DotNetNuke is a Content Management System (CMS). A content management system provides a structure, or framework, within which to build your web site. With a CMS web site we don't have a series of HTML pages, instead we have a definition for the template, or site structure, and the content is held within a database. Modules are then used to perform specialised functions, from simply putting words and images on the web page, to providing an on-line shop.
DotNetNuke grew from the IBuySpy project by Microsoft. This project was aimed at providing a portal, with a shop. DotNetNuke has further developed this project to enable multiple portals from one instance, along with a large collection of modules.
DotNetNuke provides a versatile website management framework DotNetNuke comprises the core structure, together with modules and skins. It provides the ability to add modules to perform specific functions and skins to change how the web pages and containers look.
The source code for DotNetNuke is open source, similar to Linux. This means that anyone can review the code and how DotNetNuke is implemented and functions. Both companies and individuals provide modules and skins, sometimes for free, to extend the capabilities of the main framework.
In 2004 version 2 of DNN was released, introducing a large number of additional features. Since then 2 other major releases have taken place and we are now at version 4. Unlike many of the other CMS packages the template for the web site is no longer confined to a series (possibly 3) of vertical columns. Spotting a DotNetNuke website is now much harder. We can also have more than one template across a web site, enabling us to characterise sections of the web site.
Don't let this terminology worry you. This means that we have a powerful method of presenting and maintaining our web site. With this method of providing web sites you can become involved with your web site to a greater or lesser degree. You may feel that all you require is for your provider to give you the framework and you will then develop your web site content yourself. If this is not for you, then why not consider having your provider establish the web site for your, with the looks and the content and required modules? Over time, you can then make small changes to the workings of the content as your business, club or organisation change.
I have read commentary to the effect that for a small one or two page web site the use of a complex content management system is inappropriate. However, I believe that the modules are there to be used as tools when the need arises. Why not use a content management system for maintaining your web site. You can edit your web site from any where in the world with access controlled by password protected login. Change the wording of the website to reflect the changes in the seasons or changes in the business climate.
We all hope to see our organisation grow, and of course the web site to reflect this. We also like to redecorate our homes. At some point you will want to change the look of your web site. With DotNetNuke we can change the look by changing the template. This whole process is better managed because the looks and the content are kept apart.
As you may have guessed, this website www.janetysytems.co.uk is running on DotNetNuke.
There are DotnetNuke modules which look after the textual content of your site, others have been written for specific functions, there's even a powerful online shop.
DotNetNuke project website www.dotnetnuke.com