The Joomla CMS has been successful in supporting topic areas as diverse as property management to children's television. Because the Joomla community is so varied, it is sometimes difficult to know where to begin when studying peer sites to better your own. This chapter provides a window into many successful Joomla sites. Visiting these sites will help generate new ideas for layout and functionality.
Each site spotlighted in this chapter is evaluated in terms of its use of Joomla technology, including the extensions used on the site, the Internet service provider (ISP) that is hosting the site, the template used by the site, the virtual community and e-commerce features, and more. I have also tried to ensure that each site has been around for at least two years because that makes it more likely the site will continue to exist.
Web sites included in the survey had the following characteristics:
Significant presence among the community to which the site caters—The site must feature a decent amount of content that has been updated at least semi-recently, so "ghost sites" were avoided. As a rough guide, I tried to pick sites with a Google page ranking of 5 or above.
Clean use of the Joomla interface and professional design—With the widespread availability of both free and commercial templates, a Joomla site has little reason to look shabby.
Adoption of one or more Joomla extensions to supplement site functionality—Visiting these sites allows a developer to see some of the Joomla add-on technology in action.
Selecting sites by these criteria stopped me from including those that, while popular, were poorly designed, and other sites that had amazing presentations, but had little or no content. As the constellation of Joomla sites has grown on the Internet, selecting a few sites among the masses is difficult. However, the sites spotlighted in this chapter show the versatility of the Joomla CMS and the pervasive adoption of Joomla by every type of Web master.
I have only included English sites in this list. Unfortunately, I only speak two languages (and the second poorly), so I felt that I couldn't effectively evaluate and summarize non-English Web sites. However, there are obviously many, many excellent international Web sites (such as
www.iearn.cat), and I urge you to check out the Joomla Powered Sites section (www.joomla.org/content/blogcategory/35/69) of the main Joomla site for excellent sites in every language.
There are numerous academic sites that have embraced Joomla. Beyond the exceptional CMS capabilities of Joomla, universities around the world have embraced and promoted the use of open source software. Students are some of the most prolific developers of extensions and add-ons for a variety of open source systems.
The Princeton University Molecular Biology Department computer support site (see Figure 16-1) features not only traditional information in the form of FAQs, it also maintains general interest stories on design and genetic breakthroughs.
URL—
http://mol-lamp.princeton.edu/joomlaStarted—2004
Owned by—Princeton
Google Page Ranking—3/10
Affiliate programs—None
Extensions used—
com_expose, Poll, google-analyticsWeb feed—None
Template—
rhuk_planetfallSearch-engine-friendly URLs—No
Breadcrumbs—Yes
Top sections—Research Computing, FAQs, Departmental Services, Search, and Software
Default width—800
E-commerce—No
Community features—No
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust site (see Figure 16-2) represents the charity that owns and cares for the five Shakespeare Houses and the Harvard House. The site also promotes the works of Shakespeare around the world. If you're going to visit Stratford-upon-Avon, this site is a must-visit.
URL—
www.shakespeare.org.uk/index.phpStarted—2004
Owned by—Shakespeare Birthplace Trust educational charity
Google page ranking—6/10
Affiliate programs—None
Extensions used—
com_virtuemart, MambomapWeb feed—None
Template—Custom
Search-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—William Shakespeare, Online Shopping, Activities and Events, Outdoor Plays, Lunchtime and Evening Lectures, Family Events, Children's Activities, The Stratford-upon-Avon Poetry Festival, Library & Archives, Education, Museums, Supporting Us
Default width—800
E-commerce—Yes
Community features—No
This is the host site (see Figure 16-3) of the periodical archaeological publication Journal of Intercultural and Interdisciplinary Archaeology (JIIA). Each issue of the Journal has the privilege of being placed in the National Library online catalogues of several countries.
URL—
www.jiia.itStarted—2003
Owned by—Journal of Intercultural and Interdisciplinary Archaeology
Google page ranking—5/10
Affiliate programs—Google AdSense
Extensions used—Contact, RSS, PayPal
Web feed—RSS
Template—
Rockettheme.comVersatility II templateSearch-engine-friendly URLs—No
Breadcrumbs—Yes
Top sections—JIIA Repositories, JIIA Indici, JIIA Scientific Committee, JIIA Honour Committee, JIIA Versione 01, JIIA Versione 02, JIIA News, JIIA Links
Default width—Full
E-commerce—Yes
Community features—No
The Graphic User Interactive Learning and Development (GUILD) site (see Figure 16-4) aids in multimedia training for the career development of students and industry professionals.
