Web Development Blog
royal ulster agricultural society partnership
2024 has been a whirlwind year and we've been thrilled to roll-out a suite of five websites for the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society
wild gaia rewilding ireland for a greener future
We all know the state of the planet is getting critical. From dwindling wildlife populations to unpredictable weather patterns, things have to change.
findhelpni - finding the right help at the right time
A unique new resource for anyone in NI who wants to improve their mental health, wellbeing and day to day life
lightsafe secure cloud data protection
Lightsafe.io is our killer new cloud backup solution for Windows and Hyper-V
stage left live streaming platform
Stage Left streams events and ensures those who deserve it get paid. We are on your side.
camsafe ai-powered solar security cameras
Last year, an old friend of Silverink's had a problem ...
OnDemand Web2Print e-commerce platform
Silverink has developed an innovative online sales platform in collaboration with leading UK promotional products manufacturer, Listawood.
Belfast Music Story AR App
The Immersive Belfast Tourism Challenge prototype combines Augmented Reality, GPS mapping/routing, exclusive video footage and live/recorded 360 video
Open Fairways launches mobile app
Open Fairways, founded in 1995, was Ireland's first golf-incentive company. Today their Privilege Card will get you "4 for the price of 2" deals at over 1,000 of the world's top championship courses.
360 degree NIE Training Video
Northern Ireland Electricity has decided to immerse new recruits in a 360° virtual reality pole-climb
Crescents Arts Belfast Website
One of our favourite new websites and a great team to work with, The Crescent in Belfast is an arts centre and cultural hub where diversity and creativity flourish.
Live VR Broadcasting and Streaming
LiveVR is an all in one live360 video streaming platform. All you need is an account, 360 camera and a good connection. Your audience can then watch your stream on their desktops, headsets and Android devices.
Silverink dons chaps and strides toward SXSW2018
Your trusty developers hit the road with nothing but 360 livestreaming platform, AR music app and freshly-sharpened spurs
Expertise Direct video conferencing platform launches
This new platform connects you to a global community of online Experts
Jewellers relaunches flagship store with 360 video
Lunn's Jewellers relaunched its Queens Arcade store with a new interior design and 'Lock & Key' competition - which we helped them capture in glorious 360 video
Live 360 Video Broadcast
The main technical challenges to broadcasting live 360 video
Online Video Communications with WebRTC
We love it when a client gets in touch with a new idea that pushes our talents in new directions and forces us to think outside the old box
Live 360 VR at SXSW
Silverink takes its VR chops to South by Southwest Interactive festival
Serverless cloud thumbnail images
Creating thumbnail images - no big deal, right? But what if you need to do it WITHOUT A SERVER?
Responsive Web Design For Intelesens
New Year, new Web Site! We are pleased to have launched a new responsive Web Site for local Medical technology company, Intelesens.
Rural Network Website Portal
We've just launched a brand new Web Portal supporting those who live in rural areas of Northern Ireland
Lunns Jewellers Website Design
With three generations of expertise, Lunn's is Northern Ireland's leading jeweller
Athletics NI Website
Athletics NI is one of four organisations consituting the governing body for athletics in the United Kingdom
Diddy Doodles website design
Ever thought your child could be the next Da Vinci, Picasso or Warhol? You're not alone: Diddy Doodles is the website for us!
Queens Film Theatre Website
QFT has been Northern Ireland's best-loved cinema since its opening in 1968
Live 360 degree VR Video
Over the past 6 months, we have been developing workflows for the delivery of Live 360-degree VR Video
Belfast Half Marathon Website Redesign
Belfast's Half-Marathon website has been redesigned and incorporated into the full Marathon site.
Scanprint website design
World leader in betting-capture devices chooses Belfast web designers
Virtual Reality in Northern Ireland
It was fascinating to meet with a like-minded group of VR enthusiasts last week.
Unity Technologies technical talk
Unity Technologies gave a great technical talk in The Mac on 12th October, in partnership with Northern Ireland Screen.
New website for The Hairbus mobile barbers
Possibly our most mobile-friendly website yet (sorry)
New website for Belfast City Marathon
Hot on the heels of the Half-Marathon, we launch the new full-marathon website.
