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DotNetNuke vs WordPress

DotNetNuke (DNN) is a CMS solution that is powered by Microsfot. It allows you to publish content to any channel, measure your content so it can be optimized, and engage visitors in order to lift your brand visibility. A full list of the CMS features that are available through DNN Software can be found online.

WordPress was not necessarily designed to be a CMS originally, but it has adapted to become one of the world’s most popular options. Its roots in blogging and access to thousands of plugins have helped it to become a personalized platform that is Open Source. It can even be used to create an app.

Although there are many similarities between these two platforms, there are also some key differences which should be considered.

1. Both offer a free plan, but one has a closed development process.

DNN Software offers paid versions of the platform that give users the access they need for feature support. There are about 1,000 different modules available and they come with a certain price. There is also a free platform option that allows for advanced URL management, multi-site management, and content localization. Unlimited content authors are supported and you can build your presence through the use of templates.

Paid plans begin at $2,999 per year with “Evoq Basic,” while the “Evoq Engage” plan begins at $19,999 per year.

WordPress offers a similar free experience to those who are looking to create a basic website. Premium plans that are good for SMBs begin at just $8.25 per month, offering 13 GB of storage space, advanced design customization, and the ability to monetize your site. Business plans begin at $24.92 per month.

2. One requires C# language in order to run.

DNN Software runs on the ASP.NET language, so it will need to be operated on a Windows server. This structure allows for the framework to be able to serve complex modules, with content and configuration stored in SQL databases. This can make it difficult to find developers who can code for the site, since it does not operate on PHP – which is the language most developers known today.

WordPress requires a PHP version 7 or greater, SQL version 5.6 or greater, and HTTPS support. Those who run MariaDB need version 10 or greater as a SQL substitute. Legacy environments support older PHP and MySQL versions, but could expose your online presence to certain security issues.

3. One has a lot of redundancy, while the other offers a minimalist experience.

DNN offers extensions outside of its core free package that help to personalize the site being created, but can be somewhat costly. Form builders on DNN can range in price from $10 to over $400. The e-commerce extensions can be up to $500+ even when using the free platform. It is a one-time charge for most of the extensions, but can quickly add up.

WordPress offers a free platform and “light” versions of the plugins that are used to personalize the site which are also often free. This design creates a low-cost website for SMBs, but it also means there can be a lot of redundancy operating on the CMS, slowing it down. Premium plugins tend to be in the same pricing range as DNN, though there are Open Source plugins that may be free and offer a premium experience.

4. Speed is an issue for both CMS options.

Because DNN uses ASP.NET applications, it will be unloaded if the site is dormant for a period of time. When it receives a hit, then it will start the application up again, but this causes the site to delay its display to the visitor. After a few seconds, the operation smooths out and runs normally. You can get around this by pinging your site with an active search every few minutes, but that may also interfere with some of your SEO efforts.

The redundancies that are in the WordPress CMS also slow it down. If WordPress updates, but the plugins being used do not update, then this can cause the site to hang up on a visitor as well. It takes consistent monitoring on the part of the administrator to make sure the framework is operating on the most current edition to prevent downtime from occurring.

In the DotNetNuke vs WordPress debate, the decision often lies in the programming language. Do you know C#? Are you able to edit HTML/CSS code? If the former applies, then DNN could be right for you. If not, then WordPress is likely the better option.

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