[depolitic]

Hi - I have some sound but basic Java knowledge but mostly in the JSP display area, with custom tag skills.

I am looking for a j2ee open source portal that I can use for the bases for an upcoming web-site. Has anyone have any recommendation or experience on j2ee open source portals, I am looking for a portal with good MVC architecture and an open source licensee, like lesser GNU or BSD style license.

The portal does not need to be fancy, just an article management system is really the only core need, everything is a bonus.

Also something with a bit of developer / user momentum behind it would be an added benefit.

Many thanks

[larkost]

J2EE is probably not the right tool for the job, PHP probably is. J2EE is dedicated to modeling complex business relationships, where you have a lot of tables, and the objects need to relate to each other in complex ways... is also sets a high initial bar, PHP sets a low initial bar, and is better when things don't relate to each other as much (at least in the app layer, the db layer is another thing entirely). The latter probably better describes your project.

My recommendation off bat would probably be AngelineCMS, but you can try out a whole raft of open-source PHP based systems over at OpenSourceCMS.com and see what ones have what you would like, and appeal to you.

PS... I know that when you first learn a language or toolset you are tempted to do everything in it. But... despite the fact that when you get your first hammer everything looks like a nail... not everything is in fact a nail.

[fiesta cat]

I would second the PHP bit. Java is going to be better for certain things - small applets and the like, but as far as portals overall, I think your better off with PHP, or even Perl.

Geeklog is a favorite of mine because of it's security, expandability, and because the developers/user base is very friendly and knowledgable.

[depolitic]

OK - No offense here - but I did PHP and while it is fine - I prefer Java and especially JSTL over PHP in a month of Sundays. I know JSTL, I know Java basics, I am not going to be walking backwards. Yes Java is a big boy weapon of fortune 500 companies and the like and PHP is for the everyday boy and his toy. This does not mean that Java some how turns stupid if you use it for simple thing. That why JSTL was created folks.

Did a bit of searching and came across OpenCMS now in version 5 and Magnolia CMS now approaching version 2 both are pure Java mostly, and have many way cool features.

Now has anyone any experience or knowledge of either Magnolia or OpenCMS or Similar,

The thing I do not like about OpenCMS is that it uses activeX controllers for its GUI admin tools which lock it into MS Windows plus 100 000 MS viruses. OpenCMS say they will fix it but hee. Magnolia is cooler, all the screen shots are of Safari using Magnolia and they always say supported on Mac OS X, etc etc etc other etc, which show support.