Every couple of weeks the AWH team meets to discuss newsletter article subjects.  The process is pretty straight forward; we all come up with ideas and then discuss briefly the pros and cons to ultimately decide on a topic.  This week we settled on a powerful website portal environment called DotNetNuke.  At first glance it may be a little difficult to see how it’ll work for your business, but after digging a little deeper it becomes pretty apparent how powerful this application actually is.

So, what is DotNetNuke (DNN), or what is a portal for that matter?  Basically it is an environment that allows easily updatable and expandable content and functionality – without a developer standing over your shoulder guiding you through the process.   Portal systems usually have a number of plug-ins or modules to allow for additional functionality like document management, real-time search, streaming video, RSS feeds, blogs, etc…  DNN is no different; it offers hundreds and hundreds of easily installable components that can help your website grow from a basic brochure-ware site to a functional part of your business.

With DNN, it’s extremely easy for organizations to decentralize the updating of their websites, allowing department heads to be responsible for the information they present to web visitors and the way in which it is presented.  Enhancing that functionality by adding custom modules can increase workflow, simplify day to day activities, and ultimately save valuable time and reduce frustration.

To top it off, DNN comes with a number of pre-built designs (or skins) to make the portal look professionally designed.  Already have a custom designed site? No problem, there are a number of shops out there that will take an existing look and feel and build you a custom template for your DNN installation.  You have the flexibility to make your site look how you want, and still have the power to update and change items and information instantly!

Sample Skins

Intrigued yet?  If not, consider the following, the DNN software including the base set of modules is FREE!  Yes, FREE!  All you need is a DNN hosting provider to run the setup and application (along with a little time to get the content into your site).  All being told you can expect to pay less than $100 / month for an extremely dynamic and flexible website.

Overall, the DotNetNuke portal environment is a fast, flexible and powerful system that can help companies better utilize the web by streamlining the process in which they update and interact with their online material.

Additional References

DotNetNuke Official Site
http://www.dotnetnuke.com/

Great Example of DNN Sites
http://www.q107.com
http://shop.volleyball.com/
http://www.reachoutside.com/

Popular DNN Modules
http://www.dotnetnuke.com/Resources/Modules/tabid/794/Default.aspx

DNN Discussion Forum
http://www.dotnetnuke.com/tabid/795/Default.aspx

DNN Wikipedia Definition
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DotNetNuke

DNN Encyclopedia (Wiki Site)
http://www.dnnwiki.net/

Filed under: Business Articles on June 19th, 2007 | No Comments »

The DotNetNuke web application may not be well-known as of today, but for those of you who haven’t heard of it, it is a powerful application that you should seriously consider checking out. I’ll shine some light on the technical aspects of DotNetNuke.

DotNetNuke, otherwise referred to as, DNN, is a web application that works on the ASP.net platform. Its primary functions are used for creating websites, portals, and customizing web applications.

DNN is excellent for users that have little to no programming skills. Those users can still make DNN work for you and your customers. DNN provides all the features and tools to layout, create and maintain your website. It includes pre-built modules, as well as additional downloadable modules, for customization of your application(s). Other features include file management, drop and drag functionality, recycle bin, and banner advertising.

With all the features, modules, and tools that are included it’s hard to believe that it’s a free download. DNN is offered under a BSD Style license, which allows you to download and use it free of charge.

DNN System Requirements

• IIS6
• ASP.net 2.0
• NTFS file system
• Microsoft Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition
• Microsoft Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition

You’ll be able to test DNN on your current XP Pro machine that’s sitting in front of you. As long as you’re running IIS6 and ASP.net, it’ll function seamlessly.

Installation

Although the DNN site speaks of easy installation, first timers might find it a little challenging. I found a great pdf that takes you through the installation process. You can find it within the zip download located at DotNetNuke 4.4.1 Docs. Unfortunately, you’ll be required to register and login within their site before downloading it. I chose the starter kit installation, so you can go right to page 33 within the pdf and follow the instructions from there. My step-by-step process follows:

1. Install Microsoft Visual Basic 2005 Express and Microsoft Visual Web Developer 2005 Express.
2. Download the starter kit zip file and extract in a designated folder.
3. Double click the “DotNetNuke.vscontent” file.

4. Click Next

5. Click Finish

6. Click Close

That wasn’t too tough. Let’s try setting up the website now.

1. Before you begin, you’ll need to already have your website setup within IIS.
2. Your MSSQL Database will also be created already, with a user that is the db owner.
3. Set file permissions for the Network Service to have full control of your website root. The IUSR can have the modify permission.
4. Open Microsoft Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition and select file –> New Website.
5. Select the DotNetNuke Web Application template. Under location, select http. Under language select Visual Basic. At the next field, located at the browse button, put in the name of your website. Click ok and the website will be created. Then, you’ll see this screen.

6. Click CNTL+F5 to build the site. Once it has finished building, a browser window will open.
7. In the first browser window, select typical and click next.
8. In the second browser window, click on Test permissions and click next.
9. In the third browser window, select SQL 2005 database. Uncheck integrated security and fill in the appropriate info. Click test database connection and then click next. It will then ask you for the Host username and Admin username login information. It will then finish installing your DotNetNuke Website.

Summary

I was very unfamiliar with DNN going in, but I found that if I was brave enough to give it a try, coming up with a great looking and fully customizable web application portal was not as imposing as it seems. If you do get stumped, I highly recommend the DNN message forum. You will find answers to questions that you probably won’t find anywhere else. When you’re looking for a web application that allows you, and/or, your customers to fully customize your desires, with a gamut of tools and features all wrapped in, you should give DotNetNuke a try. I really like it.

Additional Resources

DNN Website
http://www.dotnetnuke.com/
Content Features Resource
http://www.dotnetnuke.com/Default.aspx?tabid=772

Installation Documents
http://www.dotnetnuke.com/LinkClick.aspx?…

BSD-Style Licensing
http://www.dotnetnuke.com/Default.aspx?tabid=776

Filed under: Technical Articles on June 19th, 2007 | No Comments »