Enterprise Websites

Methodologies

Agile

• Only a simple Product Vision is needed to start
• Dynamic, flexible prioritised task Backlog
• Short sprints planned collaboratively
• Daily stand-up meetings deliver strong governance
• Close communication between teams
• End of sprint retrospectives to identify opportunities to improve
• The project ends when the Backlog is empty

Waterfall

• Detailed requirements document / specification required to start
• Fixed cost and more accurate time estimates
• Teams will have all the information they need to implement and test
• Mid-project changes may incur surcharges
• The project ends when the specification is delivered

Hybrid

Xanda are open to discussing hybrid options, such as combining the flexibility of Agile with the cost certainty of Waterfall. While this approach may not be as adaptable as a complete Agile methodology, it enables more collaborative engagement throughout the project and greater budget predictability.

Accessibility

We believe that all websites should strive to comply with accessibility standards. Our general practices are usually closely aligned with the WCAG A standards, although this depends on client-led design choices.

For many businesses and charities, strict compliance is essential, and for public sector bodies—businesses that serve the public or receive public funds—compliance is a legal requirement. At Xanda, we design and develop projects to meet the necessary accessibility standards as required. Throughout the project, we offer guidance and advice to ensure that the project’s design and functionality align with these standards.

In addition, we often use the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards. These international standards provide guidelines on making web content more accessible for people with disabilities. The WCAG has three levels of compliance: A, AA, and AAA.

Accessibility compliance resource requirement guide

Level A: 10% project time
Level AA: 20% project time
Level AAA: 30% project time

Other standards that can be used include:

The Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR): This regulation applies to public sector bodies and requires them to make their websites and mobile applications accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

The Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA): This set of guidelines can be used to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. ARIA provides a way to add metadata to web content so that assistive technologies can understand it better.

The British Standard BS 8878: This standard provides guidance on how to develop accessible websites and web content. It covers a range of topics, including how to involve disabled users in the development process and how to create accessible content.

Feel free to contact our project managers to discuss the implications and work required to achieve each level of compliance.

ISO Standards

Xanda are certified and annually audited in the following:

ISO 27001: A standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an ISMS, which is a systematic approach to managing sensitive information in order to ensure its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The standard provides a framework for Xanda to manage and protect its information assets and to comply with legal and regulatory requirements related to information security.

ISO 9001: A standard for quality management systems (QMS). It provides a framework for Xanda to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve a QMS, which is a systematic approach to managing quality across all aspects of an organisation’s operations. The standard specifies requirements for customer focus, leadership, process management, and continuous improvement, among other things.

Insurance

Xanda are comprehensively insured through Hiscox Business Insurance.

Professional indemnity: £5,000,000
Public and products liability: £1,000,000
Employers’ liability: £5,000,000
Cyber and data: £1,000,000

Additional coverage can be purchased on request to satisfy any contractual requirements.

Frameworks agreements

We provide and agree to comprehensive framework agreements with our enterprise clients that outline the terms and conditions of future development projects, support services, and service retainers. A Simple Statement of Works is then agreed upon specific to each project. Please contact our contracts department if you wish to discuss establishing framework agreements with your business.