Information here on how we work with Joomla, the world's leading FREE and open source CMS! 

Installation and Initial Configuration

F2 provides the initial installation and configuration of the Joomla! system, including the loading and configuration of Joomla! onto our servers or onto 3rd party serving facilities provided that full security access is provided.  Hosting on our servers is, of course, the preferred option for support and security.

During the configuration stage, the default Joomla! installation is modified to correspond with the information obtained from you via our Joomla! Setup Questionnaire, allowing us to set variable features and site add-ons.

Design Modifications

As with most advanced content management systems, Joomla! is installed with a default template, which can of course be modified to allow it to appear in line with your organisation’s brand colours, logo and ‘look and feel’.  There are certain structural limitations to the designs that cannot be overcome, which is often the case for off-the-shelf, template-based content management systems; however in our experience these limitations are minimal and are only necessary to ensure that you are able to add content in a structured and defined way.

Foote Francis is capable of providing all design modifications necessary, within the design constraints imposed by the Joomla! system.  Generally we spend 5 to 10 hours on the design and, following client approval and sign-off, spend another 10 to 15 hours implementing the changes.  All design and design implementation for Joomla!, or general graphic design, is charged at $80 per hour (ex GST).

Initial Training

Joomla! is very simple to use and is well supported by excellent documentation and international support forums, however initial training is essential and Foote Francis charged $80 per hour (ex GST).  It is assumed that a basic training introduction to help you navigate through the administrative console should take between 5 to 10 hours, and will include the loading of your actual site content.  Please note that there are no contracts for software maintenance and support, allowing you to spend as much or as little as you require on training and support.

Initial Content Additions

Foote Francis are also able to aid in the initial addition of your content management system content, however Joomla! is so simple we don’t think you’ll need it.  However if you’re constrained by time then we’re here to help.  Foote Francis provides a reduced hourly rate for content additions/conversions of $40 per hour, ex GST, and we will provide you with an estimate based on the number of items and whether or not images are provided that do or don’t require manipulation.

Image Manipulation/Modification Service

Depending on the size and quality of your product or service images/graphics for display, you may require them to be manipulated to allow the correct display within Joomla!.  Joomla! provides both thumbnail and large image previews so having the correct resolution is something that needs to be taken into account.  Foote Francis provides a $5 (ex GST) per image size modification fee, however will also advise you of 3rd party software products that will aid you in becoming self sufficient in this area.  Please note that this image size modification fee does not include graphical manipulation.

Ongoing Management Services

Foote Francis are able to provide ongoing management services in the areas of content management, management reporting, order processing, and marketing services, such as may be required for customised weekly or monthly newsletter promotions to your customers.  We can discuss your needs and come to an arrangement, or discuss alternatives that could also include an online partnership agreement.

Telephone Support

Foote Francis provides timely telephone and online support between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, Perth time (GMT + 08:00).  Our telephone support services are charged at $30 (ex GST) per 15 minutes when paying by credit card and lodged through our online job tracking system, or $40 (ex GST) per 15 minutes via direct telephone call.  As mentioned, there are no support contracts and no monthly maintenance fees.  Clients will have the option of requesting Foote Francis to update their applications as new releases become available, and this will be charged at our normal support rates.  Please note that F2 does not provide training over the phone in sessions greater than an hour at a time.

Joomla! CMS Workshops

Foote Francis also provide ongoing training for the Joomla! CMS via workshops at our training facility in Railway Parade, West Perth.  We have found that sometimes the best way for the client to manage their web site content is in a relaxed workshop atmosphere, away from their phones, where they can dedicate time to increasing their knowledge of the Joomla! application and related components with help and support from our support and training personnel.  Workshops are held at the beginning of each month, so please refer to the F2 web site at www.f2.net.au for the next workshop session.

Custom Software Modifications

Upgrades to the Joomla! system may be requested and implemented.  There is a standard charge hourly charge for this.  Modifications to the Joomla! system are based on whether or not they can in fact be performed.

Component/Module Sourcing, Testing & Integration

There are many wonderfully useful extensions available to the Joomla CMS that are both open source and commercial.  F2 are able to work with our clients on a consulting basis to source, test and implement/configure 3rd party components and modules for the Joomla CMS.  F2 has extensive experience in this area, having success with numerous clients in areas such as shopping cart integration, document management, online communities, user management, etc.