Written by: Dave
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 12:34 PM 

DotNetNuke (DNN) is a multi-portal web content management system. The softwareknowhow.info web site is a working example of what can be achieved using the DNN framework. DNN started out as an application from Microsoft designed to demonstrate the functionality available in their new ASP.NET 1.0 platform. This application was named the IBuySpy Portal.

In December 2002 Shaun Walker released a modified version of the IBuySpy portal containing many enhancements, one of which was the ability to be able to create multiple portals within a single installation. This code attracted the attention of thousands of developers from around the world and a new community was created. In February 2003 the application was renamed DotNetNuke.

When I first started using DNN it was on version 4.4.2 so I joined the community fairly late. The reasons I decided to go with DNN as a web platform were for the great flexibility it provided. For example, the list below is just some of the features that attracted us to the framework:

• Open Source – The entire DNN framework is open source and the code may be downloaded for free from the web site.
• SQL Server – The framework has been built to run on, but is not limited to, Microsoft SQL Server.
• VB.Net – The framework has been written in ASP.NET using Visual Basic as the language in the code behind. This was great as the majority of the developers where I work are fluent in Visual Basic.

The reason I have become so attached to the DNN framework is the fact that it is entirely modular. As well as the modules that come within the framework (e.g. Blog, Forum etc) there are thousands of modules available within the community. Some are free, others are not. Most modules do not normally cost more than a couple hundred dollars for the full source code version which makes the framework a very viable option for rapid, and cost effective, website development. And there is more! The DNN framework also gives you the option of creating your own modules! Due to the framework being open source all of its underlying structure can be accessed and utilised, making module development very quick, simple and effective. I will be blogging more on this subject!

I hope you have found this information useful. I could go on all day about the features and benefits of DNN but hopefully this gives you a insight into its capability! Below are some interesting links if you wish to look further into DNN.

• www.dotnetnuke.com – The main web site where the framework can be downloaded. The site is also the home of the DNN community and you will find forums, blogs etc here.
• www.snowcovered.com – The place to purchase additional modules, skins, containers etc.
• www.dnncreative.com – This is a great site if you want to learn more about DNN. There is a small subscription charge but it is definitely worth it if you want to get into DNN. This site hosts excellent tutorials in video format.

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Tags: DotNetNuke , ASP.NET

Categories: Development, Web

Location: Blogs Dave Clayton