Many Web Sites Are Cluttered, Lack Security and are Difficult to Navigate
Folsom, CA, June 1, 2009 - The World Organization of Webmasters (WOW) applauds the Obama Administration's call for digital literacy, the appointment of a Chief Technology Officer and a Cyber Security Czar. Many business, education, and government entities require standards for Web design and development in terms of page and site maintenance as well as content and overall management.
"Although many Web sites meet these standards, too many key sites are cluttered, challenging for customers to use and navigate, and difficult to manage. Additionally, studies show that 50 percent of all Web sites are fundamentally flawed in security. Standards among entities are inconsistent or completely lacking. The Obama Administration proposals will help raise the standards in the industry," said Bill Cullifer, WOW executive director.
These problems in computer-related system development are not new. They have been ongoing and even date back to the 1960s, according to Dr. Leon Adkison, WOW's Education Advisory Board member.
The World Organization of Webmasters (WOW) believes that this trend of organized chaos must be stopped and is leading a campaign to bring consistency to Web design. As a first step, the organization is sending an open letter to business, industry and education (including students) detailing why set standards are critical to the success of the Web.
The organization is proposing that initially there should be an agreement by those directly involved in the creation and dissemination of Web content that standards are necessary. "Business, education, and government must agree that it is in their best interests to uphold these Web standards. Lacking this agreement, the Web will continue its current development path where only 25 percent of Web-related projects meet requirements and are developed on time and on budget," said Adkison.
An area of such global importance cannot continue to pay the price of inefficiency. Websites today must accurately represent individuals and organizations across multiple platforms, devices, and browsers and they must do this in an environment that is both secure and readily accessible.
For additional details, an in-depth analysis of the problems and proposed solutions visit www.whywebstandards.org
The World Organization of Webmasters (WOW), a 12-year-old, not-for-profit organization, is striving to educate and train both individuals and organizations in creating, maintaining and managing Websites in an effective and efficient manner.
For more information, contact:
Bill Cullifer, Executive Director,
World Organization of Webmasters
e-mail: Bill@joinwow.org
Tags: web st and ards, digital literacy, cyber security, web design standards, cyber security czar
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