Websites using DokuWiki

Okay, let s break down DokuWiki, covering its overview, revenue (or lack thereof), alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

DokuWiki Overview

• What it is: DokuWiki is a simple to use and highly versatile Open Source wiki software that doesn t require a database. It uses plain text files for data storage, making it lightweight and easy to maintain. It s known for its clean syntax and extensibility.

• Key Features:

  • Plain Text Storage: Stores data in plain text files, simplifying backups and recovery.
  • Simple Syntax: Uses a simple, human-readable markup syntax (similar to Markdown).
  • Access Control Lists (ACL): Fine-grained control over who can read, write, and upload files.
  • Extensible: A vast collection of plugins extends functionality (e.g., improved editors, diagrams, authentication methods).
  • Templates: Customizable look and feel.
  • Full-text Search: Built-in search functionality.
  • Revision Control: Tracks changes to pages.
  • Multi-language Support: Available in many languages.
  • Easy Installation: Can be installed on a web server with PHP.
  • No Database Required: Simplifies installation and maintenance.

• Use Cases:

  • Personal Knowledge Base: For organizing notes, research, and personal information.
  • Team Collaboration: Internal documentation, project wikis, meeting notes.
  • Documentation: Software documentation, product manuals, tutorials.
  • Intranet: Company-wide information sharing.
  • Project Management: Tracking tasks, decisions, and resources.

Revenue

• DokuWiki is Open Source and Free: DokuWiki itself is released under the GNU General Public License version 2. This means it is free to download, use, and modify.

• No Direct Revenue for the Core Project: The core DokuWiki project does not generate revenue directly. The developers and maintainers are primarily volunteers.

• Potential Indirect Revenue Streams (for others):

  • Hosting: Companies might offer DokuWiki-specific hosting services, charging for server space, setup, and maintenance.
  • Customization/Consulting: Freelancers or companies might offer services to customize DokuWiki, develop plugins, or provide training.
  • Support: Some companies may provide paid support services for DokuWiki.
  • Donations: Users can donate to the DokuWiki project.

Alternatives

Here s a list of popular DokuWiki alternatives, categorized for clarity:

• Other Wiki Software:

  • MediaWiki: (PHP, MySQL) The software behind Wikipedia. Very powerful and feature-rich, but more complex to manage.
  • Wiki.js: (Node.js, Database-agnostic) Modern, open-source, and uses Markdown.
  • Confluence: (Java, Commercial) Atlassian s team collaboration and documentation tool. Part of a larger ecosystem (Jira, Trello). Paid.
  • XWiki: (Java, Database-driven) A powerful and extensible wiki platform with enterprise features.
  • Tiki Wiki CMS Groupware: (PHP, MySQL) A full-featured CMS and wiki system.
  • Foswiki: (Perl, various databases) An enterprise wiki derived from TWiki.
  • TWiki: (Perl, various databases) A structured wiki, typically used to run a project development space, a document management system, a knowledge base, or any other groupware tool.
  • BookStack: A simple and free open source platform for organising and storing information.

• Note-Taking/Knowledge Management Tools (that can serve similar purposes):

  • Obsidian: (Electron-based, Markdown) A popular local-first knowledge base with powerful linking and plugin capabilities.
  • Notion: (Web-based, Commercial) A versatile workspace that combines notes, databases, and project management.
  • Evernote: (Web-based, Commercial) A widely used note-taking application.
  • Roam Research: (Web-based, Commercial) A networked thought tool focused on bi-directional linking.
  • Joplin: (Electron-based, Markdown) A free, open-source note-taking and to-do application.

• Documentation Platforms:

  • Read the Docs: (Python, Free for open-source) A popular platform for hosting software documentation.
  • GitBook: (Web-based, Commercial) A modern documentation platform for teams.

• Considerations When Choosing an Alternative:

  • Ease of Use: How easy is it to learn the syntax and manage the wiki?
  • Features: Does it have the features you need (ACL, search, plugins, etc.)?
  • Scalability: Can it handle a growing amount of content and users?
  • Cost: Is it free, open source, or does it require a paid subscription?
  • Maintenance: How much effort is required to maintain the wiki?
  • Hosting: Do you want to self-host or use a hosted service?
  • Data Storage: Do you prefer plain text files, a database, or a cloud-based solution?

Pricing

• Free and Open Source: DokuWiki is completely free to download and use. There are no licensing fees.
• Optional Costs: Costs may arise from:
  • Hosting: You ll need to pay for web hosting if you don t host it yourself.
  • Domain Name: A domain name for your wiki (e.g., mywiki.com).
  • Customization: If you hire someone to customize the wiki, develop plugins, or provide support.
  • Themes: While many free themes are available, some premium themes might cost money.

Customer Care/Support

• Community-Driven Support: DokuWiki s support is primarily community-driven.

• Resources:

  • Official Website: The DokuWiki website (dokuwiki.org) is the primary source of information.
  • Documentation: Extensive documentation is available on the website, covering installation, configuration, syntax, and usage.
  • Forum: The DokuWiki forum is a place to ask questions, get help from other users, and discuss issues.
  • Wiki: The DokuWiki website has a DokuWiki itself running where people help each other.
  • Plugin Pages: Individual plugins often have their own documentation and support forums.

• No Guaranteed Official Support: Because it s a free, open-source project, there is no guaranteed, paid support from the core development team.

• Third-Party Support (Potentially):

  • As mentioned above, some companies or freelancers may offer paid support services, but this is not directly affiliated with the DokuWiki project. You d need to find a provider and negotiate terms.

In Summary

DokuWiki is a powerful and flexible wiki solution that s free and open source. It s a great choice for those who want a simple, lightweight, and customizable wiki without the need for a database. Support is community-driven, so be prepared to rely on the documentation, forum, and other users for assistance. Consider the alternatives if you need guaranteed support or features not available in DokuWiki.