Ben Alman Web Development Services and Open-Source JavaScript Plugins

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

Ben Alman Web Development Services and Open-Source JavaScript Plugins provides web development services and a collection of jQuery/JavaScript utilities to accelerate front-end development and deliver enterprise-style websites.

Target Customer

Organizations and teams needing high-quality frontend web development, custom websites, and JavaScript tooling, including large brands and enterprises (e.g., American Express, Biogen, ASTD).

Key Differentiator

A rare combination of enterprise web development experience with a portfolio of open-source JavaScript plugins and tools, plus hands-on work with XML/XSLT-driven sites and Flash-era projects, demonstrated across multiple notable clients.

Implementation Timeline

Not specified in the content.

Pain Points

1Need for robust, maintainable front-end tooling and interactive components (plugins, widgets, and modular JS).
2Desire for SEO-friendly and accessible websites even when they incorporate rich interactivity or legacy technologies.
3Data-driven or XML/XSLT-based site architectures and the challenge of integrating/transitioning from legacy Flash/HTML workflows.

Key Features

1Custom web development for enterprise clients (e.g., American Express, Biogen, ASTD).
2A suite of jQuery/JavaScript plugins and tools (examples include BBQ, Bookmarklet Generator, cond, doTimeout, equalizeBottoms, getObject, hashchange event, etc.).
3Experience with XML/XSLT-driven content and Flash/HTML hybrids in web projects.
4Open-source contributions with broad adoption (e.g., BBQ used in over 20k sites).
5Technical breadth across PHP, JavaScript, XML, XSLT, and front-end tooling.

Target Customer Industries

Client Results

1BBQ plugin adopted on over 20,000 sites (back-button support in Drupal-based sites).
2Delivered multiple enterprise projects for AmEx and Biogen with data-driven XML/XSLT and Flash integrations; projects emphasized SEO-friendly and accessible HTML/CSS/JS implementations.

Competitive Advantages

1Proven track record with recognizable brands (AmEx, Biogen, ASTD).
2Diverse tech stack including jQuery plugins, XML/XSLT, and Flash-era approaches, enabling both modern and legacy web solutions.
3Ability to deliver both reusable JavaScript plugins and custom enterprise websites.
4Public portfolio and blog demonstrating hands-on expertise in JavaScript tooling and front-end development.

Key Benefits

1Access to a broad set of JavaScript plugins and utilities to accelerate development.

2Proven ability to deliver SEO-friendly, accessible sites even with interactive/legacy components.

3Experience integrating XML/XSLT-driven data with front-end interfaces and Flash-based UIs.

4Track record of working with well-known brands and enterprise-scale projects.

Case Studies & Success Stories

ASTD Insider: Membership Benefits Tour

Case #1

A small website consisting of an overview and six subpages, coded in Flash and HTML.

American Express - My Timeshare / My Vacation (AMEX projects)

Case #2

XML data structures and XSLT-driven display logic; a Flash widget was developed to showcase featured offers; data-driven approach allowed rapid re-use across AmEx sites.

Biogen MS Leaders of Hope '04

Case #3

Very small HTML site (as described in the portfolio entry).

Additional Product Information

Product Description

A freelance web development practice offering custom websites and a collection of jQuery/JavaScript plugins, with experience across XML/XSLT-driven data architectures, Flash/HTML hybrids, and enterprise client projects.

Target Market

Businesses and organizations seeking expert frontend development, plugin/tooling, and data-driven, accessible web experiences; enterprises needing custom sites for brands in finance, education/training, healthcare, and travel-related domains.

Unique Value Proposition

Combines enterprise-grade web development experience with a broad suite of open-source JavaScript plugins and tools, plus hands-on work with data-driven XML/XSLT and legacy Flash workflows to deliver both reusable components and custom sites.

Technical Requirements

Technologies mentioned in the content include PHP, JavaScript, XML, XSLT; Movable Type Open Source; jQuery; Yahoo Pipes; FeedBurner; Flickr. The site notes use of XML/XSLT for data handling and Flash/HTML for some projects; syntax highlighting via SyntaxHighlighter; licensing information for code (MIT/GPL).

Pricing Model

Not disclosed on the site; donations are mentioned in the About section (donations to support work).

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