DotNetNuke Explained: Everything Need to Know About DNN

Quick Overview:
The blog offers a detailed DotNetNuke (DNN) CMS platform overview. You will get insight into the usage of DNN, which global brands are using it, and how it helps by integrating with ASP.NET custom software. In addition, the blog offers a brief about the benefits of DNN and why you need to hire a software development team to use it.

Getting Started with DotNetNuke

In the web development domain, numerous CMS systems are available, such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento, and more. But, the DotNetNuke (DNN) CMS platform is the one that holds the potential to beat them all.

Along with the benefits of other CMS systems, it helps you empower with ASP.NET web application development advantages. Several global brands use this CMS system, and you should also prefer it. Continue further to learn more about DotNetNuke software and its applications.

DotNetNuke (DNN) CMS Platform: A Complete Overview

In 2002, developers created DotNetNuke, or DNN, as a content management platform, releasing it for public use in 2003. It originated as a fork project of Microsoft’s “IBuySpy Portal.” Today, large organizations like Gold Gyms utilize it as a full-fledged CMS system to manage their online presence.

From 2003 to 2023, DotNetNuke is considered the most reliable and successful content management system based on the Microsoft technology stack. Its foundation is based on the .NET framework, Windows Server, and the SQL server. Due to all such technologies only, this CMS is capable of handling thousands of small to highly complex websites simultaneously.

Further, the primary aim of developing the DotNetNuke (DNN) CMS platform was to reduce the cost of website development and maintenance. For instance, DNN offers pre-built sites, known as skins, which you can use to publish your business site within minutes. If you are technically sound and know how website operation is executed, you can build a website using DNN by yourself. It will be highly affordable; your total expenditure would be US$200 – US$700/year.

Also, you can extend the functionalities of skin or pre-built websites by integrating extensions/third-party modules. The DNN platform offers a range of compatible modules, including both free and paid options. It depends on your business requirements to understand which one you prefer. It’s always advisable to consult a reliable firm like Positiwise Software Pvt Ltd to clarify such factors.

DNN Platform-Based Products: Evoq Content and Evoq Engage

In addition to the complete CMS system, there are two more products based on the DNN platform, including:

• Evoq Content: All the features of DotNetNuke are contained in it, but some additional features are provided for the instant publishing of complex content.
• Evoq Engage: This product is primarily used for fulfilling requirements, such as creating a community and for social activities. It contains all the features of DNN and Evoq content.

The DotNetNuke Software Personas and Process

The complete process of DotNetNuke configuration is divided according to associated user personas as below:

• Superusers: As the term defines, superusers have access to all controls of the DNN platform. They are responsible for the installation and management of the web servers. Also, they support handling all the websites and are considered their primary admins.
• Developers: The DNN developers are for extending the functionality of pre-built skins/sites. They integrate third-party APIs and modules and create new mechanisms for the specific website.
• Designers: The main work of designers is to edit the look and feel of the skin/theme. They are responsible for editing a skin or creating a new one for the business.
• Site administrators: The site admins have access to a single website and handle all the associated operations. All the responsibilities lie under site admin, from managing their server to handling content.

What is DotNetNuke Used For?

As you now understand, DotNetNuke is a CMS system. You can use it for creating multiple types of business websites, including the following but not limited to:

• Blogging site
• Static business website
• Community forums
• E-Commerce website
• Customer Portal
• Stakeholder portal
• Intranet portal and more

The DotNetNuke developers can help you develop any type of website using this CMS technology. But, you should always prefer to hire a software development team from a recognized organization with expertise in the technology. It will help you achieve the technical and business goals simultaneously, enabling you to build a strong online presence.

Benefits of DotNetNuke

The pros of using DotNetNuke are listed below:

• Seamless Usage
• Extendable Features
• High Scalability
• Tightly Secured
• Localization
• Easy Data Recovery
• High Performance

1. Seamless Usage

DotNetNuke is considered the most easy-to-use content management system. Its interface is pretty intuitive and explains everything at first glance. Even non-technical personnel with fundamental knowledge of computer operations can execute updates and modify the content.

In addition, the interface is fully GUI (Graphical User Interface), which means you don’t need to remember any commands to execute an operation. The users can simply use the cursor to navigate through the portal to design, develop, deploy, and manage the website.

As a result, it becomes easy for the organization to provide training about the CMS system, especially for the SEO and content marketing departments.

2. Extendable Features

DotNetNuke is a reliably flexible content management system. It allows the integration of third-party APIs for providing additional services to end-users. In addition, you can edit its pre-build themes or skins per your needs. You can change both the functionality and appearance until you achieve your business objectives.

