DotNetNuke is an open web source application framework. It is ideal for creating and developing commercial websites, corporate intranets, extranets, online publishing portals and custom vertical applications. DotNetNuke is provided as open-source software, licensed under a BSD agreement. In general, this license grants the general public permission to obtain the software free-of-charge. DotNetNuke was written in VB.NET and is easily installed and hosted.

It also 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. DotNetNuke.com has over 800,000 registered members.


Exciting feature of DotNetNuke:

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 through 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.

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.

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. 

What is application framework?

A web application framework is software that is designed to support the development of dynamic websites, web application and web services. The framework aims to alleviate the overhead associated with common activities performed in web development. Frameworks are built to support the construction of internet applications based on a single programming language, which augment the capabilities of a specific language, to native-language programmable packages built around a specific user application, such as Content Management systems, some mobile development tools and some portal tools.

General-purpose website frameworks
Discussion forums, wikis and weblogs
Organizational portals

How application frameworks become useful for CMS?

In web application frameworks, content management is the way of organizing, categorizing, and structuring the information resources like text, images, documents, audio and video files so that they can be stored, published, and edited with ease and flexibility. A content management system (CMS) is used to collect, manage, and publish content, storing it either as components or whole documents, while maintaining dynamic links between components.

How application framework work for security purpose?

Some web application frameworks come with authentication and authorization frameworks that enable the web server to identify the users of the application, and restrict access to functions based on some defined criteria. Drupal is one example that provides role-based access to pages, and provides a web-based interface for creating users and assigning them roles.