Hello guys,

I'm looking seriously toward DNN for a base for my web-based project, but I'm not sure whether DNN can deliver exactly what I need.

So, basically, I want to create a kind of software where users (representatives) can manage their contacts, tasks, activities, business, and so on.. In addition to that, each user is automatically an affiliate and can promote the software to get paid for that.

I'm wondering, right now, if it's a good idea to spend some time looking into DNN? Is it relatively easy to build custom modules with DNN, as easy as I can make some user controls in ASP.NET and put in some RadGrid (Telerik's Datagrid), for example, to show the sales for each user currently log in? And first of all, can I use ANY CONTROLS I WANT (like the Telerik's one, or others third-party controls) to build new modules?

If I choose to take the non-DNN direction, I will have to develop all the solution by myself (membership, roles, security, etc.). I'm spending some time right now in theBeerHouse project, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea to follow this path, since DNN can maybe deliver all I need with more support (ease to find powerful modules, for example).

With DNN, I'm just affraid I will hit too much obstacles in my path with DNN, since I don't know the limits and ease it has about build new pages, put any controls I want (datagrid, list, buttons, textbox and so on) link all these to a SqlServer DB, build some dataset to manipulate the data... all the things I can do without restriction with the ASP.NET framework.

Thanks in advance for your support and answers! I must say I'm pretty confused right now!

Regards,

P-L

Hey Pierre:

I agree with what Tony said and wanted to add a little to it. The Telerik controls are used by a lot of DNN developers and work very well. If had it in your mind to develop this solution from the ground up using DNN as a framework will definately save you some time; and module development is only as complex as you make it out to be or as your solution requires.

From your post it sounds like you are looking to create a CRM solution which depending on your needs there are already a few out there, I will post a the two that come to mind down below. If any of them fit most or some of your needs you might be able to purchase the solution with source code and extend it where needed.

• OnyakTech SigmaPro
• Active Moduls Active CRM

Another option is to use a robust forms module and a reporting solution and merge them together to create a kind of customize solution. I have used Enterprise forms, by Ethuongmai, for a few years and it allows for a great deal of customization and is still evolving with the needs of their customer base. As for a reporting solution you can run SQL reporting services on your SQL server and use a module from Module Master's called SQL Reporting Services.