“Writing software is not just about numbers and bits,” says Kevin Ferguson, Director of Software Development at Portland Webworks. “It’s about understanding and caring about the people using the software.”
As custom software consultants since 1999, we place people at the heart of everything we do—whether it’s the end users we design for, the developers crafting the solutions, or the clients driving the vision. Our approach to software development and DevOps balances innovation with practicality. “Leading edge, not bleeding edge” isn’t just a tagline; it defines our mission. While we remain attuned to the rapid pace of technological change, we recognize the cost of following every trend. By honing our expertise and staying adaptable, we make thoughtful, effective choices that align with client goals.
Agile software development
From public-facing web applications to internal business tools, our custom application development services are designed to meet critical client needs. Building something that users love isn’t just about flashy features, it’s about ensuring that the software is as functional as it is flexible, ready to scale as the business grows. That is why we take a user-centered approach to ensure that the solutions we build are intuitive, responsive, and scalable.
“A focus on coordination, communication, and the flexibility to facilitate a creative space is what turns a good application into a great one,” says developer David Schlundt-Bodien.
At the heart of our development process is our incremental, Agile approach. Regular communication with customers is key. We deliver early and often, making sure that what we’re building matches the evolving needs of the client. By embracing the reality of change, our framework remains flexible, allowing us to shift gears as client and business priorities evolve. The end result is software that reflects both current and future needs, crafted through constant iteration and improvement.
“One of the most important skills for a software developer to learn is how to communicate effectively with clients,” says Ezra Friedlander, a senior developer.
Open-source software (see the Drupal Team Spotlight) is another pillar of our development philosophy. By utilizing tools that are community-driven, we ensure maximum flexibility and minimize vendor lock-in. Our deep knowledge of open-source ecosystems allows us to recommend software that evolves with client needs while keeping the total cost of ownership in check.
Cloud-first DevOps
We prioritize cloud-first development for scalable, efficient solutions that are custom-fit to match each customer’s unique requirements. We pair leading cloud services like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud with specialty platforms like Acquia and Pantheon. To create the best platform, we offer expert hosting consultation, software selection, security, and ongoing platform support. By integrating software with the infrastructure needed to support it, we create a seamless system that’s built to last. And we don’t just hand off the result, we ensure it’s deployed on a secure, reliable platform.
“Our DevOps team does more than just deploy and manage servers,” explains Director of Technology, Chris Davis. “We consult with clients to help them choose the right platform and design the best architecture, and we ensure that their software is secure and performs efficiently at scale.”
Custom software consulting
We know it’s crucial to meet customers where they are and provide the tools that are needed, when they are needed. This is how we keep our edge. This is also what makes a career at Portland Webworks so interesting.
As developer Gilbert Luong says, “Working in a dynamic environment on different teams and projects has made me a more effective developer.”
The following are some of the custom solutions our team provides:
- Mobile-First: Utilizing progressive web applications, mobile-responsive websites, or native mobile apps, we take a mobile-first mindset on every project, so the app performs beautifully, no matter the device.
- Systems Integration: When agencies rely on multiple systems, data fragmentation becomes a challenge. Our team ensures that systems, data, and services work together seamlessly. When systems talk to each other, it’s easier to analyze and use data to make informed decisions.
- AI and Chatbots: To help our clients stay ahead of the curve, we leverage AI tools like chatbots and intelligent text extraction to improve customer experiences and streamline internal operations.
In summary
As partners in innovation, we are dedicated to building software that adapts, scales, and performs. By combining best-in-class technology, a commitment to flexibility, and a deep understanding of the cloud, open source, and DevOps, we ensure our clients are prepared for whatever the future holds. Because our focus is on solving problems, not just writing code, the work we do is rewarding for all involved.
Developer Ryan Olsen puts it this way: “If you never try something new or never break anything, you won’t learn and grow.”
Meet the Team
Chris Davis: Director of Technology
Chris started as Internet Manager in 2000, and has worked on several projects this year including:
- Center for New Energy Economy (case study)
- Colorado Avalanche Information Center (case study)
- Colorado Fisheries, Department of Natural Resources
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, idalink (case study)
- Idaho Sound Beginnings (case study)
- Idaho Tobacco Project
- Maine Department of Education (MOOSE and EnGiNE)
- Maine Department of Labor Virtual Job Center
- Mississippi Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (case study)
- Missouri Department of Conservation (case study)
- Washington Public Disclosure Commission (case study)
Highlights from Chris’s background include:
- IT at Morong Brunswick
- Lafayette College
Kevin Ferguson: Director of Software Development
Kevin started as a Software Developer in 2013, and has worked on several projects including:
- Colorado Fisheries, Department of Natural Resources
- Florida Turnpike Enterprise, Sunpass.com (case study)
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, idalink (case study)
- Idaho Sound Beginnings (case study)
- Idaho Vaccine Project
- Maine Animal Welfare
Highlights from Kevin’s background include:
- Certified Scrum Product Owner, Scrum Alliance
- Certified ScrumMaster, Scrum Alliance
- Advisory Software Engineer at IBM
- BS Digital Systems Design, Cornell University
Ezra Friedlander: Senior Software Developer
Ezra started as a Software Developer in 2013, and has worked on several projects including:
- Colorado Fisheries, Department of Natural Resources
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, idalink (case study)
- Idaho Child Support (case study)
- Idaho PDAP
- Idaho Sound Beginnings (case study)
- Idaho Tobacco Project
Highlights from Ezra’s background include:
- Business Analyst, Wall Street Systems
- Senior Developer, Speranza Systems
- Front-end Developer, Tyler Technologies
- BA, University of Southern Maine
Gilbert Luong: Software Developer
Gilbert started as a Software Developer in 2014, and has worked on several projects including:
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, idalink (case study)
- Idaho Child Support (case study)
- Idaho PDAP
- Modern Pest
- Sappi
- St. Germain
David Schlundt-Bodien: Software Developer
David started as a Software Developer in 2022, and has worked on several projects including:
- Center for New Energy Economy, AEL Tracker & SPOT for Clean Energy (case study)
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, idalink (case study)
- Idaho Tobacco Project
- Idaho PDAP
Highlights from David’s background include:
- Web Developer, KubeWorks
- Web Developer, Craft Local
- Turing School of Software & Design
- Actualize Coding Bootcamp
Ryan Olsen: Software Developer
Ryan started as a Software Developer in 2022, and has worked on several projects including:
- Arkatecture, Inclusiv
- Colorado Avalanche Information Center (case study)
- Colorado Fisheries, Department of Natural Resources
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, idalink (case study)
- Idaho Sound Beginnings (case study)
- VA Conflict Analysis
- St. Germain
Highlights from Ryan’s background include:
- Developer, Spacecraft Components Corp
- B.S. Management Information Systems, Florida Atlantic University
Meet our other teams
- Creative Team Spotlight
- Quality Assurance Team Spotlight
- Project Management Team Spotlight
- Drupal Team Spotlight
Join our team
We’d love to hear from you. We have a variety of remote and hybrid positions available.
- Check out our current job openings
- Contact us with any questions
- See PWW/GWW clients: Portfolio of work
- Visit us on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram