Server Controls and Server Control API
Ektron CMS400.NET provides over 70 server controls that can be dragged and dropped onto any ASPX page to coexist with other components. This includes control for everything from content to user management to breadcrumbs to social network controls, all in order to provide out-of-the-box markup and functionality. These server controls are by no means a limitation. They are convenient options, and there is a great deal of flexibility behind them. In addition to having a set of properties that can be used to change the controls' output and behavior, developers can access the Server Control API.
The server controls provide access to the data object that each control represents. Each server control contains an Item property of the data type (class) that the control represents. This allows developers to access the server control's data (including the HTML and its attributes) and programmatically manipulate or process the information as needed. Once completed, the developer has the option to pass the custom markup back into the text field property of the control for display. In this case, the control is acting as both the API to the data as well as a place holder in the ASPX page for display. Developers can also access the main .NET Assembly API for ultimate extendibility and flexibility.
By accessing the .NET Assembly API, developers can create customized user controls for added functionality or presentation and totally integrate with third party systems. This includes the ability to programmatically import or export data to and from the CMS.
The .NET Assembly API provides an interface for exposing all methods and services that the platform provides. Both the WorkArea and its server controls are built on top of the .NET Assembly API. Developers are encouraged to access this layer directly to create their own custom functionality and services that interact with Ektron CMS400.NET. This API ensures that developers are armed with the same interface that Ektron developers use to build out the front end of the CMS.
Web Services API
The Web Services API exposes the functionality of the .NET Assembly through the use of SOAP to HTTP, allowing developers to create pages that offer content to any Web-enabled device (and also to consume existing Web Services). Ektron CMS400.NET's Web Services can return data separated from presentation and, in combination with XML support, let consuming applications retrieve XML data independent of presentation and repurpose it. This is often the right choice when integrating Ektron CMS400.NET into an overall IT infrastructure.
Extensibility Service (event hooks)
The Ektron CMS400.NET extensibility service is an event model that developers can hook into. The Plug-in Extension exposes event hooks in Ektron CMS400.NET that a developer can utilize. These event hooks can be used in Visual Studio C# or VB.NET to create customized events for your site by either manually creating a plug-in or using the Plug-In Extension wizard. The Plug-In Extension wizard can be used to add your custom code to the event framework, making it convenient to implement new plug-ins.
The system will fire predefined events, allowing developers to hook into certain relevant events and execute their own custom event handlers. Examples include “OnBeforeLogIn” and “OnAfterPublished”. This creates a model where the developer can extend the functionality as well as use the events as triggers to move information between different systems. The event hooks and the API ensure that developers' code is separated from the Ektron code, thereby not putting the custom code at risk during Ektron CMS400.NET version upgrades.
Portal Framework
Ektron CMS400.NET’s open architecture offers a powerful platform that lets developers customize both presentation and functionality while integrating the CMS into their existing IT environment. This is the essence of Ektron’s Portal Framework and it is this functionality that powers the flexible PageBuilder.
The Portal Framework furnishes developers with the means to create digital dashboards and true business portals, enabling them to build pages with open architected widgets that expose business processes, aggregate content and integrate applications.
By definition, the Portal Framework is designed to be extended. Ektron’s Web Services API accesses the .NET Assembly through the use of SOAP-to-HTTP and allows developers to create pages that offer content to any Web-enabled device. CMS400.NET Web Services returns data and (in combination with XML support) lets consuming applications retrieve and repurpose XML data. This is key when integrating the CMS into your overall IT infrastructure and it enables you to: