DotNetNuke serves more than 700,000 websites worldwide and is a powerful choice for businesses expanding their digital reach. Industry leaders like KIA, Bank of America, and NASA trust this robust platform to manage their content needs.
DotNetNuke is a CMS (Content Management System) that builds on ASP.NET and SQL Server's foundations to deliver exceptional security and flexibility for businesses of all sizes. The platform's 20-year evolution has created a rich ecosystem with thousands of third-party modules in the DNN Store. The community edition comes free, and hosting starts at just $22 per month, making it an incredibly economical solution for growing businesses.
Keene Systems' journey with DotNetNuke began in 2004, building on our ASP.NET expertise, which started in 2002. Our company's 38-year history and team of 35+ skilled developers create custom DNN web applications that match each company's business process. These tailored solutions manage your corporate data and workflow better than mass-market software, which leads to increased efficiency.
DotNetNuke, now known as DNN, started in 2002 as a fork project of Microsoft's 'IBuySpy Portal' example e-commerce website that shipped with the original ASP.NET and became public in 2003. In the last two decades, it has become one of the most reliable content management systems built on Microsoft technology. From 2003 to 2023, DNN has managed to keep its position as the leading CMS based on the Microsoft technology stack.
DNN is an open-source Content Management System under an MIT open-source license. Using this platform, organizations can manage their web content without extensive technical knowledge. The team developed DNN to reduce website development and maintenance costs.
DNN offers remarkable versatility in website creation. You can build anything from a blogging site to a static business website, community forum, e-commerce platform, customer portal, or intranet solution. DNN gives you the tools and features to create these digital experiences. Businesses looking to build or improve their online presence find DNN an ideal choice.
Microsoft's proven technologies – ASP.NET and SQL Server – form DNN's robust foundation. This powerful combination creates a secure, expandable framework that handles websites of all sizes and complexities.
DNN uses a three-tier architecture model with a core framework that supports its extensible modular structure. Recent developments have improved client-side experiences to align with industry trends, though the platform traditionally focused on server-side functionality. DNN now incorporates Model-View-Controller and Single-page application architectures alongside WebForms.
The platform keeps almost all content and metadata in a common SQL Server database that users specify during installation. DNN uses stored procedures instead of direct table access for nearly all database operations, thus improving performance. This approach enhances the platform's security, making it perfect for organizations with strict security requirements.
DNN's security process runs through everything in the development lifecycle, from product ideation to deployment. Government agencies and financial institutions have tested the software through rigorous vulnerability assessments. The U.S. Department of Defense runs hundreds of public websites on DNN, which proves its security capabilities.
More than one million websites and applications run on DNN technology today. Users range from small local businesses to Global 1000 companies. These prominent brands rely on DNN:
Organizations pick DNN for its robust features, strong community support, and impressive scalability. The platform serves hundreds, thousands, or millions of users and meets challenges as they arise.
DNN's user-friendly interface lets non-technical users manage content through a standard web browser. Subject matter experts can update website content using a Microsoft Word-like editor without needing developers. This self-service feature cuts costs and makes content management easier.
On top of that, DNN provides detailed permission controls. IT teams can set permissions for specific modules on specific pages. IT maintains control over the site architecture while business users own their sections.
Companies need to review content management systems that offer flexible features to succeed over time. DotNetNuke stands out by offering capabilities that make it perfect for growing organizations.
DotNetNuke's affordability makes it really attractive. The community edition costs nothing, which lets businesses create sophisticated websites without spending much upfront. You can run an enterprise-grade website for just $22 per month in hosting costs. This offers amazing value since many enterprise sites usually cost thousands monthly.
While the free community edition is sufficient for most scenarios, a one-year subscription to DNN Evoq Basic costs $2,999, while Evoq Content runs about $8,000 per year. These premium versions still cost nowhere near custom solutions that can hit tens of thousands of dollars. These versions are only necessary if complex content staging is needed.
DNN's most practical feature enables non-technical staff to work efficiently. A clerical employee learns to maintain a DNN website after just an hour of training. The platform's easy-to-use interface and DNN WYSIWYG editor works just like familiar word processing software.
The platform shows users exactly what they will get, which lets marketers create content without needing developers. This self-service approach has two big benefits:
Content managers can preview their sites on multiple devices to ensure everything looks right on the web and mobile.
