February 2, 2008 - 12:11pm
February 2, 2008 - 10:23pm
document management
Drupal is more than a CMS. It's a web application framework. It's even listed on the list of web application frameworks on wikipedia. So, I'd say that it's got what you need to build a document management system.
But, no one has built what you are talking about well. The filefield module for CCK lacks versioning which would be needed for a good Document Management System. That wouldn't be too hard to build with drupal. From here is would depend on the kind of system you want. Are the documents associated in a file tree? Do they stand alone? Are they tied to users? These questions need to be answered to architect the system. I really think drupal has the tools needed to build this. Just no one has been paid to do it yet :-).
Matt Farina
Geeks and God Co-Host
www.innovatingtomorrow.net
www.mattfarina.com
February 4, 2008 - 8:52am
thanks
I have been thinking of drupal more as an application framework, but I was afraid that I might be stretching it beyond what it was designed to handle. It sounds like I am OK so far.
I don't remember if I have looked at the filefield module. I looked at some modules, but couldn't find something done well. I want the files to be only accessible through the site. I want the database to handle all organization using taxonomy.
Thanks for your thoughts.
I would like to get some opinions on the ideas below. Let me know if they make sense.
First of all, based on what I am learning about drupal I see it as a database with browser based front-end. Also, both the UI and database structure (with CCK) are very customizable. With that combination, it seems like running websites is just a small piece of what is possible. Countless business applications simply require a custom UI and database structure.
One application I am considering is document management. This would basically require file storage and a connection from a node (with document details) to a file (the document).
I understand this would require writing a module, but the database interaction, node revisions, form API, user authentication, permission handling, ... is already done by drupal.
I am a little nervous about using drupal for something so different from its stated purpose, but it seems that it has a great foundation to build on.
What am I missing?
kswan