What is a Web Portal?

A Portal, or Web Portal, is a web site that provides multiple resources, such as discussion forums, search engines, on-line shopping, user managed content, including web logs, image galleries, file sharing, and much more.   A portal may provide links with other private content or information on the world wide web.   The portal can act as the entrance into a secure private site, also known as an “intranet“.

A portal is a public or private space that gives users the ability to organize information, readily access that information, manage documents, share calendars and enable efficient collaboration, all in a familiar, browser-based environment.   All of your information can reside in this central and secure repository, available at any time, from anywhere in the world, using a simple web browser.

Authorized users such as business partners, customers, friends, or family can also use a portal to collaborate, communicate and share information.

How can a portal help?

Here are just a few ways...
   • Share documents, files, images, or other content with anyone you authorize
   • Share calendars or a calendar of events with others
   • Conduct discussions on any subject, secure or public, for teams, projects, etc.
   • Managing and track tasks with a team or group
   • Maintain contact directories with others
   • Conducting opinion polls or ask for feedback
   • Post announcements, new items, articles, or reports 
   • Share web links and organize them as you choose
   • Privately share messages or chat on line
   • Provide image galleries, music, videos or other media.
   • Compose a document with others, in a team environment
   • Allow secure submittal of forms and write them to a database
   • Enable on-Line catalogs and sales tools (e-commerce / web stores) 
   • Subscription services billing or project/services billing
   • Personalize or target information, so users see information that pertains to them
   • Generate and display real time reporting over databases
   • Secure any function or content by user

The DotNetNuke Portal is ideal for business, teams, private or public organizations, Business Intranets, Family Portals, and or private sites.  

Why use DotNetNuke?

DotNetNuke is a web portal application that contains the functionality required to operate and maintain a dynamic Web site.  DNN provides features and functions that allow any user to manage the site completely, including the use of tools for controlling memberships, security, banner advertising, site appearance, content authoring, and much more. 

DotNetNuke is an open source project, with a very active team of developers, and a very large community of resources and users world wide.   The core application is available for download for free, and there are many add-in modules for free or for purchase.  With the proper host, providing the necessary access and database, a basic portal can be launched within minutes.

So, why DotNetNuke?

   • This Portal application is super user friendly!   
   • Maintain portal content without any web page development applications.
   • It is easy for anyone to update or maintain content.  No technical skills required!
   • Easy to add modules for content (see the long list of modules available!)
   • Secure all or part of your Portal from public viewing.
   • Create groups of users with different levels of access control
   • Enable public or private conversations with such tools as forums or chat rooms
   • Easily change the layout and colors of your Portal without changing content!
         “Skinning“ is independent from the content so if you decide to change
           the layout, there is no need to rebuild the site, just load a new “skin“.
   • Implement an advanced dynamic web site in one day!
   • Launch and manage a Portal without the expense of custom IT development!
   • It is a very low cost option... and you can deliver functions and content today!

As stated on the DotNetNuke website:

"DotNetNuke Is…

Versatile – DotNetNuke is an open source web application framework ideal for creating, deploying and managing interactive web, intranet and extranet sites.

User-Friendly – DotNetNuke is designed to make it easy for users to manage all aspects of their projects.  Site wizards, help icons, and a well-researched user interface allow universal ease-of-operation.

Powerful –  DotNetNuke can support multiple portals or sites off of one install.  In dividing administrative options between host level and individual portal level, DotNetNuke allows administrators to manage any number of sites – each with their own look and identity – all off one hosting account.

Feature-Rich – DotNetNuke comes loaded with a set of built-in tools that provide powerful pieces of functionality.  Site hosting, design, content, security, and membership options are easily managed and customized through these tools. 

Supported  - DotNetNuke is supported by its Core Team of developers and a dedicated  international community.  Through user groups, online forums, resource portals and a network of companies who specialize in DNN®, support is always close at hand.

Easily Installed – DotNetNuke can be up-and-running within minutes.  One must simply download the software from DotNetNuke.com, and follow the installation instructions.  In addition, many hosting companies offer free installation of the DotNetNuke application with their plans.

Localized – DotNetNuke includes a multi-language localization feature which allows administrators to easily translate their projects and portals into any language.  And with an international group of hosts and developers working with DotNetNuke, familiar support is always close at hand.

Open Source – DotNetNuke is provided free, as open-source software, and licensed under a standard BSD agreement. It allows individuals to do whatever they wish with the application framework, both commercially and non-commercially, with the simple requirement of giving credit back to the DotNetNuke project community.

Cutting-Edge - DotNetNuke provides users with an opportunity to learn best-practice development skills -- module creation, module packaging, debugging methods, etc -- all while utilizing cutting-edge technologies like ASP.NET 2.0, Visual Web Developer (VWD), Visual Studio 2005 and SQL Server 2005 Express.

Extensible – DotNetNuke is able to create the most complex content management systems entirely with its built-in features, yet also allows administrators to work effectively with add-ons, third party assemblies, and custom tools.   DNN modules and skins are easy to find, purchase, or build.  Site customization and functionality are limitless.

Recognized – DotNetNuke is a trademarked name, and a brand widely recognized and respected in the open source community.  With over 450,000 registered users and a talented team of developers, DotNetNuke continues to evolve its software through participation, real world trial, and end-user feedback."