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Maintenance Fees

Introduction

WebPages often consist of multiple files pulled together to display the entire collection to the user. Basically you have theme files and content files. Theme files affect the appearance of the website. Content files contain the information to be displayed.

Generally the theme is made up of multiple files. Some of the theme files contain common pieces that are used on all pages. The header area or the footer area may not change very often. There are different types of common files. Some are utility in function, some are to contain the same text that is displayed in multiple locations or on multiple pages. When the same text needs to be displayed in multiple locations, it is better to have the text in one file. That way, when it is changed, all areas are affected. An example of a utility function common file is one that displays the current date and time. The same common file can be used regardless of the theme (or appearance).

The main body portion (content area) is the part that is different from page to page. The main "content" display area may be made up of multiple files, usually a main content page, and other common files. For each web page, there is at least one content file, with zero or more common files.

Depending on how many nested levels the website has determines how many versions of theme and common files. Most websites have at least two nested levels. Changing a content file affects only the page that content file is for. Changing a common file will affect multiple pages.

Charges

Maintenance charges are based on time and complexity. Graphic work is more complex manual work, while textual changes is less complex, some tasks performed on multiple files at once. You are not changed based on number of files changed but time is a factor. Advantage is that when a single file can be changed that affects multiple pages (or the entire website), then less time is spent making changes that affect many pages. Changing the appearance of a website may affect many common files or many theme files, depending on what needs to be changed.

Any additions or changes require several operations to take place after the work is performed. The changed files have to be distributed to a separate area so that they can be tested before loading the files to the web servers. This operation is performed after all files are modified. Depending on the complexity can affect time needed for testing. A processing fee is added to the total individual charges. Therefore, it is better to make multiple changes at the same time. This fee also covers testing after the files are loaded to the web servers.

The website files are maintained on a local computer. During the maintenance, files may be changed, added, or deleted (no longer needed). Following the maintenance, the local copy of the files must be tested, then distributed to an upload area, then synchronized with the website files copy, then tested on the web. A separate fee is charged for this part of the processing called Test and Synchronize (TAS). Most hosting service contracts cover the original loading or moving of files, periodic link checking, keeping up with the standards, and any peripheral changes. It does not cover the Testing and Synchronization fee charged after performing maintenance.

To see why a simple change is not so simple, read how the website is maintained.

Maintenance Contracts

If there is to be ongoing changes, you might consider a maintenance contract. Maintenance work is charged based on the task, meaning time and complexity. Each task has a minimum charge. Charges are based on an $85/hour rate. Maintenance Contracts are based on a set of hours per month for one year, but at a discounted price. Depending on how many hours you order determines how much of a discount. For example, you can get up to 5 hours for $50/hour, in one-hour increments. Therefore, a maintenance contract for one hour per month is $50/month. Amounts are prepaid with the initial contract paid annually, and with future years contracts prepaid monthly, semi-annual, or annually. You do receive discounts for ordering multiple hours and incentives for paying semi-annually or annually. Time that is not used does not roll over to the next month. If more time is needed/used than the contract is for, you are charged at the $85/hour rate. You determine how many hours per month on average you will need, and then set up a maintenance contract based on those rates.

Any work that takes more than 5 hours per month is charged at the base rate of $85/hour.

Maintenance Contract Base Rates

You do receive discounts for ordering multiple hours and incentives for paying semi-annually or annually.

Discounted Rates and Incentives

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