UK responsive website rollout
We recently rolled-out a raft of responsive updates to four Portfolio franchisee websites across the UK.
Responsive website for NI manufacturing company
Ashlock Door Systems is a well-established manufacturing company based in Stewartstown, Northern Ireland
Film Hub NI Website Design
Film Hub NI is one of 9 Film Hubs established across the UK by the British Film Institute (BFI)
Web site design for Belfast Jewellers
We've worked closely with Portoflio of Fine Diamonds for many years now and everyone is proud of this latest responsive website design
Britains Top Real Role Model website design
Set up a business inspired by your passion or hobby? Whatever your passion, Britain's Top Real Role Model website wants to hear from you!
Stair Runners Direct website redesign
This E-Commerce website has relaunched in a new responsive, mobile-friendly format
Virtual Reality Development Strategies
In this nascent market, a Web Developer needs to be Jack-of-all-trades
New Web Design For Hospitality Ulster
Ulster Pubs have been one of our oldest clients and it’s always great to work with them on new features and redesigns for their Web Site.
360 degree video cameras
Three more GoPro Hero4 Black cameras arrive at Silverink Towers
3D VR spatial interaction
OK, they're pretty big words .. just read *THIS STUFF IS LOADS OF FUN!*
New responsive design for leading NI accountants
Silverink has designed & developed a great new responsive website for Daly Park & Co Ltd
Virtual Reality in the heart of Belfast
What a couple of weeks it's been. Fun and frustration in equal measure as we come to terms with the Oculus Mobile SDK.
Google to reward Mobile Friendly websites
A few weeks back, Google announced that from April 21st 2015, mobile-friendly websites will rank higher than their non-mobile counterparts.
Funds Axis logo
Right, what is going on. More logo / branding work? We're Web designers for goodness sake!
Realex acquired by Global Payments
The Irish payment gateway has been bought by a US-based Fortune 1000 company for a cool €115 million.
Urban Dynamics - identity design
We recently developed this new logo for a consortium of Chartered Architects, Town Planners and Surveyors
Mooskins website integrates with Facebook
Mooskins offers you the ability to create truly unique personalised mobile phone and tablet covers - even from your photographs on Facebook!
Microsoft cuts its losses with Project Spartan
Microsoft's Internet Explorer web browser - an acute source of pain for Web designers over the past two decades - has finally reached the end of the road.
Google has released a YouTube app for the kids
Any parent who's fumbled with a keyboard in the wake of the F-Bomb will follow this development with interest
New Website Developed For Snuga
Snuga have been providing the industry with the very latest quality 3D and 2D Dye Sublimation equipment.
Microsoft ushers in new era of virtual computing
Microsoft recently surprised most of us with the announcement of its Hololens project
Tim Berners Lee calls for net neutrality
The Web founder has written a blog on the European Commission website, calling for all data packets to be treated equally.
Web Design trends to watch out for in 2015
Heading towards February already and I thought it would be a good time to take a look at the state of play regarding web design technologies.
CoolSierras relaunches with new brand and website
Europe's premier cycling holiday company CoolSierras has rebranded and relaunched with a new website
Navigate IFA website launched
Need a Belfast-based Independent Financial Advisor? Look no further.
New BPG image format could replace JPEG
Fabrice Bellard - creator of the QEMU virtualization hypervisor and FFMPEG multimedia libraries - claims his new format features better compression and smaller file sizes.
Puppet Labs gets into bed with Windows
Microsoft's flagship bats eyelids at DevOps darlings
Microsoft battles US govt over Irish servers
Back in July, a New York court ruled Microsoft was obliged to hand over emails held in Dublin - the battle continues ..
The 3D Web
Over at Silverink Towers we sense a real buzz about the new 3D technologies emerging in Web design
HTML5 vs Native App Development
Historically seen as the poor cousin, HTML5-based apps are now exploding in popularity
Bye Bye Flash - Animation in Website Design
There was a time that Adobe Flash ruled the roost when it came to interactive, animated Web Sites. That day is no more.
