Etomite was founded in 2003 (called BCMS until September 2004) as a free open source Content Management System (CMS) that is primarily focused on making it easy for users to manage content properly without additional features like galleries, forums and similar modules.
It was created by Alex Butter as a PHP-MySQL application and released under the GPL (General Public License). Dean Steventon and Ralph Dahlgren maintained it in and around 2006.
The latest available version 1.1 was released in May 2008 by Ralph Dahlgren. Since then, Etomite hasn’t been developed or maintained.
You can still download the last available version and take a look at the demo:
- Download Etomite: https://github.com/rasel-sk/etomite
- View a Demo: https://s1.demo.opensourcecms.com/s/138
In 2004, Raymond Irving and Ryan Thrash developed a mashup for Etomite which officially became a fork in 2005 known as MODX.
In 2021, MODX has become one of the leading open source content management systems, licensed under the GPL. It is written in PHP and supports MySQL, MariaDB and Percona Server as the database.
MODX CMS
MODX is known as the “The Anti-Bloat Content Management Framework” – providing users with “all the tools you need to build and host what you want, your way, without the bloat of traditional CMS and cloud hosting solutions.”
It is a powerful CMS that is comparable to Drupal and Joomla! – primarily aimed at web developers with technical skills rather than non-coders who need a more intuitive CMS. It is more of a framework for developers who know what they are doing and can leverage on the high performance offered by the platform.
It has a simple search engine friendly code architecture that makes template customization easier, with extensions that make it possible for front-end editing.
Find out more about MODX: https://modx.com/content-management-framework
State of Etomite CMS in 2024
Etomite CMS, once a popular open-source content management system, is no longer under active development or maintenance.
The last stable version, 1.1, was released in May 2008, and since then, the platform has not received updates or support, leaving users with an outdated system that may pose security risks and compatibility issues with modern web technologies[1][2].
Transitioning from Etomite CMS
For users currently relying on Etomite CMS, migrating to a more actively maintained platform is essential. One of the most recommended alternatives is MODX, which originated as a fork of Etomite in 2005. MODX has evolved significantly, offering a robust framework that emphasizes flexibility and performance without the bloat commonly found in other CMS solutions. It is designed for developers and users who require more control over their website’s architecture and functionality[1][2].
Benefits of Migrating to MODX
- Active Development: MODX is continuously updated and maintained, ensuring that users benefit from the latest features and security enhancements.
- Extensive Features: Unlike Etomite, MODX provides a wide range of features, including a powerful templating system, SEO tools, and a vibrant community that contributes plugins and extensions.
- User-Friendly: While it is targeted towards developers, MODX also offers a user-friendly interface that allows non-technical users to manage content efficiently.
- Flexible Framework: MODX allows for extensive customization, making it suitable for a variety of projects, from simple websites to complex applications.
Other Alternatives
In addition to MODX, users may consider other modern CMS options such as:
- WordPress: Known for its ease of use and extensive plugin ecosystem, WordPress is a great choice for users looking for a straightforward content management experience.
- Joomla!: This platform offers a balance between user-friendliness and advanced features, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers.
- Drupal: Ideal for complex and large-scale websites, Drupal provides robust features and flexibility but may require a steeper learning curve.
Conclusion
As Etomite CMS is no longer being developed or maintained, users should prioritize migrating to a more modern and supported CMS solution. MODX stands out as a direct descendant of Etomite, offering a wealth of features and an active community. By transitioning to a contemporary platform, users can ensure their websites remain secure, functional, and aligned with current web standards.
Citations:
[1] https://www.opensourcecms.com/etomite/
[2] https://www.etomite.org/etomite-cms/
[3] https://github.com/etomite/etomite
[4] https://www.webmasterworld.com/content_copywriting/1421.htm
[5] https://whmcs.community/topic/29893-simple-cms-templates-system/
[6] https://www.e-spincorp.com/d2-elliot-web-exploitation-framework-for-web-application-pentesting/
[7] https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvekey.cgi
[8] https://www.etomite.org