open source
Strategy for Developing Online Communities and Social Networks in Drupal
Drupal offers many options and possibilities for developing online communities, but strategy should involve more than simply implementing every available module.
Those "in the know" about Drupal realize that Drupal is far more than a content management system (CMS) even though it often gets categorized that way. Drupal as a CMS is more like one specific feature or type of use, of many. It's more of a platform, and on Drupal.org it's labeled as "Community plumbing" and an "open source content management platform".
Those "in the know" about Drupal realize that Drupal is far more than a content management system (CMS) even though it often gets categorized that way. Drupal as a CMS is more like one specific feature or type of use, of many. It's more of a platform, and on Drupal.org it's labeled as "Community plumbing" and an "open source content management platform".
To Use Open Source or Not to Use Open Source Software for eCommerce Sites
That really is not the question for many budding online sellers.
The options provided by open source eCommerce software is incredible. Many of the top programs are surrounded by a strong community of developers who continue to improve the product; create free themes/templates; and develop an extensive array of add-on modules to add extra power to the program. Just a few examples of open source eCommerce software with strong developer communities are Zen Cart, Ubercart, and Virtuemart.
That really is not the question for many budding online sellers.
The options provided by open source eCommerce software is incredible. Many of the top programs are surrounded by a strong community of developers who continue to improve the product; create free themes/templates; and develop an extensive array of add-on modules to add extra power to the program. Just a few examples of open source eCommerce software with strong developer communities are Zen Cart, Ubercart, and Virtuemart.
Some News From the Open Source World: AOL's AIM and Drupal
AOL's AIM is not something that I've paid attention to aside from using it to communicate with friends and colleagues (along with several other online communication programs). But I became a bit more curious when I saw the recent announcement: AOL Opens AIM for Open Source. The OpenAIM initiative has been going on for quite some time, but now AOL has added to it by making major changes for Open AIM 2.0.
AOL's AIM is not something that I've paid attention to aside from using it to communicate with friends and colleagues (along with several other online communication programs). But I became a bit more curious when I saw the recent announcement: AOL Opens AIM for Open Source. The OpenAIM initiative has been going on for quite some time, but now AOL has added to it by making major changes for Open AIM 2.0.
Magento Commerce Open Source Software: Good and Not So Good
I'm one of those who got really excited when I was first stumbled onto the open source software being developed by Magento Commerce. Since that time, I have tried to follow the development of Magento, but alas, I haven't had any first hand experience with using any of the beta versions.
Sadly, I've now tested in on several hosting accounts, and I have yet to get all the way through an installation. The installation process itself is a beast, and it usually requires me to make a number of changes to file permissions, PHP settings, etc. But for really great software, I don't have a problem suffering through a troublesome installation. That is, if the end I could actually get to the fun part of trying out the system.
I'm one of those who got really excited when I was first stumbled onto the open source software being developed by Magento Commerce. Since that time, I have tried to follow the development of Magento, but alas, I haven't had any first hand experience with using any of the beta versions.
Sadly, I've now tested in on several hosting accounts, and I have yet to get all the way through an installation. The installation process itself is a beast, and it usually requires me to make a number of changes to file permissions, PHP settings, etc. But for really great software, I don't have a problem suffering through a troublesome installation. That is, if the end I could actually get to the fun part of trying out the system.