URL—
http://mguildonline.comOwned by—Graphic User Interactive Learning and Development
Google page ranking—5/10
Extensions used—Ajax Shoutbox, RSS, Contact,
com_extcalendar, Banners, Poll,Web feed—RSS & Atom
Template—ddj005
Search-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—Student Profiles, Artist Profiles, Jobs, Interviews, Organizations, Community News, Classes, Teachers Group, Gaming News, In My Opinion, Technology News
Default width—800
E-commerce—No
Community features—No
This site includes resources from the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE), which include parent-teacher forums, event calendars, surveys, and articles about all aspects of education (see Figure 16-5).
URL—
www.doe.viStarted—2004
Owned by—United States Virgin Islands Department of Education
Google page ranking—5/10
Affiliate programs—None
Extensions used—RSS, JCalPro,
com_acajoom, bsq_sss_ssscom_table, FireboardWeb feed—RSS & Atom
Template—vide-blue
Search-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—Parent Teacher Student Association, VIDE Report Cards, Federal Grants, ERP Munis Training, Parent/Teacher Corner, Debates in Education, Special Educational Needs, Learning Outside School, E-Learning, Health and Social Care,
Default width—Full
E-commerce—No
Community features—Yes
The ease of installation and setup of Joomla makes it perfect for people who are very technically savvy, as well as those who only have a basic grasp of how Web sites work. The low barrier to entry has resulted in a large number of family- and health-oriented Web sites springing up around the world.
Celebrating its 20th year online, SeniorNet of Puget Sound (see Figure 16-6) is an all-volunteer organization with a mission to establish and operate a Learning Center for basic computer education for seniors age 50 or older.
URL—
http://seniornet2007.orgStarted—1986
Owned by—SeniorNet Puget Sound
Google page ranking—4/10
Affiliate programs—n/a
Extensions used—RSS, Contact
Host: eNom, Inc. (
www.enom.com)Web feed—RSS & Atom
Template—Custom
Search-engine-friendly URLs—No
Breadcrumbs—Yes
Top sections—Learning Centers, Online Programs, Anniversary Event, News & Reviews, Press, Contact Us
Default width—800
E-commerce—No
Community features—No
KidsCHANNEL (see Figure 16-7) is Canadian portal that offers games, activities, lessons, articles, and the most comprehensive Yellow Page style directory of children's resources by province, region, and city.
URL—
http://kidschannel.caStarted—2005
Owned by—Kids Channel
Google page ranking—4/10
Affiliate programs—Google AdSense, Futura Rewards, Feedpark, Link Exchange
Extensions used—
fisheye_menumodule,com_mtree, RSSHost—My Real EBiz
Web feed—RSS & Atom
Template—Custom
Search-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—Just for Kids, More Just for Kids
Default width—800
E-commerce—No
Community features—Resource Guide
This is a community sharing site for parents and children that hosts MP3 audio files of bedtime stories to play to the kids (see Figure 16-8). Registration provides access to the children's-story-focused forums and message boards.
URL—
www.astoryforbedtime.comStarted—2005
Google page ranking—5/10
Affiliate programs—Google AdSense
Extensions used—Remository, Pony Gallery, Simple Board, Graphitory, Poll, Chat, Skype
Web feed—RSS Podcast
Template—Custom
Search-engine-friendly URLs—No
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—FAQs!, Discussion Forum, Top 10 Chart
Default width—Full
E-commerce—No
Community features—Yes
This site focuses on the "sisterhood for stepmoms" and includes forums, a weekly newsletter, legal information, and more in relation to stepfamilies, remarriage, and ex-wives (see Figure 16-9).