In addition, the DNN platform offers 10,000+ extensions, known as modules, which you can use to bring new features to the website. And if you are building an eCommerce, you don’t have to look for an external module. All the payment gateway, product handling, and inventory management extensions will be available at a single interface.

3. High Scalability

If you are starting as a small organization or just testing the DotNetNuke platform, you don’t need to worry about scalability. The DNN CMS system can effortlessly scale with the customer demands, handling lakhs of users simultaneously. In addition, you can add as many web pages as you want according to the offered services and products.

Moreover, you can deploy it on a distributed architecture or Azure cloud platform for better scalability. As a result, you will be assured of a minimum service level, handling the core operations seamlessly with utmost quality. Also, you will save on deployment expenditure by increasing or decreasing the website size instantly.

4. Tightly Secured

Security is what every platform requires to ensure data integrity and confidentiality. The DNN platform comes with built-in features to enable authentication and authorization controls. You can use them to verify a person’s identity and provide resources according to roles and responsibilities.

In addition, you can also use Active Directory and OAuth authentication with the DotNetNuke platform for advanced security. Further, you have to use the personas (superuser and site admin) we discussed in the previous section. With the help of it, the site access privileges will get restricted, and only the right legal entity will perform the modifications.

Besides, you can use the modules for enabling encryption, hashing, and input validation to prevent data disclosure and breach.

5. Localization

Nowadays, every business is operating globally to increase their customer base, revenue, and productivity massively. And to achieve all the high-end targets, localization supports them a lot. It helps to provide the website content in the local language.

For instance, if someone is accessing your website in Italy, the content will be displayed in Italian. For Spain, it would be Spanish, and similar for all other countries and regions.

Due to this, more people get attracted to the brand and gain a feeling of importance. As a result, businesses achieve greater retention and conversion rates. In DotNetNuke, enabling localization is just a task of a few minutes, which means you can instantly and quickly reach out to the target audience present globally.

6. Easy Data Recovery

There can be a possibility that someone unexpectedly deleted a file or an entire website. And if you didn’t have its backup, you have to work from scratch. However, with DotNetNuke, you get the benefit of a recycle bin, just like the Windows operating system.

Whenever you delete the file, the DNN system stores it for 30 days in the bin before permanent deletion. So, if you delete something accidentally, you can recover it within 30 days through a few clicks, and your site will be running as it was before. However, you should always create a backup server to ensure all the files are available.

Why Prefer DotNetNuke in ASP.NET Custom Software Development?

DotNetNuke can be highly beneficial with ASP.NET custom software development. You can integrate both these technologies to offer an excellent user experience to each end-user. DotNetNuke can handle the content part, and the rest of the logic can be a part of the ASP.NET tech stack. It will also aid you in leveraging the features and advantages of both these technologies.

Numerous small to Fortune 500 companies are using DotNetNuke with ASP.NET. The list contains some globally popular brands, such as:

• KIA
• Bank of America
• Hilton Grand Vacations Co.
• NASCAR
• Motorola
• Pinnacle IT
• NASA
• Whirlpool
• COMCAST and more

The open-source architecture and sharing methodology behind DNN can help you grow in any sector.

Why Hire a Software Development Team for DotNetNuke?

It’s right to think that when a non-technical person can use the DNN platform, then why do you need a development team?

Creating a website requires a lot of work to do before development and after the deployment. To execute all such tasks with professionalism, you need to hire a dedicated software development team. The members of such teams are experts with significant years of experience in the technology. Also, they understand the platform in and out and know how to configure its every component.

In addition, development teams help with:

• Configuring the hosting server for the business website.
• Editing the DNN skins and aligning them with business objectives.
• Deploying and administrating the website 24/7.
• Designing and developing the modules.
• Updating the websites per industry trends and regulatory standards.

Positiwise Software Pvt Ltd always recommends having professional support.

Wrapping Up

DotNetNuke is a reliable CMS system based on the Microsoft technology stack, including the .NET framework, SQL, and Windows server. It’s a GUI-based system that provides skins/themes to launch a business website instantly. From a basic blogging site to a large eCommerce website, you can build any of them using it.

In addition, it provides several advantages, such as easy scalability, authentication and authorization, data recovery, localization, and more. Also, it’s easy for a non-technical person to understand and handle this platform. But, for heavy usage, it’s always recommended to hire DNN professionals. So, if you are looking for a new-age CMS system, then DotNetNuke must be your choice.