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Roj

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 16, 2011
4
0
UK Essex
Hi, I have been searching in vane to find a solution whereby I can build a website using iWeb but link it to a products database, and so enable iWeb functionality to the database. e.g, create hypa-links or widgets to expand view of product images. Any help or advise greatly received. Thanks in advance, Roj
 

Roj

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 16, 2011
4
0
UK Essex
Alternatives?

Hmm... To be honest that does rather confirm my suspicion after much research on the web. What would you recommend as an alternative? I've used Frontpage for PC in the past but found it quite long winded, which is why I took to iWeb being initially so easy to use, but found to be very limited in custom options.
 
Last edited:

angelwatt

Moderator emeritus
Aug 16, 2005
7,852
9
USA
If you want to keep it easy you'll need to either find a good CMS with the e-commerce capabilities you want (likely through plugins for given CMS), or you'll need to hire someone. What you're wanting to do isn't a simple task, especially from the security aspects. Dealing with people's finances (if you're planning on selling these products on your site) is serious and every precaution needs to be taken so you should make use of existing solutions.

There are many CMS available.
http://www.cmsmatrix.org/
List of content management systems - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://www.dbswebsite.com/blog/2010/05/14/out-of-the-box-cms-comparisons/
 

Roj

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 16, 2011
4
0
UK Essex
CMS Solution

Thank you so much! It's a bit like working with MS Access help files, when your new to it you can never find the right phrase to use when asking a question.
CMS, just what I was looking for. I've actually just been researching 'Concrete5' as an option. People seem to be saying some rather positive things about them even if the standard plugin's are a little over priced.

What do you think?

Thanks once again for your very professional post by the way, much appreciated
Roj
 

Roj

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 16, 2011
4
0
UK Essex
Safe Secure Progress

Just to share my research and actions

After much research on CMS packages that are out there I ended up downloading MAMP a local server package and basis for an SQL database http://www.mamp.info/en/mamp-pro/index.html

From here I took the plunge and downloaded a Joomla content management package to build and manage the website (CMS). http://www.joomla.org/ It's not as easy as iWeb to setup and use but for someone new to SQL and code it's apparently alot easier than Drupal, (Joomla's main rival).

Also, BOTH MAMP and Joomla are free!
There are also some great forums and youtube videos and 'Dummies Guide to...' books to get me started.
Hope this helps others like me looking to build a (thanks angelwatt) robust and secure online shop. These two packages by all accounts are a good starting point.
 
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mrcoop365

macrumors newbie
Jun 12, 2012
1
0
Yes you can link a database to iweb. All you have to do is use filemaker pro to create the database then link it with the web URL to your filemaker server. I build these sites and databases everyday. Email me if you would like my services.
 

schimmel

macrumors member
Oct 31, 2009
41
0
Sweden
Just to share my research and actions

After much research on CMS packages that are out there I ended up downloading MAMP a local server package and basis for an SQL database http://www.mamp.info/en/mamp-pro/index.html

From here I took the plunge and downloaded a Joomla content management package to build and manage the website (CMS). http://www.joomla.org/ It's not as easy as iWeb to setup and use but for someone new to SQL and code it's apparently alot easier than Drupal, (Joomla's main rival).

Just out of curiosity as I'm also constantly looking at different CMS'es and evaluating them, how did you like Joomla and did you stay with it?
 

SrWebDeveloper

macrumors 68000
Dec 7, 2007
1,871
3
Alexandria, VA, USA
Just out of curiosity as I'm also constantly looking at different CMS'es and evaluating them, how did you like Joomla and did you stay with it?

FYI - one could argue (and I am) that Joomla is Drupal's main competition, note the order. Drupal is not "easier" as the API's are very expansive and requires a steep learning curve, no doubt about that. However, once the basics are understood you've got a much larger support community, many more quality modules and themes which means more customization. Consider this for demanding clients in government or enterprise level. The out of box Drupal distribution isn't chock full o' features but a little time spent selecting cool themes and a few modules makes for one heck of a site. My .02
 
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