The use of frames is very controversial. In the old days, frames were not supported in the same way by all browsers, however, today a frame based site will work with the current versions of most browsers. When you visit the Scent Of Success website, you’ll notice that it uses frames.
So why use frames? By using frames, you can speed up the load time of your site. By placing your logo in a separate frame from your information, you prevent reloading it with each new page. Navigation can also be customized into one or more frames with the main frame content controlling the navigation frame content. If you have advertisements that are common to multiple pages, but change based on the topic under discussion, the reload time is reduced when moving between common pages.
So why do people dislike the use of frames? Frames don’t work well with Web Based TV in all cases. Frames also prevent search engine indexer (i.e. Google, Yahoo, etc.) from crawling through your site and indexing it properly unless you manually incorporate special indexing from your main page. Unless designed properly a frame based site may include vertical and/or horizontal scroll bars for each frame area taking up valuable real estate. Many web site designers use inappropriate sizing for pictures or tables without consideration for frame size. This will generally add the horizontal and/or vertical scroll bars in with no added value.
If your site is focused on a single product or service, the use of frames is overkill. Frames are very helpful for large or complex sites. If you decide to use frames, be sure to research each of the problem areas in detail and make sure that your site does not become an unpleasant experience for your visitors causing them to never return again.