Security forms the life-blood of DNN's architecture. The platform builds robust security into its core framework, unlike other systems needing third-party security plugins.
Role-based access control lets administrators give specific permissions to different user groups. DNN ships with these default security roles:
DNN's detailed permission system really shines. IT teams can control access down to individual modules on specific pages. Technical staff keeps oversight while department teams manage their content sections independently.
DNN's content scheduling gives marketing campaigns and timed releases the flexibility they need. The DNN Scheduler runs many automated tasks. Administrators can pick exact times to publish website updates. For example, publicly traded companies must push earnings numbers at certain times of the day after the market has closed.
Administrators control content visibility and viewer access through content management functions. Marketing teams use this to coordinate campaigns and prepare seasonal content ahead of time.
Teams can develop and review new pages privately before going live using the staging feature. Stakeholders get a full picture of content before publication while keeping the live website running smoothly.
Multilingual support has become vital in today's global marketplace. DNN excels with its built-in localization framework that helps businesses connect with international audiences.
The content localization feature, which first appeared in DNN version 5 and got better in version 7, lets website owners publish translations of their pages. The system creates translator roles for each language and adds a localization tab to all site pages.
This feature increases user involvement by showing content in visitors' native languages. In the US alone, more than 60 million potential customers speak a language other than English at home—that's over 20% of the population.
One of DotNetNuke's greatest strengths is its ability to customize your website according to your business needs. While many content management systems limit your flexibility, DNN gives you several ways to create a distinctive online presence that aligns well with your brand identity and operational needs.
DotNetNuke's ecosystem uses skins (or themes) to control the layout, look, and feel of your pages. These contain HTML and CSS that provide your website's structure, with at least one content pane where your page content lives. You can add multiple panes and custom HTML/JavaScript elements to create rich, interactive experiences.
The Mandeeps Porto Theme shows what modern DNN skinning can achieve. Shaun Walker, DNN's original creator, says: "Porto is a complete solution that I would highly recommend." This professional theme comes with remarkable features:
"What you've done with Porto is pure magic. It's amazing to use," says Will Strohl, CEO and founder at Upendo Ventures. Our team at Keene Systems has implemented Porto on every DotNetNuke website we do, including SLR Capital Partners, SLR Investment Corp, and Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. Despite using the same theme, each site maintains its unique branding and color scheme.
Modules power the functionality within a DotNetNuke website. DNN includes several simple modules, and thousands of third-party options can extend your site's capabilities without custom development. These pre-built components substantially speed up development while maintaining professional quality. Our experienced DNN development company helps clients choose the right DNN modules for their specific business needs.
Your business might need features that existing modules don't provide. Custom module development becomes the answer. DNN's framework supports extensibility, which lets us create solutions that match your business processes exactly.
Custom modules give you several benefits:
All the same, custom development costs more than pre-built modules. DNN's development framework makes custom module creation efficient, which keeps costs reasonable while delivering high ROI.
At Keene Systems, we build custom DNN web applications that match companies' operations, unlike off-the-shelf software built for the masses. We focus on managing corporate data and workflow to improve productivity through tailored solutions that grow with your business.
DNN's flexible architecture provides the foundation for success in today's digital world, whether you need a simple website refresh or a complex custom application.
Third-party modules are the foundation of every successful DotNetNuke project we develop. These extensions turn a simple DNN installation into a feature-rich platform that delivers measurable business results. Our development team has identified several outstanding modules that consistently deliver exceptional value after building countless DNN websites in the last 19 years.
Modern websites need captivating visual experiences, and the EasyDNN Gallery remains our preferred media solution. This professional gallery module offers remarkable flexibility with 19 different gallery types that adapt to any design requirement.
The module stands out because of its complete media support that handles images, videos, and audio files in a single interface. The responsive design displays perfectly on all devices, and social sharing buttons help your content reach more people.
Business owners will appreciate how EasyDNN Gallery provides:
The SLR Capital Partners website implementation showed how teams could upload content once and display it in multiple locations easily.
Many describe it as "an advanced CMS within a CMS." EasyDNN News and Blog powers content strategies for thousands of DNN websites. This versatile module handles everything from simple blog posts to complex content marketing initiatives.