URL—
www.secondwivesclub.com/portalStarted—1997
Owned by—
Secondwivesclub.comGoogle page ranking—4/10
Affiliate programs—Google AdSense
Extensions used—
pcajaxcomment, jomcomment, com_magazine, Contact,com_recommend, com_weblinks, Joomap,mod_smo_ajax_shoutbox_css.php,Web feed—RSS & Atom
Template—Custom
Search-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—And Baby Makes..., Alimony, Book Reviews, Child Support, Christian Stepfamilies, Collaborative Law, Co-parenting, Custody, Divorce, Divorced Dads, eCourses, Ex-Files, Family Law, Infidelity, Money, Parental Alienation, Relationships, Remarriage, Starting Over, Again, Stepfamilies, Stepparenting, Stress Management, Visitation, Weddings, Wives Of Widowers, Wonderful—Not Wicked
Default width—800
E-commerce—Yes
Community features—Yes
This is a diabetes site that provides a wellness program, including on-site specialists, a self-management program, insurance advice, diabetes test kits, and home delivery of a variety of diabetes supplies (see Figure 16-10).
URL—
www.betterhealthhere.comStarted—2005
Owned by—BetterHealthHere
Google page ranking—4/10
Affiliate programs—n/a
Extensions used—Virtuemart, AkoForms,
com_magazine, com_registration, poll, tabnews, Contact, JoomapWeb feed—No
Template—
md_digitalether, Transmenu powered byJoomlArt.comSearch-engine-friendly URLs—No
Breadcrumbs—Yes
Top sections—All About Diabetes, Manage Diabetes, Buy Diabetes Sample, Ask an Expert
Default width—800
E-commerce—Yes
Community features—Yes
Professional Web sites are focused on commercial ventures or career topics. There are a great number of professional Web sites in the technology field, but only Joomla has numerous sites that cross over a wide variety of nontechnical pursuits.
This site provides information and news relating to the World Cup 2010 from South Africa (see Figure 16-11). Data updated frequently includes articles relating to travel and World Cup ticket availability.
URL—
www.worldcup2010southafrica.comStarted—2006
Owned by—World Cup 2010 South Africa
Google page ranking—5/10
Affiliate programs—Google AdSense, Shopzilla.co.uk,
Cybercapetown.com, 888 CasinoExtensions used—RSS, Joomap, Sobi2, Contact, Poll
Web feed—RSS
Template—
jw_inetgazetteSearch-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—World Cup Tickets, World Cup 2006, Stadiums (Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Nelspruit, Rustenburg, Pretoria, Polokwane, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein), Directory
Default width—1024
E-commerce—No
Community features—No
These are community Web sites that feature resources for association membership development, member benefits, event marketing, event registration, meeting planning, non-dues revenue, member retention, government affairs, and association jobs (see Figure 16-12).
URL—
www.bestassociation.comStarted—2006
Owned by—Best Association Resources
Google page ranking—6/10
Extensions used—Banners, Joomap, AkoComment, Security Image
Web feed—RSS, Atom, and OPML
Template—
rhuk_solarflare_iiSearch-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—Yes
Top sections—Resources Home, Membership Development, Member Benefits, Non-Dues Revenues, Event Marketing, Event Registration, Meeting Planning, Government Affairs, Association Jobs, Web Strategy, Print Strategy, About Best Association, Site Map
Default width—800
E-commerce—No
Community features—Yes
This site (see Figure 16-13) focuses on the travel writings of Randall Wood, who is currently working with National Geographic Society on its World Heritage Survey (which attempts to analyze the world's most valuable cultural and environmental sites).
Started—2003
Owned by—Randall Wood
Google page ranking—5/10
Affiliate programs—None
Extensions used—ds-syndicate
Web feed—RSS, Atom, and OPML
Template—
ms_thinking_greenSearch-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—Home, News, Travel Writing, North America, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mozambique, Cayman Islands, Italy, Benin, Econ/Development, Technology, Monochrome, Woodnotes, Wedding
Default width—800
E-commerce—No
Community features—No
This site features an online trading company that offers extremely low per-trade fees (see Figure 16-14). It offers a variety of financial services, including equities, options, currency, and global futures.
URL—
www.turbotrade.comStarted—2005
Owned by—MMVI TurboTrade Financial, Ltd
Google page ranking—5/10
Affiliate programs—Google AdSense
Extensions used—
com_facileforms, com_contactWeb feed—No
Template—Custom
Search-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—Yes
Top sections—Equities/Options, Forex/Currency, Global Futures, Services, Open an Account, Why TurboTrade, FAQs
Default width—800
E-commerce—Yes
Community features—No
This is a real estate site that focuses on property in North Cyprus (see Figure 16-15).
