Split-site Layout
developer-null - October 7, 2008 - 19:51
Hi,
I'm looking to set up a split-site layout with one server serving 3 ... variations on a certain content. Can't go into much specifics, but I have a collection of information that I'm presenting to three discrete parties... we'll call them consumers, vendors, and suppliers. IDEALLY, I'd like my visitors to identify their goals on the front page (select a link - consumer, vendor, investor), and then have 3 different primary link sets, etc. What is the best way to do this through Drupal? (Think as if i'm a COMPLETE newbie.. cause i am).
So, goals in summary:
1) Way for visitors to id on front page.
2) Way to present 3 different primary menus for each visitor class.
Thanks in advance!
Yes, Drupal can
Hey developer-null,
Built into Drupal is the ability to assign Roles. By applying consumer, vendor, and/or supplier status, your users you can enabled to view/add/edit/delete the appropriate content. Check out CCK (to build your content) and Views (to display your content only to the appropriate role.)
Or, if you're willing to have the content available to everyone, you could very easily set your menus to guide your users to the appropriate pages, keeping all of the content public.
Drupal is certainly up for the challenge.
Blessings!
-NP
Clarifications
Hey NP!
Thanks for the initial guidance... I'm getting a picture of how I want to do this ... just a few more questions...
I am looking for the users to remain unauthenticated... all the information will be public info, authentication is planned only for employees (to update articles or pages) and existing company clients (a subset of our consumers group, but likely a small subset). I've worked a tiny bit with the Views module, and roughly understand how to work with it... Is there a framework or method that I could use that a link clicked on the frontpage (instead of authentication) could set a PHP flag that a views module could read to format content differently? While I'm not GREAT at PHP, I'm not afraid of it either... Is there a way to set Views to look at a PHP flag as a filter or condition? ...or could I somehow stealth-login people to a generic CONSUMER, VENDOR, or SUPPLIER account?
Thanks,
Devnull
The solution is rather simple
Hey Devnull,
I think you'll be pleased the solution is rather simple. Please know there are many ways to accomplish most things in Drupal, but I would recommend:
Option A: On your homepage, give users links to CONSUMER, VENDOR, or SUPPLIER. These URLs would call the role-appropriate view.
Option B: Employ Exposed Filters and allow the user to select their role.
Blessings!
-NP