Platformic Site-Creation Tool Streamlines and Saves

An online, cloud-based tool, Platformic streamlines the website creation process, doing everything from slicing images to managing daily content. Since it stays on the Platformic server, you can access everything from a web browser on any computer, letting you manage websites from anywhere. This accessible approach could save you money versus traditional website building and maintenance.

Platformic creates your site once you have a sense of its design. You upload a layout image and then define links, text areas, and all other content. The CSS is all managed automatically, and you can also activate ad servers, media galleries, RSS feeds, mobile-device redesigns, and other commonly needed functions. Your layout changes can affect templates and then be rolled across the entire site.

Platformic could save you time--and money--in the consuming steps after you define your graphical design. And since most sites are constantly being redeveloped, you'll always be able to make changes on the fly with the online tools.

Depending on your needs, Platformic could just be a moderate cost upgrade versus your hosting costs. Nearly all users pay a bundled price, starting at $200/month, which includes Platformic's server bandwidth and these tools. (A few customers install the Platformic tools on their own servers.)

A scaled-back, consumer version should be available around the end of the year for $20 a month. Platformic hasn't defined which features will make that cut, and the company expects to pitch it at individuals. However, small business might also get what they need from the limited package.

Platformic helps streamline the steps between web design and site construction. The graphical tools still work best if you understand site-creation basics, but they could save development costs with their simplified approach.

Zack Stern is building a new business from San Francisco, where he frequently contributes to PC World.