URL—
www.sonnetto.comStarted—2006
Owned by—North Cyprus Property
Google page ranking—5/10
Affiliate programs—Google AdSense
Extensions used—
com_hotproperty, poll, contact, joomapWeb feed—No
Template—Custom
Search-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—Yes
Top sections—North Cyprus, Travel guide, Bogaz, Kyrenia, Famagusta, Cyprus holidays, Property Title, Expats Living in Cyprus
Default width—800
E-commerce—No
Community features—No
This is a Web site of a professional illustrator who has created images that have graced the covers of books by authors including Steven King, Terry Pratchett, and Arthur C. Clark (see Figure 16-16). He has produced more than 200 paintings for the collectable trading card game Magic the Gathering in cooperation with Wizards of the Coast.
URL—
www.johnavon.com/index.phpStarted—2006
Owned by—John Avon
Google page ranking—/10
Affiliate programs—No
Extensions used—Pony Gallery, EZ Store, Easy Guestbook, Contact,
Web feed—RSS & Atom
Template—Custom
Search-engine-friendly URLs—No
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—Galleries, Art Store, News/Events, Biography, Guestbook, Contact, and Links
Default width—1024
E-commerce—Yes
Community features—Yes
As a content management system, Joomla is custom-made to host all sorts of media. In fact, the number of musical sites that Joomla hosts is legion, although they haven't been included here because of their generally low Google page ranking (those sites are more of a cottage phenomenon). Here you will find online magazines, information resources, and even a very popular satirical newspaper.
This site is devoted to automobiles and motorcycles, and includes a great amount of diagnostic information for poorly operating motor vehicles (see Figure 16-17). It also gathers a number of auto-related newsfeeds for the latest car information.
URL —
www.mainspot.netStarted—2005
Owned by—MainSpot.NET. Automotive Resource and Car Care
Google page ranking—5/10
Affiliate programs—Google AdSense
Extensions used—Joomap, Simple Machines Forum, Newsfeeds, Contact, Poll, RSS
Web feed—RSS
Template—Custom
Search-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—Car Technical Data, Automotive Tips, Headlines
Default width—Full
E-commerce—No
Community features—Yes
This is a central portal site similar to a Drudge Report, but it focuses on the environment instead of politics (see Figure 16-18). It also hosts the blogs of more than a dozen environmental activists.
Google page ranking—4/10
Affiliate programs—Google AdSense
Extensions used—Feedgator
Web feed—RSS, Atom, OPML
Template—News_rh+
Search-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—Eco Lifestyle Treehugger, Lime, Sustainable Style, Hippyshopper, Eco Worrier, Ecorazzi, Hugg, Inhabitat, New Consumer, Greener Magazine, Green Options, Personal Blogs The Conscious Earth, Strat. for Sustainability, Greenthinkers, Green Trust, Clean Break, Pract. Environmentalist, Triple Pundit, Eco-Enterpreneur, Sustainablog, Joel Makower, EcoSherpa, Eco Street, The Future Is Green, Enviroblog, The Green Guy, Green LA Girl, The Green Side, People Tree, Recycle Chat, It's Getting Hot in Here, Ivan Enviroman, Earth Architecture, Minding the Planet, The Green Geek, The Hip and Zen Pen, GreatGreenGoods, Urban Eco, The Ecologist Blog, SusHI, Celsias
Default width—1024
E-commerce—No
Community features—No
The United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC) hosts a magazine (see Figure 16-19) that is devoted to providing information on educational and environmental issues. The UNU recently participated in the World Summit on the Information Society.
URL—
www.unric.orgStarted—2006
Owned by—United Nations
Google Page Ranking—6/10
Affiliate programs—None
Extensions used—Joom!Fish, Joomap, Contacts, iJoomla Magazine, Flash,
com_extcalendar, com_artbannersWeb feed—RSS
Template—
RocketTheme!Search-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—UN in Brussels, UN and the EU, UNRIC Magazine, UK & Ireland and the UN, UNRIC Library Newsletter, UN Associations, Multimedia Resources, Guest Columnist, Observances, 10 Stories: Somalia, Book Review, UN-Appointments, Goodwill Ambassadors, Back in Time, Friends of the UN, What our interns say, Who we are at UNRIC, UNRIC Library, Cartooning for Peace, Join the discussion, and Previous issues
Default width—800
E-commerce—No
Community features—No
This is an evangelist site (see Figure 16-20) that focuses on "empowering dynamic media and healthcare ministries." It includes a monthly newsletter Truth in Motion and hosts the blogs of several industry professionals.
