twitterCurrently I am working on a new Ruby on Rails based Content Management System. I decided to write my own because I am not happy with the complicity of most existing content systems out there. (Wordpress, Drupal, Joomla etc.)
Following the Less is more principle this new CMS is going to have some powerfull and fun to use functions. After doing a lot of research and following up on companies such as 37Signals, Shopify and Wollzelle I decided to build this system on a subscription based payment principle.
This article is going to be the first of small series following the process off building this new web service. During the development process I will give you updates and share tips as they come along.
For a while now I have been looking around for some time saving elements in building this new web service. This first article is going to give you two tips on how to save time and jumpstart your development process.
Railskits
As a base I am using the famous SaaS Rails Kit from Benjamin Curtis. This kit gives you a solid Rails 2.2 base app that can be used to sell subscription based access to you web service. It handles all authentication and recurring billing stuff. A real life saver and a well tested base to start of with.
Admin interface
One of the most underestimated parts of web design is the creation of a good looking admin interface. It has only been since a year or two years that this part of webdesign has gained popularity and interest. Mostly due to some great looking admin interfaces used on services such as basecamp, beanstalkapp, blinksale and fluxiom. Themeforest and Gooeytemplates have filled the gap in the market and are providing you with some ready made great looking admin interfaces. Integrating these into Rails Kit is really easy and gives you some good well tested CSS and HTML foundations. (Form/Table/Navigation/Login layout)
Top picks ThemeForest
Top picks Gooeytemplates
The above resources will save you some precious time, so you can focus on the important stuff: Building Your Web Application. If you are also using any of the above, please let me know and leave a comment. I would love to hear about your experiences.
Other posts in Blue Shark, Ruby on Rails, WWW
January 30th, 2009 09:45
Good luck with the new product. We also are big believers in less is more. We use Drupal now, but please let me know when you are ready for someone to look at it or be a beta. Sounds like you have a fun experience ahead. We are releasing to beta in the next week or so. It’s a fun ride. Let me know if I can help you.
We use Ruby too. Our product is about load testing. SaaS. We have alot in common. Hope you succeed!
Scott
November 2nd, 2009 05:53
wish u all the very best.