Introduction

If your ExpressionEngine site has speed problems, we inform you that your site is using "abnormal" levels of server resources, or simply needs to be better optimized, an ExpressionEngine Performance Evaluation by Solspace is highly recommended. In an ExpressionEngine Performance Evaluation, Solspace evaluates your ExpressionEngine architecture by looking at template code, installed add-ons and their usage, configuration choices, and other relevant factors. An evaluation includes their performance suite of software and advice on how to use it.

The Benefits

Dealing with performance issues before they become emergencies gives your site the opportunity to scale gracefully and grow its user base optimally.

Whatever the business of your site, slow performance affects usage negatively. Experiments at Google, Yahoo and Amazon have shown drops in site usage at speed delays of 400 milliseconds and less. Site speed affects conversions, repeat visits, and page views per visit.

The costs of optimizing your site have a very short return on investment because of general savings on hosting costs if hardware load and bandwidth requirements can be reduced. If you have an ad-based revenue stream overall, better performance of your site leads to a better view experience and higher visitor/viewer counts leading to much higher ad revenue.

Qualifications

Solspace has been developing ExpressionEngine sites for years and is one of the pioneers in using the platform for large, high-traffic, highly-complex websites. The team draws from the expertise of seasoned ExpressionEngine veterans Mitchell Kimbrough, Paul Burdick (former CTO of EllisLab), Chris Ruzin, Brent Wilson, Eva Passalacqua, and Christy Collins.

For an added bonus, while Solspace performs these evaluations regardless if your site is hosted by us or not, EngineHosting and Solspace staff members have been working closely for years on high-traffic, large-scale web sites allowing Solspace to have a better understanding of the whole picture, along with advanced access to our senior administration staff if needed during the evaluation.

How It Works

The evaluation lasts up to six hours over the course of one day. Detailed recommendations are outlined in an interactive online manner. Questions are then answered and clarifications provided during a follow-up session. At the end of the evaluation, a PDF summary is provided with their findings along with a documented best practices guide for maintenance going forward. They do not fix your site, but rather teach you how to fix it and how to keep it fast and efficient going forward.

Evaluations should generally not be done on an emergency basis, but should be scheduled in advance. Lead time is generally only 1-2 weeks. Shorter notice priority/emergency evaluations may be available, but are handled on a case-by-case basis. Emergency evaluations are strictly based on Solspace staff availability, and higher fees apply.

Once you make your appointment, a checklist of items is provided to prepare for the evaluation. These items include preparing Solspace access to your ExpressionEngine control panel and server via FTP. Access is then removed by EngineHosting when the evaluation is complete. There should be one developer for your site that serves as the contact person during the evaluation. All communication between you and Solspace take place through online tools, email, or IM.

Cost

The cost of a Solspace Site Performance Evaluation is normally a flat fee of $3,500, EngineHosting clients receive a $500 discount. Fees are processed through your normal billing process with EngineHosting.

Make an Appointment

Contact for full details and to schedule your ExpressionEngine Performance Evaluation.