Mozilla launches virtual reality website
Firefox developer explores VR on the Web with support for Oculus Rift
Ireland to shut Double-Irish tax loophole
Controversial tax-avoidance strategy to be phased-out over four year period
Google calmly guns-down POODLE in broad daylight
Troublesome mutt culled to prevent website vulnerabilities
Responsive website design for Belfast-based IFA
Requiring a fresh new website design, Belfast-based startup Navigate IFA came directly to us
Google may hook Kubernetes to the cloud
As previously reported on these pages, Kubernetes helps containerized codebases work together in order to deliver and manage Web-based apps
Web design webinars push cloud programming
Web technologies move so damn fast, it's tough just keeping up. But where can tomorrow's super-duper programmers go to learn these core skills?
New Apple iPads to shake up the networks
It seems like only yesterday we fought for the freedom to choose providers - now that's all about to change with the software SIM
Chrome support for responsive website images
Google browser now leads the way with support for the new HTML Picture tag
Irish govt to increase data protection budget
With EU-wide data protection regulation looming, the Irish government is expected to increase its €1.7m annual expenditure
Video calls - Skype vs Lync vs WebRTC
Microsoft made a splash back in 2011 when it bought Skype for $8.5bn, but was it a short-sighted move?
Developing 3D interfaces in JavaScript
So here's the latest challenge: create an interactive 3D user experience without the help of 3rd-party development tools
Web Design For The Internet Of Things
Google has announced a new initiative to try and create a standard for the Internet of Things.
HTML5 and the UX revolution
We have now entered a new era of browser standardization, heralding the widespread use of groundbreaking new website user interfaces
Amazon cloud to undergo global reboot
Amazon's entire global EC2 service - typically used to host websites and other Web services - is undergoing a rolling reboot that will take days to complete.
Rise Of The Web App
We love the openness of the internet and think it should be something to be cherished.
Puppet Labs to create 100 Belfast jobs
The US firm - a shining light in the exploding DevOps scene - is establishing a software engineering centre in Belfast, with assistance from Invest NI.
Chrome Apps for Mobile Updated
Google updated their Chrome Apps for Mobile project yesterday.
Easibuild Channel simplifies social network updates
Social media are incredible constructions, but let's face it: they can be a pain to update.
One Click For The Web
Seems everyone wants to make our online purchasing experience on the web better.
Microsoft buys Minecraft developer Mojang
The deal has gone through for a whopping $2.5bn, with all three founders Markus Persson, Jakob Porser and Carl Manneh leaving in the process.
Flash, Drive or Tape - the archival medium of choice
With millions of users storing billions of photos and videos on cloud-based websites, storage is a hefty factor in our digital lives.
Ad Blocking On The Rise - Kids to blame
A new report by pagefair and Adobe has suggests that online advertising annoys ever increasing numbers of people and they install ad blocking software in their browsers.
Alibaba seeks USD21bn for new Silk Road
Alibaba - the Chinese online marketplace - is looking to sell over 320 million shares in its US IPO.
Some Games for Tomorrows Web Developers
Following on from the article at the start of the week about BBC code-related shows, I’ve been looking around at some activities I could be doing with my daughter.
The rise and rise of the chunky phablet
Whether it's a phone that looks like a tablet - or a tablet that works like a phone - one thing's for sure: large-screen portable communication devices are where it's at.
Apple denies system compromise in selfie leaks
Apple claims that after 40hrs of investigation, it has discovered certain celebrity accounts have been targeted, but that none of its iCloud or Find My iPhone systems have been breached.
Aunties going to help you code
The BBC have just announced an new initiative ranging from coding-related shows to web content that will help kids learn to code.
Free Photo Editor Released By Pixlr
We’ve had full integration of Pixlr image editing software with our Content Management System for a few years now.
Amazon Buys Twitch
Amazon have announced that they have just beat Google by purchasing gaming site Twitch to the tune of 970 million Dollars.
Web Development and Design Links
It’s not feeling a lot like Summer anymore, so I thought I’d gather together some light (and not so light) reading to keep busy as the nights draw in.