URL—
www.hcjb.orgStarted—2001
Owned by—World Radio Missionary Fellows
Google page ranking—5/10
Affiliate programs—None
Extensions used—
com_jomcomment, com_linktrack, iJoomla MagazineWeb feed—RSS
Template—Custom
Search-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—Yes
Top sections—Mass Media, Healthcare, Education, Getting Involved, Download Now, Worldwide, Downloads
Default width—800
E-commerce—Yes
Community features—No
This is a portal that focuses on books, magazines, newspapers, and other documents that relate to technology's use in the commerce sector (see Figure 16-21).
URL—
www.asiaing.comStarted—2005
Owned by—
Asiaing.comGoogle page ranking—5/10
Affiliate programs—Google AdSense
Extensions used—Newsportal, Fireboard, Community Builder, RSS
Web feed—RSS
Template—
ja_telineSearch-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—Yes
Top sections—Magazine, eBook, Newspaper, Zinio, Report, Document, Blog, Forum, Member, Area
Default width—1024
E-commerce—No
Community features—Yes
The Chaser is a satirical news site that features a comedic look at most of the day's current events (see Figure 16-22). It includes a number of feature columns.
URL—
www.chaser.com.auStarted—2006
Owned by—Chaser Publishing
Google page ranking—5/10
Extensions used—
com_artbanners, Simple Machines Forum, RSS, Virturemart,com_performs, com_jombok, com_blastchatc, com_acajoom, Poll, GigCal,Web feed—RSS, Atom, and OPML
Template—Rocket Theme
versatility_ii_siennaSearch-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—Hansen Online, NewsJunkie, Cubisia, Gregor, Tim Brunero, Charles Firth's Postcards, Dominic Knight
Default width—800
E-commerce—Yes
Community features—Yes
This is the site of a cottage publisher of alternative forms of literature (see Figure 16-23). This is primarily a publisher of the novella form, in ebook, chapbook, and audiobook formats. It also publishes in trade paperback format, including an annual anthology of humorous speculative fiction called the Amityville House of Pancakes.
URL—
www.creativeguypublishing.comStarted—2003
Owned by—Creative Guy Publishing
Google page ranking—4/10
Affiliate programs—Amazon, Books-a-million
Extensions used—Newsfeeds, RSS, Banners, Poll
Web feed—RSS, Atom, and OPML
Template—
mcportalSearch-engine-friendly URLs—No
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—About the Books, Books - Catalogue, CGP Blog, Reviews, Author News, Authors, Liaison Press, Press Releases, Contact Us, Submissions
Default width—Full
E-commerce—No
Community features—No
Hobbyist Web sites that were popular on the Web were the most difficult to find. Joomla seems to be the Web software for niche interest sites, but few of them gain more than their core audiences. The following sites (even some that are geographically specific) have generated a substantial amount of interest in the Web community.
This is a Community Interest Company that support sports projects across Sussex, England (see Figure 16-24). It includes an online magazine, forum, local sports directory, and local business directory.
URL—
http://sassussex.comStarted—2005
Owned by—Sussex Academy of Sport & IVARX
Google page ranking—5/10
Affiliate programs—Google AdSense
Extensions used—Digg, RSS, Sobi2,
com_linx, Virtuemart, Joomap,com_fpslideshow, com_facileforms, PHPBBWeb feed—RSS & Atom
Template—
jj_absoluteSearch-engine-friendly URLs—No
Breadcrumbs—Yes
Top sections—About SASSussex, Who's Who, What We Do, Membership, SAS Testimonials, The UK Entertainer Mag, The UK Entertainer - Download, Media Pack, Rates, Sussex Business Directory, Sussex Sports Directory, SASSussex Web Links, Forum, Store, Magazine Advertising, Website Advertising, SAS Membership, Donations, Savers Hand Book
Default width—800
E-commerce—Yes
This is a company site that offers safari adventures around the globe (see Figure 16-25). The site aids in trip planning, geographic selection, value tours, corporate tours, and group tours.
