This document provides a comparative overview of various content management systems (CMS) including WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, DotNetNuke, Umbraco, vBulletin, and ExpressionEngine, detailing their origins, licensing, popularity, server-side scripting, features, and concerns. Each CMS is described with its benefits, usability for beginners or developers, and specific examples of usage. The document also includes links to official sites for further resources and support.

1. A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO POPULAR By Stuart Mitchell
CMS S

2. WORDPRESS
Created: 2003
Original use: Blogging platform
Licence: Open Source (GPL)
Popularity*:
 59% of CMSs
 17% of Websites
Server-side script: PHP
Database systems: MySQL
Hosting OS: Various
Benefits/Features:
 Easy to create basic website and/or blog
 Large community support
 Extensive plug-in system for additional functionality
 Customisable themes which change functionality as well as appearance Examples:
 In-built CSS and PHP editing
https://cio.gov/
Concerns: http://www.rollingstones.com/
 Basic themes can make basic sites appear similar

3. JOOMLA!
Created: 2005
Original use: CMS
Licence: Open Source (GPL)
Popularity*:
 10% of CMSs
 3% of Websites
Server-side script: PHP
Database systems: MySQL; MSSQL; PostgreSQL
Hosting OS: Various
Benefits/Features:
 Flexible template functionality to easily customise the look and feel site wide
 Inbuilt SEO & tracking capabilities
 Large extensions library to extend functionality and templating options
 Often available as a one click installation from web hosts Examples:
 Good usability for beginners/non-developers
http://www.getransportation.com/
Concerns: http://www.ikea.com.kw/
 Lacks ability to format uploaded media such as images
 Lacks versioning to store and revert to old versions of content

4. DRUPAL
Created: 2001
Original use: Message Board
Licence: Open Source (GPL)
Popularity*:
 8% of CMSs
 2% of Websites
Server-side script: PHP
Database systems: Various
Hosting OS: Various
Benefits/Features:
 Modular design for adding and managing additional functionality
 Extensive number of modules available to enhance functionality
 Taxonomy system for organising and display related content
 Large community for support and module development Examples:
Concerns:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/
 Can be demanding on hosting platforms due to Queries http://www.economist.com/
 The administration pages in older versions aren’t user friendly
 The core installation is light on functionality (see benefits)

5. DOTNETNUKE
Created: 2003 (2002 as IBuySpy)
Original use: CMS
Licence: Open Source (MIT) / Commercial Proprietary
Popularity*:
 2% of CMSs
 <1% of Websites
Server-side script: ASP.NET
Database systems: SQL Server
Hosting OS: Microsoft
Benefits/Features:
 Versions available to suit beginners and advanced developers
 Modules for extending functionality
 Allows multi-site management from one installation
 Community support available Examples:
 Commercial support available (see below)
http://www.thetrainline.com/
Concerns: http://www.creativecommons.org.uk/
 Cost of commercial versions and modules

6. UMBRACO
Created: 2004
Original use: CMS
Licence: Open Source (MIT) / Commercial Proprietary
Popularity*:
 <1% of CMSs
 <1% of Websites
Server-side script: ASP.NET
Database systems: SQL Server; MySQL
Hosting OS: Microsoft
Benefits/Features:
 Provides a .NET framework for developers
 Uses standard templating formats and protocols
 Flexibility for site development and customisation (see above)
 Commercial support available Examples:
Concerns:
http://www.heinz.com/
 Limited out-of-the-box for beginners/non-developers http://www.wired.co.uk/
 Limited user management capabilities
 Cost of commercial product

7. VBULLETIN
Created: 2000
Original Use: Message Board
Licence: Commercial Proprietary
Popularity*:
 3% of CMSs
 1% of Websites
Server-side script: PHP
Database systems: MySQL
Hosting OS: Various
Benefits/Features:
 Specifically designed for forums and discussion boards
 Provides blogging and CMS functions in addition
 Rich with forum features and blog integration
Examples:
Concerns:
 Cost of licence http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/
 Requires PHP editing during install http://www.mac-forums.com/
 Number of functions can be overwhelming

8. EXPRESSIONENGINE
Created: 2004
Original use: Blogging Platform/CMS
Licence: Commercial Proprietary
Popularity*:
 1% of CMSs
 <1% of Websites
Server-side script: PHP
Database systems: MySQL
Hosting OS: Various
Benefits/Features:
 Commercially developed and supported
 Open source framework allows custom development
 Good and easy user management and administration capabilities
 Rich in functionality both out of the box and with add-ons Examples:
 Allows multi-site management from one installation
http://www.opendns.com/
Concerns: http://www.magentocommerce.com/
 Expense/cost of licences and add-ons

9. RELATED RESOURCES
• WordPress:
• WordPress.org - for the WordPress CMS & related support
• WordPress.com - for WordPress blog hosting
• Joomla!: Joomla.org
• Drupal: Drupal.org
• DotNetNuke: DotNetNuke.com
• Umbraco: Umbraco.com
• vBulletin: vBulletin.com
• ExpressionEngine: EllisLab.com/ExpressionEngine
• Hosting Resources:
• Cloud Hosting
• Managed Hosting
• Web Development & Design Services
• Web Design London