The de-centralised nature of the web makes it perfect for projects where many people need access to the same information. A computer or mobile device, and an internet connection is all that is required.

Bringing everyone together

The web is fantastic at enabling an unlimited number of people to share information and to interact with each other. The nature of such interactions differ - as does the information and subject matters they are based on. One thing is for certain; if it is on the web, it is accessible to all.

B2B? B2C?

Websites can be aimed at certain groups of people. B2B (Business to Business) and B2C (Business to Consumer) are two shorthands used to describe the functions of a site - is this for businesses to interact with each other or for a business to interact with its customers.

we want to control who sees what

Portals do not need to be available to all. You can restrict access - either by setting up users yourself or by granting access to users on registration. A site can have differing user levels - allowing people restricted access or access to all. You can also earn revenue by charging users to be members of your portals or websites - all handled seamlessly via the website and a payment gateway.

How can we manage such a system?

My portals usually require a CMS (Content Management System), which allows you to manage the site, its membership and its content. My CMS has a simple but powerful interface accessed via any web browser to manage all aspects of your portal, from the people using it to what information is displayed. You can also take it a step further, and allow your users to add their own content to the site, ultimately all under your control.