking)
  • EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
  • ANSI Standards Compliance

Process

The following steps are major phases of the application development process:

  • Free consultation: assess your needs and make sure Lobster Computing is a match for your project
  • Analysis: gather all your materials, information, and specifications and assess the issues you face
  • Development: create the software that will become your solution
  • Testing: test your application to ensure it works as needed
  • Installation: implement your new software
  • Documentation: produce any documentation needed for educating your employees
  • Training: teach your employees how to operate and excel using their new applications
  • Maintenance: perform any required maintenance, training, upgrades, adding new features, etc.
Lobster Computing is a part of every phase of your project. The above items are a brief overview of the steps. There is more involved, so please feel free to ask about the process in more detail.

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Web

  Visit the Lobster Computing Web Portfolio

Overview

Your website is your "shingle", out there for the public to see. It is where they establish their impression of your business. It may be the only portal by which to interact with your business. This is why your website is a very important part of your business strategy. Building a website is often the least expensive, yet most effective advertising for your business in existence. Compare pricing to radio or television advertising; you'll see a major difference in cost. That is why hiring the right web developer and spending the right amount on your site is critical to your success.

Lobster Computing can design, develop, implement, and maintain your website. From a simple one-page site (like this one), to an elaborate e-commerce or Flash-based site, the limit is only your imagination and budget.

Pricing

Businesses interested in building a website often have one question: "how much will it cost". Lobster Computing has built sites ranging from $500 up to $10,000. Before you find out what the costs are, it is important to do some analysis and determine what is needed. Often there are multiple options available to you, and you get to determine how simple or elaborate your site will be. Lobster Computing charges by the hour, but will quote you for your entire job. That way, you always know what the cost is up front, and how your additions and changes affect the bottom line.

Services

Lobster Computing offers the following website-related services:

  • Original website design/development
  • Existing website upgrades
  • Custom Flash development/integration
  • Custom jQuery/Javascript integration
  • Social Media integration
  • Organic SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
  • Domain name acquisition
  • ISP selection and setup
  • Pure coding for existing designs
  • Business web strategy development

Tools/Tech

For those who are interested, Lobster Computing prefers the following technologies for building websites:

  • Tools
  • Dreamweaver
  • Photoshop Extended
  • Flash Professional
  • FireFox
  • Firebug
  • Fireworks
  • Technologies
  • XHTML/CSS
  • JavaScript/jQuery/SPRY
  • XML/JSON
  • PHP/mySQL
  • Flash/ActionScript

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Creative

Lobster Computing can help create various custom projects, including:

At some point examples will be posted so you can get an idea of what's involved. Check back or contact me about an idea you may have!

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Stuff

The following links are resources gathered for presentations or cool stuff you can use right now to make your life better. Enjoy!

Resources


jQuery Resources
Flash Resources
Sac Area Adobe User Groups

Stuff You Can Use


FireFox
Open Office
Ubuntu Linux
WordPress
Home | Apps | Web | Creative | Stuff | About

About

Hello! I'm Russ Newberg, and I started Lobster Computing in 1995 after working with various software companies for years and travelling around the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico practicing my craft. Back in the day, a nickname for me was 'Lobster Newberg'. So, when I started my business, the name stuck.

I find that doing independent consulting challenges me creatively and provides juice to tackle all the other things in life!

I'm settled in Northern California with my wife and two kids and enjoy photography, biking, camping, hiking, kayaking, geocaching, stunt kite flying, various musical instruments, trains, motorcycling, and other hobbies.

Contact Information

c: 916.213.0840
h: 916.985.7708
f: 916.351.9848
lobsterrn at sbcglobal.net    (link removed to prevent spam)

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Web Portfolio

  Back To Web

Andy Gagnon Landscapes

When Andy's company needed to revamp their site, they wanted something sophisticated to match the quality of their work. People say "a picture is worth 1000 words". See if you agree.

Skills Utilized

  • Unique custom design
  • XHTML/CSS/JavaScript/jQuery
  • Photoshop work
  • Data reorganization

Nevada Adventure Company

The new site features big bold images, online reservation requests, social media integration, live weather links, and photo and video libraries. It's also much more SEO friendly than the old site!

Skills Utilized

  • Complete custom redesign
  • XHTML/CSS/JavaScript/jQuery
  • Photoshop work
  • Data reorganization

Lake Tahoe Adventures

LTA had a longstanding site that was in need of an upgrade. The new site features online reservation requests, full tour details, live weather links, social media integration, an animated flash header, a multimedia library section, and unique summer and winter themes.

Skills Utilized

  • Unique custom design
  • Photography/Photoshop work
  • XHTML/CSS/JavaScript/jQuery
  • Flash development
  • Data organization

Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad

The PSVRR needed a site to advertise their excursions and causes. This site is a temporary, stylized microsite that is in place until their new site is fully developed. Watch this spot for a dynamic, amazing new site soon!

Skills Utilized

  • Completely custom design
  • Logo Design/Photoshop work
  • XHTML/CSS/JavaScript

Folsomlook

Folsomlook needed a site that was beautiful, provided her with all the options she wanted, yet easy to navigate. Her site features online appointment requests, calendar and social media integration, and a custom photo gallery to showcase her work.

Skills Utilized

  • Unique custom design
  • Photography/Photoshop work
  • XHTML/CSS/JavaScript
  • Flash development
  • Sound editing/mixing

SAUG

The Sacramento Adobe Users Group wanted a site revamp. As part of a team effort, Lobster Computing made contributions with a custom Flash widget, PHP, and jQuery.

Skills Utilized

  • PHP/JavaScript/jQuery
  • Flash development