db8 turns 20!

Sometimes time flies so fast that you only notice a special milestone later. That happened to me with my company, db8 Website Support, which has now been around for 20 years! What started as an introduction to Mambo CMS in 2003 – the predecessor of Joomla – quickly grew into an independent business on January 1, 2005.

The name db8

When I founded db8, I wanted a name that reflected the power of dynamic websites. Websites with a database behind them offer endless possibilities. But since you can't use the infinity symbol (∞) in a domain name, I tilted it – and so db8 was born.

The rise of Joomla and my role in the community

Not long after I started my company, the core team of developers behind Mambo decided in August 2005 to develop a new CMS because they disagreed with the strategy of the company behind Mambo. On September 1, 2005, the new CMS was named Joomla.

Joomla is open source software, which means that the source code is freely available for anyone to view, use, modify, and share. Unlike closed software – which you can compare to a secret recipe – open source offers a transparent and collaborative model. Well-known examples include Joomla, Linux, and Firefox. This model enables faster innovation, no licensing fees, and maximum flexibility.

Because I wanted to give back to the community, I started as a volunteer on the international Joomla forum, helping other users with technical questions. This led to me being invited as a Forum Moderator and later as a Global Forum Moderator on the international Joomla forum. Over the years, I have taken on various roles, including:

• Community Leadership Team
• Operations Department Coordinator & Board of Directors member
• Google Summer of Code mentor
• Member of the Joomla Bug Squad

Since 2013, I have also actively contributed to code improvements in the Joomla core. Furthermore, I help with Pizza-Bugs and Fun sessions where we test patches (code improvements) before they are accepted into the Joomla core. Additionally, I share my knowledge through presentations at (international) Joomla conferences and have co-organized the Joomla User Group Arnhem-Nijmegen since 2018.

Today, I am still active as a Global Moderator and have taken on a new role as one of the two Joomla 5.2 Release Managers.

From Joomla implementer to full-stack expert

In the early years of db8, my focus was on implementing Joomla: helping businesses install, configure, and expand their websites. If a client needed additional functionality, I installed the right components, plugins, and modules. For design, I worked closely with graphic designers and CSS specialists.

As Joomla evolved, so did my expertise. Nowadays, I build almost everything with the Joomla core, especially since the introduction of Joomla Custom Fields. This makes websites easier to update. For custom solutions, I still develop plugins, modules, and, on request, components.

Since 2020, I have been working with YOOtheme Pro, which allows me to handle the visual design of websites as well. I do this in consultation with my clients so that their website not only functions well technically but also has a professional appearance. Graphic designers remain an essential part of this process: they ensure a unique and fitting design.

In recent years, I have increasingly worked with Joomla's web services API. Over the past two years, I have also focused a lot on AI, with a special emphasis on local AI – a privacy-friendly solution that keeps business data secure. The combination of Joomla’s web services API and local LLMs (Large Language Models) offers powerful possibilities for smart and efficient automation.

The impact of Joomla on my world

Thanks to Joomla, I have built a global network of friends and acquaintances, traveled extensively, and met inspiring people. The international collaboration within the community has not only broadened my perspective but also influenced my technical choices. For example, in 2007, I decided to switch to Linux permanently, partly due to my experience with open source software.

Additionally, the Joomla User Groups inspired me to start the Linux User Group Nijmegen in 2012, where we are now celebrating our 150th meeting.

On to the next 20 years!

And now, with 20 years on the clock, I take a moment to look back and realize how much has happened in that time. Did I miss my anniversary? Maybe – but that just means I was busy doing what I love: building, contributing, and sharing the power of open source.

Are you curious about what db8 Website Support can do for your website? Feel free to get in touch – we're happy to help!