FNO Services Europe
Backend Web Development Services for Businesses
Backend development services for business systems
Build or improve the server-side code, databases and integrations that make a website or web application work reliably behind the screen.
FNO Services Europe provides backend development services for businesses that need dependable PHP development, database work, APIs, automation, authentication, integrations or technical help with an existing system.
We work remotely from Portugal with clients in the UK, Europe and international markets. You deal directly with an experienced developer who can understand the current architecture, explain the practical options and keep the proposed work proportionate to the business need.
What backend web development can include
Backend web development covers the code and data processing that users do not usually see. It receives requests, applies business rules, reads and writes data, communicates with other systems and returns the information needed by the website or application.
Server-side business logic
- PHP application development
- Business rules and calculations
- Forms and data-processing workflows
- Customer, staff and supplier functions
- Order and transaction processing
- Existing feature extension
Database development
- MySQL and MariaDB development
- Data models and table relationships
- Queries, indexes and performance review
- Imports, exports and data correction
- Reporting and administrative tools
- Controlled schema changes
APIs and integrations
- REST and JSON endpoints
- Third-party API connections
- Webhooks and callbacks
- Supplier and marketplace feeds
- CRM and fulfilment connections
- Error handling and logging
Authentication and access
- User accounts and login workflows
- Roles and permissions
- Administrative access controls
- Session and token handling
- Password and account-recovery flows
- Security-conscious validation
Automation and background tasks
- Cron jobs and scheduled processing
- Queues and batch operations
- Automated imports and exports
- Email and notification workflows
- Data synchronisation
- Monitoring and failure reporting
Hosting and deployment support
- PHP and database configuration
- Development and staging environments
- Controlled releases
- Environment and credential handling
- Logs and server-side troubleshooting
- Post-deployment checks
Backend development, frontend development and complete applications
The frontend is the part a user sees and interacts with in a browser. The backend sits behind it and handles data, permissions, business rules, integrations and server-side processing. A complete web application normally combines both layers.
This page is for organisations that specifically need backend development services: perhaps a frontend team needs server-side support, an existing website requires new business logic, or a database and API layer must be built or improved.
If the requirement is to plan and build an entire business system rather than one technical layer, see our custom web application development services.
Backend development for existing systems
A new backend is not always necessary. Many businesses already have valuable systems that need a controlled extension, a replacement component or clearer integration with newer services.
We can review an existing PHP website or web application and help with work such as:
- adding a new workflow without replacing the entire application
- improving slow or unreliable database operations
- replacing a manual spreadsheet or import process
- connecting an established system to a new API
- creating an administrative or reporting function
- updating server-side code for a supported PHP environment
- documenting fragile jobs, dependencies and data flows
Where the main need is bug fixing, upgrades and continuing care rather than new backend development, use our application maintenance and support services. If access and ownership are uncertain, begin with the Website Takeover Check.
Backend APIs and system integrations
Backend development often becomes the bridge between a website and the systems used to run the business. A reliable connection must do more than send a successful test request: it should validate data, handle credentials safely, respect limits and leave useful evidence when something fails.
Depending on the available documentation and permissions, work can include:
- building private or public API endpoints
- connecting payment, CRM, fulfilment or reporting services
- receiving and validating webhooks
- synchronising products, stock, customers or orders
- mapping inconsistent external data into a usable internal format
- adding retries, logs and alerts for failed processes
For projects centred primarily on connecting independent platforms, review our dedicated API integration services.
Backend development for ecommerce and operational workflows
Behind an ecommerce storefront are product records, stock rules, customer accounts, payments, delivery services, supplier files, scheduled jobs and order-management processes. Backend work can connect and automate these operations while the existing storefront remains in place.
Typical requirements include product-feed processing, marketplace connections, custom pricing logic, fulfilment exports, order-status synchronisation, reporting tools and controlled administrative workflows.
If the requirement includes the storefront, catalogue, checkout and complete launch journey, see our ecommerce website development services.
PHP backend development and practical technology choices
Our backend work is centred on practical PHP and database-driven systems, including custom PHP applications and the server-side components behind established content-management and ecommerce platforms.
Depending on the existing environment, this may involve PHP, MySQL or MariaDB, HTTP APIs, JSON, webhooks, cron jobs, queues, Linux hosting and application-level logs. We work within the architecture already in use when it remains supportable, and recommend change only where it offers a clear reliability, security or business benefit.
A backend development company should not introduce a fashionable framework simply to make a project appear more modern. The chosen approach must be maintainable, documented and appropriate for the people who will own the system after delivery.
Our backend development process
1. Requirement discovery
We clarify the business process, expected users, inputs, outputs and the result the backend work should produce.
2. Existing-system review
Where a system already exists, we examine the relevant code, database, hosting, dependencies, access and external services before proposing changes.
3. Technical scope
The backend boundary, data flows, integrations, assumptions, risks and acceptance conditions are documented in proportion to the project.
4. Controlled development
Work is completed in manageable stages, with appropriate separation between development, testing and the live environment.
5. Testing and release
Relevant workflows, validation, permissions, failure cases and integrations are checked before a controlled deployment.
6. Handover and support
Important access, dependencies and operating details are recorded, with continuing maintenance agreed separately where required.
Backend development services for UK and European businesses
Businesses searching for backend developers in the UK may not need another layer of account management or a large agency contract. FNO Services Europe works remotely from Portugal, providing direct developer communication to clients in the UK, Europe and other international markets.
This arrangement can suit a business, design team, frontend developer or agency that needs a defined server-side capability without hiring a permanent backend developer. Written communication, requirements and progress remain clear, while calls and video meetings are conducted in English.
All prices and quotations are issued in EUR.
Backend web development costs
Cost depends on the existing architecture, code quality, data model, integrations, access, documentation, security considerations and the clarity of the required outcome.
Defined ad-hoc technical work starts from €45 per hour, subject to availability. New backend components, substantial integrations, migrations and high-risk rescue work are assessed and quoted separately. All quotations are issued in EUR; clients paying from non-euro accounts may incur conversion charges from their bank or payment provider.
Where the requirement is a small amount of continuing support rather than a standalone development project, our website support plans begin from €49 per month.
Frequently asked questions
What is backend web development?
It is the server-side development behind a website or web application. It commonly handles databases, business rules, accounts, permissions, integrations, automation and the information returned to a frontend.
Can you work with our existing frontend developer?
Yes. We can agree the data, endpoint, authentication and error-handling requirements needed by the frontend, subject to a clear division of responsibilities and access.
Can you improve a backend built by another developer?
Potentially. We first review the relevant code, database, hosting and dependencies. The condition of the system determines whether a controlled improvement is safer than replacement.
Do you provide PHP backend development?
Yes. PHP, MySQL and MariaDB systems are central to our backend work, including custom applications, APIs, automation and server-side extensions for established platforms.
Can you build an API for our website?
Yes, where the required data, authentication, consumers and operating responsibilities can be clearly defined. We also integrate suitable third-party APIs into existing systems.
Can you repair slow database operations?
We can investigate application queries, indexes, data volume and server-side processing. The correct solution depends on evidence from the actual system rather than a generic optimisation promise.
Do you build complete web applications?
Yes, but that is a broader service. Projects requiring the complete product, interface and backend should begin with our custom web application development page.
Do you work with clients outside Portugal?
Yes. We work remotely from Portugal with businesses in the UK, Europe and international markets. Communication and calls for English-language projects are conducted in English.
Discuss your backend development requirement
Tell us what the system needs to do, what already exists and which users, data or external services are involved. We will help define the backend boundary and recommend a practical next step.