Barely 3 weeks since the release of DotNetNuke 6 the response has been overwhelming! Dramatic improvements in the user interface, cost effective SharePoint integration, cloud folder providers and numerous other features are piquing the interest of business and technology users alike. But not only does DotNetNuke 6 delight users, it also has some capabilities which are going to delight extension developers!
If you’re just discovering DotNetNuke 6, Shaun Walker conducted a webinar recently introducing many of its new features. You might also be interested in pre-registering for future webinars!
Most open source developers are already acquainted with the DotNetNuke Forge; it’s our gallery of free community contributed modules, skins and other extensions for DotNetNuke. Through a partnership with Codeplex, we not only extend their world class environment for open source project hosting but also an integrated catalog of DotNetNuke specific projects for users.
DotNetNuke 6 makes it possible to extend this catalog directly into the hands of the site administrator. Like the Apple AppStore or the Android Market, the DotNetNuke Extension Catalog makes it possible for users to discover, download and deploy your modules or skins in a single experience! And integration of our well established Update Service means that once your extension is installed, users will be advised when you publish upgrades or need to advise of security threats. While users of modern smart phones are accustomed to this style of app discovery and maintenance, its truly revolutionary in the world of web content management!
So what does this mean for the open source extension developer?
Right now only a few Forge projects are exposed through the Extension Catalog, but that number will steadily grow. Both Forge and Snowcovered listings require a bit of extra information in order to work properly with the feature. Chris Paterra wrote a blog recently explaining some of the requirements for Forge related data. Our goal is to establish an easy process for open source developers to promote and share their work with DotNetNuke users. And in the next few weeks we'll be polishing the guidelines and publishing the "helps" necessary.
Whether you’re already involved in a Forge project or considering one for the first time, you’re invited to post your thoughts, questions or concerns in the Forge forum. We’d love to hear from you.