Jun 23
MikeWeb Industry CMS, wordpress
Being the world’s most popular blogging tool comes with it a certain amount of responsibility which is why Wordpress’s most recent version, 3.0 (Theolonius), contains a multitude of new features, fixes and functions! Wordpress 3.0 is the 13th version of the blogging software and while the beta version has been available to download and test for a few months now, v3.0 has finally been officially launched.
So what can you expect from the new and improved software? For starters, there is a brand new default theme known as Twenty Ten to replace the now rather tired looking Kubrick theme which has been used since the first release. Additionally, the interface is now lighter and there are over 1200 bug fixes available. Wordpress theme designers can now find it easier to customize themes with the new APIs which allow for customized menus, backgrounds, page headers and much more. There is also a bulk update feature whereby upto 15 plugins at a time can be updated in just one step.
Another big change is the integration of WordpressMU into the core Wordpress program. Wordpress MU allowed users to edit hundreds of blogs from just one installation but was always a separate program to the regular Wordpress install. Fusing the two together now allows users to benefit from the functionality of both.
Wordpress 2.9 enjoyed over 10 million downloads and signs indicate that v3.0 will be just as popular. But don’t expect a v3.1 to be out anytime soon. The Wordpress team has announced that it is taking a break from developing new versions to focus instead on many of things that surround Wordpress. The growth of this software and its popularity has been astounding but with all the focus being on the core program itself the developers feel they now need to look at other areas such as the showcase, forums and compatibility APIs. The goal is to try to improve the whole Wordpress experience and while they acknowledge this may take time they aniticpate the investment will be worthwhile when it comes to creating a stronger infrastructure for the Wordpress platform and its millions of users.
Oh and in case you are wondering about the name “Theolonius” — it is Wordpress’s code name for v3.0 in tribute to the jazz giant Theolonius Monk!
Jun 02
MikeWeb Industry CMS, eCommerce, Magento, magento mobile, mobile ecommerce
This week, Magento launched its new mobile commerce platform, Magento Mobile. For those of you who already run ecommerce websites powered by Magento you will already be aware of how powerful this software is. Now with the launch of its new mobile app, you can easily create your own branded storefront apps which are integrated with the Magento platform. The new software includes an administrative manager, a fully customizable iPhone app and a Magento managed submission and maintenance service for the iTunes app store.
Magento Mobile offers merchants a fully customizable and seamless storefront integration for mobile applications. It allows you to easily integrate your full store catalog, checkout procedures, inventory and full reporting and admin features. There are also device specific features and a choice of branded themes to select. Your mobile storefront can also be further customized with colors and images which will update on users mobiles even after they have downloaded the app.
Outdoor product retailer, The North Face, is one of the first market leading companies to use the new Magento Mobile commerce app, which soon become available to more countries around the globe for users of the iPhone. So what can Magento Mobile commerce offer you?
- Storefront Integration: As mentioned above, you can seamlessly integrate you existing website into the app with all your products, checkout facilities and enjoy admin features such as reporting and stock control.
- Manage Multiple Devices: you can easily manage multiple devices with just one installation. Later this year Magento hopes to extend the app to the iPad and android devices.
- Hassle Free Management: managing mobile apps can be time consuming so Magento offers to manage them for you for a low cost monthly fee.
- Fully Customizable: you can alter the appearance of your storefront to promote your brand and match it to your existing website. Any changes you make will automatically appear even if users have already downloaded the app.
- Low Cost: you pay only for the features and devices you want to use, while Magento will manage the ongoing maintenance for you.
Currently, this app is available on a limited release so if you want to know more you will need to sign up through the Magento website. There will also be a webinar on June 23 presented by Tim Schultz who will give a 60 minute presentation about the new app and also feature a Q and A session. Those who want access will need to sign up as spaces are limited.
May 27
MikeWeb Design CMS, Content Management System, Drupal
When it comes to content management systems, Drupal is our preferred solution. This software is released under open source license and provides a great web application framework written in PHP. Like many other open source programs, there is a growing community of programmers and developers all adding to its features, including modules, blogs, forums and themes.
What sets Drupal apart is its ability to provide powerful frameworks for sites, from a basic level static site to a community based site and beyond. Consider it as a constructor, providing you with only the essential elements needed to create a basic website from which you can enhance and develop to create a site which meets your needs. Some may be put off by this, particularly beginners who may choose to abandon Drupal in favor of another CMS, simply because of the time it can take to build a site which meets their requirements. However, it is worth nothing that the core code is simple but powerful, modification of the core functions is relatively easy and it is very easy to write your own modules.
While other CMS platforms may be more specific in their attributes, Wordpress for instance is great for blogging, Drupal has been heralded as akin to the holy grail in developers eyes simply because of its flexibility and ease in which powerful websites can be built and configured. Drupal also offers very robust eCommerce modules to create powerful shopping portals.
Check out just a few of the names who have built websites with Drupal:
Over the past ten years Drupal has evolved to become a leader in CMS programs and a favorite not just with us but many others as well! There is a great API and a large resource of tutorials available to users on just about everything you could ever want to know. Added to this is the fact that since its inception Drupal has always had a focus on security and is regarded as one of the most secure CMS programs available. This powerful software is definitely our first choice for building websites large or small.
Subscribe to our rss