In this section we typically present electronic publishing tools, however because this is our special Web issue, we are reviewing:

WebAnalyzer from InContext


Their Pitch

Individuals and companies will now find it easier to manage their Web sits and browse the World Wide Web with ground-breaking new software from InContext Corporation. InContext WebAnalyzer is Internet software that simplifies Web site maintenance by providing an easy-to-read, graphical view of any Web site, pinpointing problems such as broken or missing links. This tool also has the ability to allow you to browse more efficiently. The WebAnalyzer lets you download any Web site and browse through it later. Users benefit by avoiding the wait for free data lines. They can download and surf during off-peak hours when rates are considerably less expensive. Another unique feature is the "WaveFront" graphical interface that allows users to see an entire Web site in an easy-to-read format. A map of the site is displayed with all the pages, images and links and detailed file information on the site being viewed. This gives the Web site managers and "power browsers" a total picture of any Web site and identifies problems such as missing or broken links. In addition, WebAnalyzer will generate a hypertext-linked report which provides complete site information.

Our Gist

The WebAnalyzer is a necessity for any medium to large size Web site. It checks all the links in your page and notifies you if any are missing or broken, including external links to other companies sites. The graphical interface is straight forward. The "WaveFront" gives you the visual representation of a Web site and allows you see the physical groupings so that you can better comprehend the levels that a surfer has to get through before he reaches the information he needs. The "LinkView" allows the user to see all the corresponding in and out links which will also come in handy when designing the structure of your site. The genius of this product is not in its complexity but rather in its simplicity. It handles a core function of Web masters without them going through the painstaking process of checking the integrity of links on a daily basis. The other functions of this product are subordinate, but definitely nice features. Downloading a Web site and reviewing it at your leisure is particularly useful when you know you have limited access to the Web.

Final Word

This is an extremely useful tool for people who have to maintain a Web site. Despite all the other uses, the WebAnalyzer saves you the time involved in the painstaking process of checking and double checking all the links on your site. Inevitably, even the most detailed minded will make a mistake, and when that happens an impatient surfer will avoid your site. This product speaks for itself and will pay for itself in a couple of days. Hourly consulting fees of the average Webmaster or HTML expert is anywhere between $50 to $100 and the list price of the WebAnalyzer is only $149. It really makes financial sense to have this tool, because of the time saved, the business that your company will avoid losing by presenting a sub-par site with bad links, the internet fees saved by downloading and surfing a site on your database and the peace of mind that comes with being able to verify your site's link integrity.


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