Why We Still Build Websites in DNN, Alongside WordPress
Stats say that WordPress accounts for up to one third of the most-visited websites, but we still build sites in DNN, too, and for very important reasons. Want to know why?
It’s been more than ten years since WordPress became popular watercooler conversation. Sprocket was using various website-building tools back then, but especially DNN, previously known as DotNetNuke. Many business owners started asking for WordPress websites, so we started using the WP tools as well. There’s a lot to like and we continue to build quite a few WordPress websites.
But we always go back to DNN when we need to build a site with advanced custom functionality. WordPress offers a lot of generic plug-ins that work for most people, but some of our clients have very specific needs. The only option would be to write customized PHP code. DNN, however, offers low-code tools that allow us to create whatever functions we need with less effort. That saves our time and saves our clients’ money.
Our coding skills date from the days of dial-up modems, back when businesses needed a webmaster on staff to make the simplest typo correction. Now everybody and their grandmother is told they can create their own website. For the price of a fast-food lunch, you can have a brand-new website in hours with do-it-yourself site-builders. We even sell that kind of product at our Sprocket Store.
But while the technology has expanded, so have expectations for what a website should do.
Way beyond a digital brochure, websites today process registrations, charge credit cards, post and delete scheduled announcements, let non-techies write blogs, and a myriad of other tasks.
Sprocket works with several corporate organizations and government bodies who need to gather, store, and share a lot of information. Their IT departments use .NET technology in their data applications, and since DNN is based on .NET, Sprocket Websites is a natural collaborator for their internet and intranet needs.
The DNN websites we build for these clients tend to be more secure than WordPress websites, too. WordPress does a great job with security, but since it is used so extensively, WP is an obvious and frequent target for hackers. DNN attracts hackers as well, but not nearly as many. Plus, anyone trying to break in has to fight with .NET’s creator, Microsoft, a formidable technical security partner.
In the past, we have used several tools that stopped advancing and were no longer supported. New and better versions of DNN, however, are released on a regular basis to keep up with trends and requirements. DNN enjoys an enthusiastic world-wide creative community that continually develops new website functionality. We really appreciate this cutting-edge mentality and are proud to offer it to our clients.
Sure, most business owners and organization managers just want a nice-looking, hard-working website and they don’t really care how that happens. We provide just that, but we want you to know that we have our clients’ specific requirements in mind when choosing to build on the DNN platform.
Does your organization run on .NET? Want to know more about why DNN should be your website platform of choice? We’re happy to help you understand your options. Give us a call today.
his article is an update to “Why We Build Websites with DNN.” dated 3/16/2015.
Kate Gingold
I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.
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I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.
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