If you manage a website for a large organisation an off-the-shelf website provider likely won’t cut it. Hiring an agency that provides web development for enterprise businesses can help you build a website that is complex, scalable and secure.
Unlike small business sites, enterprise-level websites must handle high volumes of users, complex integrations, and strict security requirements while delivering exceptional user experiences.
For businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits in New Zealand, investing in the right enterprise web development solution is key to maintaining trust, operational efficiency, and long-term digital growth.
In this blog we will cover what we mean when we talk about ‘enterprise web development’, some examples of this in practice and some key features to look out for when you are engaging with potential suppliers.
What is Enterprise Web Development?
Enterprise web development refers to the creation of robust digital platforms designed for large-scale organisations with complex requirements.
These websites go beyond simple brochure-style layouts. They often include sophisticated functionality like advanced content management systems, multiple user roles, integrations with external APIs(external link), and high levels of security.
The process involves a collaborative approach between developers, designers, project managers, and stakeholders to ensure the website aligns with organisational goals while being scalable for future needs.
Examples of Enterprise Web Development
Industries That Rely on Enterprise Web Development
- Government agencies need websites that are secure and accessible for a diverse range of users daily.
- Healthcare organisations manage sensitive data and provide mission-critical information to the public.
- Nonprofits and NGOs often need integrated platforms to manage donations, volunteers, and community engagement.
- Education providers host portals for students, parents, and staff, requiring multiple layers of functionality.
Real-World Enterprise Websites
Greater Wellington Regional Council
A large-scale council website (plus a number of subsites) serving a diverse population with critical information on transport, sustainability, and regional governance.
You can see our case study for Greater Wellington here.
Cancer Society NZ
A nonprofit enterprise site providing vital health information, donation tools, and campaign management while handling high volumes of visitors during awareness campaigns, like Daffodil Day.
You can see some of the work we have done for Cancer Society here.
Other Examples
NZ Post:(external link) A nationwide logistics platform integrating e-commerce tools, parcel tracking, and API services for business customers.
Auckland Transport:(external link) A comprehensive public transport site with real-time updates, journey planners, and integrated payment services.
MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment):(external link) Hosting multiple services, policy information, and stakeholder portals for businesses across New Zealand.
These examples demonstrate how enterprise web development supports both operational needs and user engagement at scale.
Key Features of Enterprise Web Development
Scalability and Performance
Enterprise websites must be built to handle significant traffic spikes without downtime. Scalability ensures the site performs seamlessly, whether it’s serving hundreds or millions of users simultaneously.
Complex Integrations
Enterprise-level solutions frequently require advanced integrations, including:
- API management for connecting with external services like payment gateways or third-party tools.
- CRM systems like Salesforce or HubSpot for managing customer data.
- Analytics platforms to monitor user behaviour and optimise performance.
Content Management
Enterprise web development typically involves setting up a powerful CMS (Content Management System) such as Silverstripe or Drupal. These platforms allow teams to manage large volumes of content efficiently and securely, with granular access control.
Data Security
Enterprise websites must adhere to stringent security standards, protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with privacy laws like the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020. This includes SSL encryption, secure hosting, and regular security audits.
Server Load Management
Proper infrastructure planning ensures your site can handle high server loads. Load balancing, CDN integration, and cloud hosting solutions like AWS are common features for enterprise websites.
Ongoing Support and Maintenance
Enterprise web development isn’t a one-off project. Continuous updates, patching, performance monitoring, and 24/7 support are essential to keep the website secure and running at its best.
What are the Benefits of an Enterprise Web Development Solution?
Dedicated Project Team
When you choose enterprise web development, you gain access to a skilled team that includes:
- A project manager to oversee timelines and ensure clear communication.
- A design team to create a user-friendly interface tailored to your brand.
- A development team to build scalable, secure, and high-performing functionality.
Once the site has been designed and built you’ll need a responsive support team to provide ongoing maintenance, ensuring your site remains secure, updated, and optimised for performance.
Bespoke Website
Unlike off-the-shelf solutions like Wix or Squarespace, enterprise web development is fully customised to meet your organisation’s unique needs.
- Front-end development delivers a polished, intuitive user experience for all devices.
- Back-end development builds robust, scalable functionality that integrates with your systems and supports future growth.
This tailored approach ensures the website serves your users effectively while aligning with long-term organisational goals.
Optimised SEO
Enterprise web development also prioritises SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) from the ground up.
Technical SEO best practices are built into the site architecture, ensuring it is crawlable and indexable by search engines. Content structures are optimised for both traditional search and emerging AI-driven search tools, improving visibility for a wide range of queries.
For organisations in New Zealand, this means better reach, improved engagement, and higher online authority. We’ve often found that many organisations don’t prioritise SEO and end up spending time and money on implementing SEO after the site has been built. Instead we recommend considering SEO best practices from the beginning of the project in order to hit the ground running once your site has gone live.
Conclusion
Enterprise web development is about more than just building a website. It’s about creating a highly functional digital platform that supports complex organisational needs while providing an outstanding user experience.
From advanced integrations and strong security to bespoke design and ongoing support, an enterprise-level solution gives you the flexibility and reliability needed for long-term digital success.
If your organisation is ready to take its online presence to the next level, Somar Digital can help you build a secure, scalable, and future-proof enterprise website tailored to your needs.
