Hey,
Now D8 is is much better shape than it was at launch, is there any value to using Lightning any more? (Or Thunder for that matter?)
On the one hand, it seems time might be saved by working with a distro, so your initial set up costs are less, but do you lose those benefits over time because the distro takes longer to update - or is more prone to having critical security issues patched because it takes a while for the distro updates to be released?
It'd be useful to know if there are any time benefits to using a distro.
In terms of usability, I like the Thunder back end, but am concerned that the back end is dependant on the maintainers of a distro. And of course using D8 out the box the back end experience isn't bad, and of course is customisable. Does anyone think there are any benefits to content managers in having a site built in Thunder?
Finally, I know of one agency that is now routinely quoting a DX8 sub (of £300) a month on the basis that overtime use of DX8 will save on agency sitebuilding costs. But as I see it, DX8's benefits aside, it still has a sitebuilding overhead. Or would anyone suggest the subscription fees represent a cost saving in the long term?
Thanks
Alick
Comments
Lightning and pricing
Hi Alick. I couple of additions if I may (I work for Cohesion the creator of DX8).
DX8 is an additional tool to a distribution rather than a compete alternative. Lightning has a load of useful modules not related to layout/theming for example. There is actually a Lightning distribution working with DX8 already. Our demo site (which you can get access to via our website) is running on this. Of course DX8 works on its own too.
Our pricing model for agencies has been updated now and is more focused on development seats. As DX8 saves 80% + on theming time and moves it to more junior "site builders" our agency partners find it offers great ROI esp. as your components, styles, templates etc can be moved site to site and customised for reuse (With all their dependencies so its very much build once use forever). Drupal content types will be added to that in our next release.
Thanks for replying. Yes,
Thanks for replying.
Yes, realise it's not a distro - was more just looking at tools that might save time. For someone just using it on a single site, or with a sire which has no reusbale components/styles/templates from elsewhere is there much of a time saving then?
I assume not, on the basis everything has to be set up at least once no matter what it's built in