Up to category 'UK'

Finding that FTP access to their Force9 free web space is only accessible to dial-up users - the way Boura uploaded changes - or to other Force9 broadband users, Collins immediately looked at the alternatives. "The first thing to consider was a new domain, and the most obvious choice http://soleil.org.uk was found to be available!" Collins explained. A fully outlined proposal was prepared and emailed to Norman, followed up by a call the same day explaining the options that Mamba Design, providers of AutositePHP and web services to Naturists UK, could offer.

Soleil has been operating for over 10 years, and the opportunity to have a dedicated domain under its ownership was too good to turn down. It was agreed that Mamba would buy the domain in Norman's name on his credit card with an automatic annual renewal. The cost? Under $10 pa!

Within hours of the purchase and the domain going live, the complete existing Soleil website was transferred by Mamba for its hosting at £5 pm with full and free email and telephone support! Over the next few days the new Soleil website will undergo a full review with new content provided by Norman uploaded. "It's a doddle, this web stuff when you know how and have the tools" said Collins who also works to promote Mamba's web design and services to its new customers. "We are happy to take on any web authoring or servicing tasks, large or small, and host customer's sites. With AutositePHP, we will offer a unique service and system that will allow our customers unrivalled functionality at a cost they can afford. With AutositePHP they can even update their own content as easily as using a word processor without the need for any knowledge of web authoring"

The price of AutositePHP is not yet fixed as we continue to develop it, but one of its planned features, a fully-configurable secure online booking system, ideal for swim clubs selling advance tickets, is expected to add functionality only available on systems costing hundreds £. "We want to work with our customers, and member clubs of Naturists UK, to provide systems that really deliver the much needed functionality for clubs to operate easily, save money and reduce the workload on their volunteers. Our booking system will allow customised security coded tickets to be bought securely online and printed off by the purchaser, thus eliminating postage costs and the time spent by the club's volunteers processing orders, banking cheques and mailing tickets." Collins explains.

"The great thing is, the club will be able to go online just hours before the event and download the list of those attending, print it off and have it to check off tickets as swimmers arrive; that is if they want to ensure no one tries to forge or copy tickets to others, as if they would."

"Online purchase is not only labour-free, safe and secure, but adds extra benefits including 'last minute purchases' - up to 4pm on the day of the swim as the organisers decide - and an accessible exportable accurate list of all those attending"

Soleil welcomes all naturists to its swims without the need to phone or buy tickets in advance, instead asking only for identification to ensure people are who they say they are. "In ten year's we've only felt the need to ask one person not to come again", said Norman. "Advance tickets might help us to increase the number attending our swims especially if we consider schemes like 12 swims for the price of 10, or an annual pass, but we would never stop admitting people on the door"

Collins thinks that annual passes may be the way to ensure more people go to more swims more often, "Knowing that you've already paid to support the event, and the more you go, the greater value for money you get, has got to be a good way to ensure greater support and people benefiting their health!"

More information about Mamba Design services and AutositePHP's capability will be published on their respective websites in the next month.