"Since our business is the Web, our success depends heavily on the quality of the site, the accuracy of the information, and the functionality of the online tools," said Michael Kranitz, president of LeaseSource. "From day one I knew I needed a progressive and innovative tool that would grow with my needs."

To create the LeaseSource site, Kranitz chose NetObjects Fusion because he needed a professional-looking Web site without spending thousands of dollars on Web design firms. He found that using NetObjects Fusion was cost- and time-efficient, enabled one nonprogrammer to do the work of three programmers, and allowed him to effortlessly modify and update the site. "We tested out several other Web development tools; however, none of them had the visual development environment for intelligently laying out a site," said Kranitz. "Nor did they have the overall site maintenance features that allow us to keep track of this growing organism."

Also, like most start-up organizations, Kranitz's budget constraints were enormous. Saving money at every turn was critical. "If one person with minimal programming skills can use NetObjects Fusion and do what three $50-75-per-hour HTML coders can do in the same period of time, probably four days for our site, the savings are obvious. And those savings are compounded every time we have to go in and make a change. You do the calculations!" said Kranitz.

The Web site was essentially created using two individuals: one who provided graphics, and one who created the layout and published it using NetObjects Fusion. Originally built with NetObjects Fusion 1.0, the site has continued to grow along with NetObjects product offerings, taking advantage of NetObjects Fusion's exceptional site management, DHTML support, and publishing autonomy. "In the latest version we've especially enjoyed the new publishing methods that allow us to organize by flat file, by asset, etc. This is a powerful feature that we have used to simplify and organize the publication of our site in logical modules," said Kranitz.

The site also incorporates dynamic database publishing capabilities using the Allaire Fusion2Fusion Connector to ColdFusion. With a live link to the database, LeaseSource is able to provide site visitors with current information such as factory-order lease specials.

Since its inception, the Web site has seen a huge increase in traffic, and monthly page views have gone from 10,000 in October 1997 to 1.4 million by August 1998. Also, monthly revenue has jumped by 350 percent. In addition, Lycos picked LeaseSource as the number one auto site on the Web, outscoring every other site in both content and design -- including Microsoft's CarPoint. The site has also been recognized by well-known outlets such as Kiplingers, CIO Web Business, USA Today, Your Money Magazine, and Motor Trend.

"By the close of 1999, LeaseSource will be widely recognized by the public as a leader in the publication and sale of accurate, easy-to-access automobile data, analysis tools, and advice. LeaseSource will also be recognized as the foremost source of business-enhancing Internet tools for auto leasing professionals," predicted Kranitz. "With NetObjects Fusion, I know my Web design tool of choice will continue to grow with my needs to make this goal a reality."