Microsoft Azure struggles to perform
Microsoft's Azure cloud services have been suffering a series of outages that prevented access to various Web services across the world.
Website underway for Trichord
We have been working with Trichord for a number of years now after developing an HTML5 Javascript solution for their 3D case design website, Mooskins.
Sort Out your Browser Woes
Website design has changed over the past two decades. Where a developer once wrestled with Dreamweaver and flat files, the industry's matured into distinct disciplines.
Social Media - Marketing to the Millennials
New data is out from Comscore, breaking down Social Media penetration among the Millennials.
Microsoft phasing out support for older browsers
From January 2016, Microsoft will only support the most recent versions of Internet Explorer available for any supported operating system.
Class action privacy suit against Facebook
Max Schrems, an Austrian lawyer, has filed an action against Facebook over a list of alleged EU law violations.
The value of Professional Web Design Services
We all love a bargain. There’s nothing wrong with that of course.
Web Components return power to Web designers
One recurring source of frustration for Web designers is the speed at which browsers develop. Being really creative requires the use of cutting-edge Web design tools ..
Cloud backup services flourishing
With virtual server backup specialist Veeam announcing 30% revenue growth in 2014, it's clear the cloud backup sector is growing apace.
Apple Paying ISPs to speed up their data
Apple has just switched it’s new CDN (Content Delivery Network) on.
Microsoft Cloud threat to Amazon Web Services
With its cloud services revenue growing 147% on an annual basis in the second quarter of 2014, Microsoft's Azure cloud offering is growing at a much faster rate than AWS.
40 minutes spent daily on Facebook
Some interesting statistics from Facebook last week at their earnings call:
Irish genealogy website leaks personal data
The Irish government's genealogy website has been partially shut-down after it became clear sensitive personal data was being exposed.
Web Design primer - APIs
With 11 percent of Americans thinking HTML is an STD and 30% thinking mp3s are robots from Star Wars, then maybe we should be explaining ourselves better.
Web design and social networking
Here at Silverink we're not restricted to the world of Web design.
Web Developments
Thought it might be a good idea to share a few links to sites and news I’ve discovered in the past few weeks surfing.
Website Development How-To
OK, so you have a great new business idea and you need a website to promote it. But where do you begin?
Website Design Trends
It’s important in the creative industry to stay on top of the latest technologies and trends.
Microsoft joins open source Internet of Things platform
The Internet of Things - an all-encompassing term for the interconnectivity of everyday devices - is estimated by Cisco to be a $19 trillion market.
Amazon Workspaces reinvents the thin client
With its WorkSpaces product, Amazon now offers a managed desktop computing service in the cloud.
There Is A World Wide Web Outside The Social Network
OK, so we have a vested interest as Web Designers and Developers, but there’s no better time than now to kick the Social Network habit and broaden your horizons.
Sell more online with a responsive design
We can’t stress enough just how important it is to have a progressively enhanced, responsive website.
Confidence levels increase within Irish Tech sector
Technology companies in Ireland are showing a marked increase in confidence about their businesses, according to a new report from the Irish Software Association
Cloud industry matures with Platform as a Service
So you thought cloud was the Next Big Thing? Think again. This industry never sits still for long, so let's give a warm welcome to Platform as a Service!
Social network content management in webdesign
A few years back, managing website content was simple. Not any more!
What we can expect from the Amazon Mobile Phone
With Amazon poised to wade into the notoriously fickle mobile phone market, the industry is abuzz with rumours.
A Font For Everyman
A German ad agency has been commissioned by Bic as a branding exercise, to come up with a handwritten typeface, based on the handwriting of people from all sorts of backgrounds.
Irish govt accused of giving Apple selective advantage
The European Commission announced on its website yesterday that it is to investigate Ireland's handling of Apple's tax affairs.
Think Different - Use Helvetica
So for the first time in over decade Apple have changed their font from Lucida to…. Helvetica.
Flickr to bin Facebook and Google website logins
Flickr, one of the biggest photo-sharing sites on the planet, is planning to remove Facebook and Google sign-in options from its website design.
Best time to post on your favourite social network website
Used correctly, social media is great way to communicate and network with other businesses online.
Web Design Tips - Photos
Although we’re really proud of having one of the easiest to use Content Management Systems out there, something we find people struggle with is image sizing and optimisation.
Apple WWDC 2014
Last night was that once a year event where I turn off My Little Pony on my daughter and flick on the live stream of Apples WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference).
Microsoft targets cross-platform Dev with Xamarin
In partnering with Xamarin, Microsoft has set its crosshairs firmly on cross-platform mobile development.
Free Images For Your Web Site
One of the trickiest parts of managing your own web site is sourcing good, high quality images.
How to keep Windows XP patched
As most of us know by now, Microsoft has officially cut its XP operating system adrift and stopped issuing security updates. Or have they ..
Google updates its key search algorithm
Matt Cutts just announced that Google is rolling out v4.0 of its Panda search engine algorithm.
Launch of FarmSafeNet Responsive E-Learning Tool
The Rural Development Council got in touch with us to look at creating an online learning tool for Farm Safe Awareness.
Responsive website for Francis Hanna Solicitors
This well-established Belfast solicitors firm picked Silverink to develop a new Web presence.
Improving your website speed
Despite enormous improvements in Web technologies and bandwidth, most sites are still slow to load. Why is that and why should we worry?
Lunns Portfolio mobile site redesign
Bringing the mobile website design in-line with the main Portfolio rebrand: http://goo.gl/QSM6c8
What is the story with Net Neutrality
On the surface of it, the Net Neutrality campaign is all about preventing a "two speed" internet.
Giro a bittersweet success
As keen cyclists & sports fans, we are thrilled to witness the Giro D'Italia's Grand Depart in Belfast today.
Ladies flaunt their pins
Recent stats show there are 15 x times as many women using Pinterest as men.
Future Web Design Trends - CSS Shapes
This will be huge and is pretty exciting for us Web Designers.
Belfast City Marathon Success
It was great to see so many thousands of runners take part in yesterday's Belfast City Marathon. Whether running for charity, fitness or fun, those those who took part contributed to a wonderful day.
Cloud providers designing CPUs
A job advertisement was recently spotted for 'CPU and System Architect, Amazon Web Services'.
Website Specification Process
Every Silverink website project starts with a specification to outline project objectives, deadlines & budgets
Fonts And The Web
Having come to Web Development from a print background I love good typography. We can now take advantage of a number of web services and support is pretty universal on web browsers.
Code and Babes - together at last
In a novel development for the computer-science education sector, the new website "CodeBabes" purportedly combines "learning to code" with "checking out babes".
Cloud Storage Price War
If you use email or a mobile phone, you store files in the cloud whether you know it or not.
The Flexbox CSS property
As everyone knows, Web standards constantly push forward, whilst developers are left waiting on browser adoption to catch up. One such feature is Flexbox.
What Is Responsive Web Site Design
Put simply, Responsive Website Design is an approach aimed at responding to the device a user may be using to access your content.
Game Of Thrones Google Map
Looking for more Game Of Thrones between Episodes? Check out this fan created Google Map of westeros (and don't worry, no spoilers - choose what you've read / watched up to)
Building Blocks Smartphone
It's a great idea - build your smartphone from modular blocks with just the functionality (and pricepoint) you need!
JQuery Plugins - Tilted Page Scroll
Neat little plugin to create a 3D titled page scroll website design effect.
Content Management For Facebook
A common request from our clients is how to add new tabs and apps to their Facebook pages.
Belfast City Half Marathon Launch
The Belfast City Half Marathon was such a success last year that the organisers decided it needed it's own web presence.
Hyperoo Cloud Console
We've been working away on a cloud backup web app for Hyperoo and it's getting really close to an initial beta launch so stay tuned!
Easibuild Site Update
We've given our own CMS Easibuild a great new site to promote it. Super easy to use content management.
New Responsive Web Site For Pronuptia Belfast
The Pronuptia Belfast site launched about a month ago and just had a chance top look at the Analytics, Mobile visits now account for over 50% of traffic.