We build low-cost, flexible, high-return solutions using drupal, a leading open source content management system. If that statement leaves you wondering what we mean, then read on.

Simply put, a Content Management System or CMS organizes and delivers information - in other words, how your organization's data is categorized, input and stored, updated, deleted, and displayed or used. Most content management systems enable the content expert - for example, the business owner or employee - to input and manage the content themselves rather than relying on (usually) more costly webmaster services.

Open source describes how the software we use is licensed. We're all familiar with software licenses to some degree - for example, those boxes that display the terms and conditions you must accept when you load a new version of an application on your computer. Most of the time, this license grants only the right for you to use the software - you may not repair it, modify it, or redistribute it, without purchasing additional licenses.

Right now, you may be saying to yourself "That's OK, I'm not really interested in doing any of those things anyway. I have a business (or association to run.)" Here's why it's important: Usually an open-source application is available for free, under the terms of a license that allows the underlying code to be modified, redistributed, and combined with other software. The result: lower start-up costs from reduced or eliminated software license charges. As we shall see, the benefits of open source licensing go beyond costs and include reliability, maintainability, and flexibility.

So, open source content management systems lower both start-up and operational costs, and put you in the driver's seat. But which one? The core open source content management system we use is drupal. Why?

• drupal is proven:Deployment of drupal as a website platform has grown exponentially since its first release in 2001. The current release, version 6, reflects the experience of thousands of developers and users worldwide. Major companies and organizations have confidence in drupal - for example, the web sites for both Popular Science Magazine and Lifetime Television are powered by drupal.
• drupal is flexible: Highly customizable design capabilities, combined with a variety of optional modules, enable your site's user experience to reflect your brand, your message, and your goals. Check out Warner Brothers Records, The New York Observer, and Amnesty International for three examples of how drupal can be customized to meet varied needs. Whether your requirement is for a community site, advocacy, blogging, or online commerce, your needs can be met with a drupal solution.
• drupal is reliable:Since it's open source, the worldwide drupal developer community numbers in the thousands. As a result, new capabilities are regularly available, and bug fixes are completed quickly - typically in days as opposed to the weeks and months usually associated with closed source software. Additionally, since it is open source, you have access to the underlying code, enabling you to choose the qualified professional of your choice to maintain and update your site.

Your web site is your front door to the online world - and like any front door, it needs to say "Welcome, come in, we're open for business...here is what we have to offer, how can we help you?" We're ready to help you build a front door for your business.

[please note that the companies and websites listed on this page are not NH Web Works clients, and are listed purely for illustrative purposes.]