Ask Echidna -- The Way We Do the Things We Do

We've received another batch of questions for today's Ask Echidna, so we thought we'd take this opportunity to answer some of the frequently asked questions we get about Digital Echidna.

Remember, you ask, we answer! Simply Tweet us or, like our three questioners below, send us an e-mail, and we'll be happy to answer any questions you have about Echidna, Drupal, digital and web design, or content.

Jeff asks, "Why, of all things, did you name yourself Digital Echidna?"

OK. This, along with the precursor question, "What's an echidna?" may be the most common questions we get. So we'll start with the basics:

An echidna is a monotreme that's native to Australia and New Guinea. It, along with the platypus, are the only still-existing mammals that lay eggs. They're basically spiny anteaters.

They're an adaptable bunch, unique, and adorable. The San Diego Zoo has a great resource on them. Be careful, though, if you search on YouTube for echidnas. Some things can't be unseen.

So what's a Digital Echidna? Well, back in the day, Andrew McClenaghan was trying to find a name that would match his vision for the company. He wanted something that reflected unique, adaptable (especially important in this constantly changing digital world), and that would stand out. He and his brother-in-law, a native of Australia, came up with echidna and Echidna Solutions Corp. was born.

A few years ago, Echidna went through a rebrand. And although the idea of changing the name was raised, the uniqueness and conversation-starting ability of the name won out. We added Digital to the front to better reinforce our efforts and Digital Echidna was born.

Alyssa asks, "Why did you choose Drupal?"

The Drupal content management system is at the foundation of much of what we do here at Echidna. It's also been a big part of why we've been able to grow so much. We've got a great group of talented developers and they've proven themselves adept at using this amazing tool!

About six years ago, Echidna made the move to developing on Drupal (https://www.drupal.org/), almost exclusively. And we haven't looked back. In fact, we've taken an active role in moving it forward in Canada -- from hosting Drupal events to sponsoring major cons and camps, and with staff members dedicating tonnes of time and resources to improving it.

An open-source system is only as strong as its contributors. And that's why we foster talent and encourage them to support the program. In the end, it makes us all better.

But it's not just a favourite of ours -- Drupal is a favoured system the world over. And many of the top sites are using it -- The Economist, Harvard, The Beatles, NBC, BBC, the White House, amongst others.

More and more companies are embracing the benefits of Drupal and we're working to remain at the vanguard of this industry.

William asks, "What brought you to London? And are you moving?"

OK, this may be a result of a recent news article that some have interpreted as us moving from the downtown core.

It's not true.

It is true that we're pretty much stuffed to the gills in our renovated heritage building in The Burridge Block, but we're committed to the Forest City, we're proud to be a part of the efforts to revitalize downtown, and we've got a history that we expect to continue on here.

We've been in London since the beginning. Andrew attended South, grew up and lives in Old South (with a brief sojourn to the University of Waterloo thrown in for good measure), and has deep roots in the community.

Many of us are long-time Londoners (in my case, a transplant, then born-again Londoner!) and we live in and support our communities. Many of us have families and we appreciate all that London has to offer when it comes to raising them in a supportive, safe environment.

Business-wise, there's something brewing here in London. We've got a great foundation of medical technology, gaming, and digital creative companies in the city. We've got innovation coming from post the post-secondary community and from amazing companies all throughout the city. And we have a steady stream of amazing talent coming to us each year, through those higher-learning facilities, which has benefitted us greatly.

Yeah, there are some challenges. The city isn't perfect and the downtown continues to need work -- but we're committed to sticking to it and being part of the solution.

The elbow room situation will work itself out. There are too many partners who want it to happen for it not to. It's going to take time, but we're Londoners to the core.

And we're going to stay in the core.

Sure, you can never say never, but no heritage stone will be left unturned!

So there you have it. Our latest Ask Echidna blog. Get your questions in and we'll be happy to answer them in an upcoming blog!