URL—
www.safariventures.comStarted—2006
Owned by—Safari Ventures
Google page ranking—4/10
Affiliate programs—Varied
Extensions used—Google Translation, Contact,
com_facileforms, com_xegallery, com_events, com_eweatherWeb feed—No
Template—Custom
Search-engine-friendly URLs—No
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—Select a Journey, Plan Your Journey, Expectations, Value Tours, Corporate Tours, Group Tours, Request Information
Default width—1024
E-commerce—No
Community features—No
Sky Systems offers information relating to recreational aviation, including paragliding, paramotors, light aircraft, and microlighting (see Figure 16-26). The site features news and information relating to these aerial sports.
URL—
www.skysystems.co.ukStarted—2005
Owned by—Sky Systems
Google page ranking—4/10
Affiliate programs—Google AdSense
Extensions used—
com_directory, Weblinks, Contact,com_marketplaceWeb feed—RSS
Template—
jw_geosyncSearch-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—Yes
Top sections—Air Sports Directory, Kites, Paragliding, Paramotor, Hanggliders, Gliders, Microlights, Light Aircraft
Default width—800
E-commerce—Yes
Community features—Bo
This is a fan site of the rock group KISS, including tour information, articles about the members, fan stories, and band merchandise (see Figure 16-27).
URL—
www.kissinuk.com/cmsStarted—2005
Owned by—KISSin' UK
Google page ranking—3/10
Affiliate programs—Google AdSense
Extensions used—RSS, Contact, Newsfeeds, Banners, phpBB
Web feed—RSS
Template—Custom
Search-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—News Archive, News Feeds, Reviews, Links, Tribute Bands, Television, Downloads, Air-Brush & Gear, Trade Board, KISStories, Search, , KISSin' UK Forums, Guestbook, Mailing List, Lyrics, Contact Us, Syndicate
Default width—800
E-commerce—No
Community features—Yes
This is a California site that focuses on metal news, upcoming California hardcore shows, downloads, links, hardcore album reviews, and just about everything relating to the California hardcore scene (see Figure 16-28). The site also features a hardcore and metal webzine.
URL—
http://calialive.comStarted—2005
Owned by—
Calialive.comGoogle page ranking—3/10
Affiliate programs—Varied
Extensions used—Contact, Community Builder, ExtCalendar, Pony Gallery, BSQ Stats, Joomlaboard, Staff, Banners,
com_commentsWeb feed—RSS & Atom
Template—
js_empireby Joomla ShackSearch-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—News, Calendar, Band Listings, Reviews, Features, Multimedia, Forums, Links, Site Information
Default width—800
E-commerce—No
Community features—Yes
The Internet acts like a magnet to those who are interested in technology. This topic area was the one where it was not a matter of choosing a Joomla site popular enough to break the guideline threshold, but rather to choose the sites either were mainstream, or those that contribute directly to the Joomla community.
I also included the OScar site because I thought the idea of applying open source techniques to creating a car was particularly novel. Also, the site is leveraging several of the Joomla technologies in its attempt to achieve an interesting result.
This is a central Joomla site where more than 2.5 million people have downloaded Joomla (see Figure 16-29). This site is proof positive that Joomla can take the pounding of volumes of traffic and function effectively.
Started—2005
Owned by—Open Source Matters
Google page ranking—9/10
Affiliate programs—No
Extensions used—
com_faq, Banners, RSS,com_submissions, com_jd-wiki, Simple Machines ForumHost—
www.rochenhost.comWeb feed—RSS, Atom, and OPML
Template—
jw_joomlaSearch-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—Yes
Top sections—What is Joomla!?, About Us, FAQ, Official News, Joomla! Team Blog, Joomla! License, Joomla! Logo, Donate to Joomla!, Partners, In the Press, Search, OpenSourceMatters, Download Joomla
Default width—1000
E-commerce—Yes
Community features—Yes
The focus of this site is voice-over-IP (VOIP), including tutorials and articles that describe the technology and how it can be implemented (see Figure 16-30).
