Sep
3
Written by:
Scott Michie
9/3/2010
So often business owners try to turn out a website in a few hours with GoDaddy Website Tonight. The unfortunate reality is that the website often never gets finished, because the ambitious biz owner couldn't get acclimated to the difficult interface. Consequently, the website that was supposed to launch "tonight" gets put off to the weekend, and then to the next vacation when there will be more time, and then it runs into the holidays... "okay, this is never getting done! I'll just do with out a website."
DON'T FRET! There's a better, easier, free do it yourself website solution to save the day, and perhaps your marriage!
The GoDaddy Alternative
DotNetNuke® is a web content management platform which utilizes Microsoft .NET technology. The platform offers total control of your web design through something called a DotNetNuke skin. Another major component to the DotNetNuke platform is the ability to easily add functionality to your website through 3rd party DotNetNuke modules, or custom developed modules. For those businesses concerned about the make-up of DotNetNuke such as security and authentication, there's no need to worry because the platform comes with the source code, and also allows you to write custom providers so you can tie into other systems you're using, or just for your own peace of mind!
Getting Started with DotNetNuke
Getting started is easy... You just download the edition that fits your needs, install DotNetNuke on your web server or with a reliable DotNetNuke host provider, and you're on your way to developing your own website! Some host providers will even offer a free DotNetNuke installation service.
DotNetNuke Resources
There are many resources for DotNetNuke available to web developers and the do-it-yourselfers. Here are a few to get you started:
- DotNetNuke.com - This is where you go to obtain your preferred version of DotNetNuke
- SnowCovered.com - Great resource for template skins and 3rd party modules to customize your DotNetNuke website
- DotNetNuke 5 User's Guide - This book will help you hit the ground running, or serve as a great reference when you run into a bind and need help figuring out how to do something with your website
- DNNCreative.com - Serves as a great, up to date resource sharing tips, module reviews, and much more.
- RalphWilliams.com - One of our very own sharing great DotNetNuke tips for Skins, CSS, and Design
Picking the Right Version
At the time of this blog there are three primary versions available:
- DotNetNuke Community (free)
- DotNetNuke Professional
- DotNetNuke Enterprise
For most businesses the DotNetNuke Community version is more than adequate to serve their needs. The premium versions come with technical support provided by DotNetNuke Corporation, but that is usually handled by the Web Design Firm contracted to build your website. If you're looking to do everything yourself, then you may want to purchase DotNetNuke Professional for the support. You can learn more about the different versions and their features on the DotNetNuke Version Comparison page.
Need a Professional DotNetNuke Web Design Firm?
Many business owners make the decision that their website will use Microsoft .NET or even more specifically want to build their website using DotNetNuke. However, they realize their time is better spent building their business, doing what they know best, and leaving it up to a professional web design firm to build their website, and provide them with Internet marketing services that will attract traffic to their website, customers to their business.
If you find yourself coming to the realization that you need a professional web design firm rather than doing it yourself, contact our office to get your website up and running, and your business on the web!
Copyright ©2010 Scott Michie