The mission of Beantown Web is to provide information about web development training and career opportunities in the Boston metro area.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
ASP Retirement Date
ASP is a Web-based technology that utilizes VBScript to interact with a Web server. VBScript is a "lite" version of the Visual Basic 6.0 programming language. The practical implication of Microsoft's announcement is that Web developers are being discouraged from creating ASP applications in favor of Microsoft's newer ASP.NET technology.
So what's a Web Developer to do? If you are familiar with creating ASP applications, then you should consider upgrading your skills to include ASP.NET training. If you are not yet familiar with server-side scripting using ASP you might consider learning an open-source alternative called PHP.
Beantown Web will begin monitoring job opportunities in the greater Boston area for ASP.NET and PHP, as well as, ASP in its "Boston Market" report at the beginning of each month.
Keep in mind that Dan Rather is not going away -- you can still see him on 60 Minutes (Wednesday). ASP, likewise will still be around for a while before slowly riding off into the sunset.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
What is a Webmaster?
Webmaster: Develops and maintains the company's portal. Performs backups and ensure user accessibility to the site. Monitors site traffic and helps scale site capacity to meet traffic demands performance. Improves the company's efficiency and designs the look and feel for the site. May require a bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of experience. Must have a working knowledge of HTML, JavaScript, and SQL. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision; typically reports to a manager. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.
So, what does it take to become a Webmaster?
- Training: HTML, JavaScript, and SQL
- Experience: 2-4 years
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Who's Hiring?
A majority (52 percent) of technology chief executives in Massachusetts say they plan to create jobs this year, according to a new survey conducted by the Massachusetts High Technology Council. Only 6 percent said they plan to eliminate jobs. Increased sales is the primary reason for improved job prospects.
A press release detailing the survey results is available at the Council's Website. Approximately 100 Massachusetts technology companies belong to the Council. A roster of member companies along with links to their Websites is also available.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Boston Market -- March
In the area of Web Design knowing how to manipulate HTML code is eight times more valuable than being familiar with how to use a program like Dreamweaver that will manipulate the code for you.
In the area of Web Development knowing how to access information from a database using SQL is two and a half times more valuable than being comfortable manipulating Web pages using HTML.
The following analysis illustrates the demand for Web Design and Web Programming candidates based on keyword searches in BostonWorks.com. The Links in the right-hand column provide easy access to these job listings.
Web Design Skill (Number of Job Listings)
HTML (144)
JavaScript (50)
Photoshop (61)
Dreamweaver (18)
Web Programming Skill (Number of Job Listings)
SQL (362)
MS Access (178)
HTML (144)
ASP (106)
JavaScript (50)
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Most Admired Companies
Analog Devices Norwood
Boston Properties Boston
Boston Scientific Natick
EMC Hopkinton
Gillette Boston
Iron Mountain Boston
Liberty Mutual Insurance Boston
Massachusetts Mutual Life Springfield
PerkinElmer Wellesley
Raytheon Waltham
Reebok International Canton
Staples Framingham
State Street Boston
TJX Framingham
Thermo Electron Waltham
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Survey of Design Salaries
Last year 3500 design professionals completed what is "widely recognized as the most comprehensive survey of compensation conducted" for creative positions, according to the organization that commissioned the study. Three of the 15 job titles included the following:
- Web designer
- Web developer: front-end/interface systems
- Web programmer/developer: back-end systems
The median total cash compensation for each job title in the New England region is as follows:
- Web designer ($50,000)
- Web developer ($55,000)
- Web programmer/developer ($56,000)
An Entry-Level Designer with one to two years experience, however, can expect to earn considerably less ($31,000).
To review job descriptions for all 15 job titles access an online salary calculator made available by the American Institute of Graphic Arts. The entire survey is also available for download.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Wikis & Blogs
To learn more about wikis and blogs access a Yahoo! Technology WebTech text-based article. A version of this article that includes hypertext links to collaboration tools such as JotSpot, Socialtext and Blubber can be downloaded from the BHCC_web data files, under the file name wikis_blogs.doc. This document can be forwarded to prospective clients to help educate them on the range of possibilities for online collaboration.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Job Market -- February
The job market in the greater Boston area continues to be strong for Web Designers based on job listings in The Boston Globe. Web Designers who have advanced their skill set to include training in scripting (ASP) and data storage (SQL and Access) dramatically improve their employability and earning potential in today's job market.
The following analysis illustrates the demand for Web Design and Web Programming candidates based on keyword searches in BostonWorks.com. The Links in the right-hand column provide easy access to these job listings.
Web Design Skill (Number of Job Listings)
- HTML (157)
- JavaScript (59)
- Photoshop (57)
- Dreamweaver (21)
Web Programming Skill (Number of Job Listings)
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Web Standards
Bob is veteran Web designer who provides "thoughts, links, information, and ramblings from the perspective of one web designer making the transition from "old-school" design methods to the use of modern web standards."
Thursday, February 03, 2005
2005 Salary Guide
According to RHT's quarterly e-newsletter six information technology initiatives are driving demand for highly skilled project professionals including the following:
- The Web – Continued investment in the Internet allows businesses to enhance collaboration, customer service, customization, streamlining and management.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Online Web Classes
- HTML 2: Enhance Your Web Site
- Introduction to Cascading Style Sheets
- Surviving the Internet 1: (Viruses, Worms, Phishing, Email Hoaxes)
- Surviving the Internet 2: (Spyware, Adware, and Personal Firewalls)
The class I will be taking is the following:
The end product will be a marketing plan for WebApprentices.com.Classes typically last for five weeks with weekly lesson plans being posted every Monday. You can register for up to three classes for a cost of only $20. Check 'em out!
What is a blog?
Blogging software is generally free. Check out a few of the following resources:
You can search blog on the Web at the following sites:
Web developers will be asked by clients about the value of blogs. Setting up a blog site for a client is easy and can add instant value. The best way to learn is to sign up and start blogging today.