URL—
www.voipspeak.netStarted—2005
Owned by—VoipSpeak.net
Google page ranking—5/10
Affiliate programs—Amazon,
Buy.comExtensions used—RSS, Contact, Newsfeeds,
Web feed—RSS, Atom, and RSS Podcast
Template—
madeyourwebSearch-engine-friendly URLs—No
Breadcrumbs—Yes
Top sections—News, Past Articles, Tutorials, Product Reviews, Links, Contact Us, Search, News Feeds, Tutorials, VOIPSpeak Podcast, VOIPSpeak Store, Publisher's Blog, Voiplink, Tech Data Pros, Asterisk Tutorials, trixbox, L7 Studios, L7 Foto Blog
Default width—800
E-commerce—Yes
Community features—No
This site focuses on the Open Workbench application that is an open source, Windows-based project featuring a scheduling and management program (see Figure 16-31). The program is free to distribute, and the site features development information, source code, and a forum for project discussion.
URL—
www.openworkbench.orgStarted—1998
Owned by—Computer Associates
Google page ranking—5/10
Affiliate programs—No
Extensions used—google-analytics, RSS, phpBB,
com_docman,Web feed—No
Template—Custom
Search-engine-friendly URLs—No
Breadcrumbs—Yes
Top sections—Downloads, Forums, News, Support & Training, Get Involved, Developers, Partners, Contact Information
Default width—1024
E-commerce—No
Community features—Yes
This is a popular Joomla/Mambo site that features free templates and tutorials that can aid in the production of a professional Web site (see Figure 16-32).
URL—
www.joomlahut.comStarted—2003
Owned by—BuyHTTP, LLC
Google page ranking—5/10
Affiliate programs—Google AdSense, Joomplates,
BuyHTTP.com, vBulletinExtensions used—RSS, Contact,
com_mtree, com_remository, com_submissions, com_virtuemartWeb feed—RSS, Atom, and OPML
Template—
mambohut_redSearch-engine-friendly URLs—Yes
Breadcrumbs—No
Top sections—News, Articles, Gallery, Downloads, Tutorials, Site Reviews, Flash Tutorials, Templates Demo, Joomla Links, FAQ, Submit News, Advertise Here, Contact us
Default width—800
E-commerce—Yes
Community features—No
This site hosts the OScar Project that attempts to develop a car according to open source principles (see Figure 16-33). The target is an automobile of simple and functional concept to spread mobility. OScar is about new ways of mobility and the spreading of the open source idea in the real (physical) world. The site features community features for open source collaboration.
URL—
www.theoscarproject.orgStarted—2005
Owned by—OScar - Reinvent Mobility
Google page ranking—5/10
Affiliate programs—No
Extensions used—
com_icms, Contact, Joomlaboard,com_docman, com_user_extendedWeb feed—RSS & Atom
Template—
rhuk_solarflare_iiSearch-engine-friendly URLs—No
Breadcrumbs—Yes
Top sections—Idea, Concept, Forums, Documents, Links, Contact, OScar - Workbench Integration, Modules, Tools, Network
Default width—1000
E-commerce—No
Community features—Yes
Joomla sites seem to represent pages that focus on almost any human endeavor. The amount of power Joomla puts in everyone's hands is quite amazing. This chapter has provided a survey of some of the Web world served by Joomla to show the following:
Academic Web sites that provide distance learning, support, history, literature, archeology, and parent-teacher interaction.
Family and health Joomla sites that feature health information, children's television programming, bedtime stories (both written and audio), healthcare, and stepfamily relations.
Professional Web sites that focus on networking, paid travel, stock and equities trading, expert illustration, and real estate.
Online media sites that include pharmaceutical clearinghouses, automotive magazines, environmental news, Asian markets, humor, and small publishing houses.
Hobbyist sites for sports, safari, recreational aviation, fan clubs, and music interests.
Technology Web sites for open source development, commercial product support, and add-on repositories.
Thank you for taking this journey through the world of Professional Joomla deployment. You have learned a tremendous amount of material, and I hope you can put much of it to practical use. I hope to see you on the Joomla forums (http://forum.joomla.org), or you can visit the Joomla Jumpstart site (www.joomlajumpstart.com) that I created to publish free tutorials and other information relating to Joomla.