e107 CMS is Still Alive and Kicking Since 2002

When it comes to open-source content management systems (CMS), names like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal might dominate the conversation. But did you know that e107 CMS, launched way back in 2002, is still very much alive and kicking?

Over two decades later, this lightweight and feature-rich CMS remains a viable option for certain use cases. Here’s a closer look at why e107 is still worth your attention in 2025.

What is e107?

e107 is a free and open-source CMS written in PHP and using MySQL as its database backend. Designed to be simple yet powerful, it’s a great choice for those who want a no-nonsense approach to building websites. Its modular architecture makes it customizable without being overwhelming.

We used it before as a hospital and simple patient portal for a client (2005), and a news portal for a local community (2007).

Key Features of e107 CMS

1. Bootstrap Integration

Modern websites require responsive design, and e107 delivers with Bootstrap integration. This ensures that your website is mobile-friendly and adapts to various screen sizes seamlessly.

2. Built-in Plugins

Unlike some CMS platforms that require a plethora of third-party plugins, e107 comes with a wide range of built-in modules to handle:

• Forums
• Polls
• Galleries
• News Posting
• Download Management

These features make it an all-in-one solution for many basic website needs.

3. Customizable Themes

Want your website to look unique? e107 supports theme customization with a growing library of free and premium themes.

Developers can easily tweak these themes using the integrated template system.

4. Multilingual Support

With support for over 50 languages, e107 caters to a global audience. Its built-in translation tools make managing multilingual websites a breeze.

5. Security First

Security is a priority for e107. The CMS is actively maintained, with regular updates to patch vulnerabilities. Features like captcha integration and secure user authentication add extra layers of protection.

6. Ease of Use

Despite its long history, e107 remains user-friendly. Its intuitive admin panel lets you manage content, users, and settings without requiring advanced technical knowledge.

7. Dozens of Themes and Plugins

Core developers and e107 communities, keep pushing new themes and plugins to extend its functionalities.

Is e107 CMS Still Worth It in 2025?

The CMS landscape in 2025 is dominated by giants, but e107 holds its own in niche scenarios. Here’s why you might want to consider it:

Pros:

1. Lightweight and Fast: Unlike some bloated CMS platforms, e107 is lightweight, making it perfect for small to medium-sized websites.
2. All-in-One Solution: The built-in features mean you don’t need to rely on numerous plugins, reducing compatibility issues.
3. Community-Driven: With an active community of developers and users, e107 receives regular updates and new features.
4. Free and Open Source: As an open-source platform, e107 is free to use and modify, making it a budget-friendly option.

Cons:

1. Limited Ecosystem: Compared to WordPress, the plugin and theme ecosystem is smaller.
2. Not as Trendy: e107’s popularity peaked in the early 2000s, so it might not have the same brand recognition today.

Who Should Use e107 in 2025?

• Small Businesses: Need a simple website without the overhead of complex CMS platforms? e107 is a great fit.
• Personal Projects: Perfect for hobbyists who want a fast and reliable CMS.
• Non-Tech-Savvy Users: Its user-friendly admin panel and built-in features make it accessible to everyone.
• Communities

Install using Docker

version: '3.8'

services:
  web:
    image: php:8.1-apache
    container_name: e107-web
    volumes:
      - ./e107:/var/www/html
    ports:
      - "8080:80"
    working_dir: /var/www/html
    environment:
      - APACHE_DOCUMENT_ROOT=/var/www/html
    depends_on:
      - db

  db:
    image: mysql:8.0
    container_name: e107-db
    restart: always
    environment:
      MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD: rootpassword
      MYSQL_DATABASE: e107
      MYSQL_USER: e107user
      MYSQL_PASSWORD: e107password
    ports:
      - "3306:3306"
    volumes:
      - db_data:/var/lib/mysql

volumes:
  db_data:

Final Notes

e107 CMS has stood the test of time, offering simplicity, reliability, and a robust set of features. While it may not have the flashy ecosystem of modern platforms like WordPress, it’s far from obsolete. For small websites, personal projects, or those seeking a lightweight alternative, e107 is still worth exploring in 2025.

If you’re curious about e107, give it a try. Its long-standing legacy proves that good software doesn’t have to be the newest kid on the block to remain relevant.