The ever powerful Drupal
Written on 25 July 2008
When the team behind CommunityCentral was selecting software to run the new website with we started with open minds. We wanted the best for what we’re trying to achieve.
We were presented with lots of options. Some were free, open source systems and others proprietary.
In the end we chose the Drupal content management system. It’s used by hundreds of thousands of organisations around the world. Some are personal, and some are large like Lonely Planet and Amnesty International. In Aotearoa, under the skin of Sorted run the Retirement Commission and the Ministry of Culture and Heritage’s New Zealand History online you’ll find Drupal.
Now that we’re tightening the nuts and bolts of the website together it’s possible to see what a powerful system it is.
We’ll be providing facilities for people to form small workgroups and interact with each other, as well as join wider networks. The Drupal system also allows people to publish databases, catalogues and use e-commerce, host discussion, and more.
The other good thing is that there are a growing number of NZ groups using the same system. Drupal users include:
- WEA Auckland run their own website, plus are offering to host up to 25 other sites.
- the CTU have a couple of websites, as are some other unions
- the very small Wellington e-rider IT service is publishing details of rates and services on a basic website
- Cycle Action Network are due to soon have an upgraded to website available.
I know other groups are thinking about using the same software.
It’s not an easy choice to select which system to use. A good place to start looking for advice is on the ICT Hub knowledgebase. This website is designed to help UK community and voluntary sector organisations access the benefits of information technology. One article specifically addresses “Choosing A CMS That’s Right For You”.
With a growing number of groups using free, open source software we’ll soon be able to start sharing what we learning. One of the underpinning goals of CommunityCentral is to enable organisations to use ICT powerfully. Use the comment form to make a comment.
Filed in: Software.