Project Spotlight: DNN Platform

May 23, 2025 by .NET Foundation Board

The DNN Platform, formerly known as DotNetNuke, is one of the most mature and widely adopted open-source web content management systems built on the Microsoft .NET stack. Originally released in 2002 as a project derived from Shaun Walker's IBuySpy Workshop, DNN has grown into a powerful framework used by businesses, governments, and developers worldwide to build rich, dynamic websites and applications. 

At its core, DNN offers a modular and extensible architecture that makes it easy to customize and expand. Its support for themes and third-party extensions has helped foster a robust ecosystem of developers and solution providers. Over the years, it has evolved to support modern web standards and development practices while maintaining backward compatibility—a critical factor in its long-standing adoption. 

The platform includes an integrated administration interface for managing pages, users, roles, and content. For developers, DNN provides a robust framework to build custom modules using C# and VB.NET, backed by a strong API surface and active community resources. It also includes built-in multi-site management support, making it a popular choice for organizations that need to run multiple websites from a single platform. 

Now stewarded by the .NET Foundation, DNN continues to receive community-driven updates and contributions. Its transition to a fully open-source governance model has opened new doors for collaboration and innovation, ensuring the platform remains relevant in a changing technology landscape. 

Whether you're building a simple company website or a feature-rich digital platform, the DNN Platform offers the tools and flexibility needed to get the job done—all while embracing the .NET ecosystem at its core. Learn more at dnnsoftware.com.