The module goes beyond simple publishing and offers specialized features for:
"This powerful content module is both feature-rich and flexible to use right out of the box," says Jim E., one of many satisfied users.
Keene Systems has implemented EasyDNN News in numerous industries. We help clients showcase expertise and increase engagement through regular content publication.
Your homepage needs to make an impact. Mandeeps Live Slider creates stunning visual presentations that grab visitors ' attention immediately. The module delivers professional animation effects with over 200 preset 2D and 3D transitions without requiring advanced technical skills.
The module's accessible designer makes creating compelling slideshows simple. The responsive design adjusts naturally to mobile devices and supports touch gestures.
Data collection helps businesses grow. Mandeeps Live Forms has become essential for our client projects. This accessible form builder creates everything from simple contact forms to complex multi-page surveys with conditional logic.
Business owners value its workflow capabilities that include:
Smith Consulting's Razor Cart provides a complete e-commerce solution built on modern technologies specifically for DNN. The cart blends naturally with DNN, unlike many shopping carts that feel added on to CMS platforms.
Multiple payment gateways work with the module including Authorize.Net, PayPal, Stripe, and Square. PCI compliance and TLS 1.2 security keep customer payment information protected.
Our 38-year journey has seen us help organizations employ DotNetNuke's capabilities in a variety of industries. The platform's versatility shines through our portfolio as it adapts to specific business needs while delivering exceptional performance and user experience.
Porto skin by Mandeeps is the foundation for all DotNetNuke client projects at Keene Systems. This robust theme offers extensive customization options and consistent cross-device performance. Each client website maintains its brand identity while using the same core theme.
We pair Porto with specialized modules to extend functionality without extensive custom development. For example, Pittsfield Cooperative Bank uses the Mandeeps Live Slider to showcase banking services while maintaining a professional financial institution appearance.
Our DotNetNuke portfolio shows implementations in various sectors:
The right technology partner makes a significant difference in maximizing your DotNetNuke investment. Many leading companies have discovered that working with a specialized, .NET application developement company helps tap into the full potential of this powerful platform.
Specialized knowledge sets great DNN solutions apart from the rest. Expert developers know the DotNetNuke architecture thoroughly and create solutions that match your business goals perfectly. They understand best practices for custom modules, skins, and themes. This knowledge helps your project avoid common mistakes that less experienced teams often make.
Your project moves faster with seasoned developers. The team has already solved many typical development challenges. Their expertise helps them spot potential roadblocks early. This makes the whole process smooth and budget-friendly.
Professional DNN partners provide great ongoing support after the initial development. Your website might face technical issues or bugs that need quick fixes. A dedicated development company offers complete maintenance services to keep your website running at its best.
Quality providers actively watch for potential issues and fix them before they affect your operations. They handle vital security patches and platform upgrades to protect your business from vulnerabilities.
These qualities matter most when you choose a DNN development partner:
DotNetNuke delivers exceptional value as a content management system for growing businesses. DNN stands out with its powerful mix of affordbility, flexibility, and robust security features that major organizations like NASA, Bank of America, and KIA use daily. The platform's user-friendly interface enables non-technical staff to manage content on their own and cuts operational costs while speeding up digital initiatives.
DNN's remarkable adaptability sets it apart from the rest. The platform's modular architecture handles everything from simple corporate websites to complex customer portals that match your business needs perfectly. The vast ecosystem of themes and modules—from Porto skins to specialized tools like EasyDNN News and Mandeeps Live Forms—lets you create unique digital experiences.
Your business needs a technology partner who understands technical details and your company's specific requirements to deliver results with creative flair. Fill out the Keene Systems contact form to schedule a discussion about your Content Management System needs. We can reshape your business operations with custom DotNetNuke solutions that bring measurable results.
Our custom DotNetNuke applications are built specifically for your company's operations, unlike generic solutions that force businesses to change their processes. They merge naturally with your existing workflows while staying flexible enough to grow with your business. Our team of 35+ developers has delivered solutions that accelerate business growth in various industries, backed by 38 years of industry experience and specialized expertise in ASP.NET since 2002 and DotNetNuke since 2004.
Digital transformation might seem challenging at first. Yet partnering with experienced DNN specialists turns complex technical challenges into strategic business advantages. The right technology partner creates customized digital solutions that support your business goals and boost productivity at every step, making your online presence stronger.