ASP.Net GUI/CMS Framework for managing external data

Question

I am looking for a framework or system that provides a good looking user-interface to manage external data, mostly REST APIs.

We have looked at various CMS'es especially Orchard, Umbraco and Composite, but they all focus a lot on their own repository. Basically I want a CMS with an external repository, so we can manage all data sources in one place. I was wondering whether there are no other alternatives. Of course we can make our own interface, but I prefer something finished.

In the ideal case, it: - Has an consistent admin interface with a menu that looks good, possibly skinnable. - Has a login system and permission system, so we can restrict the menus and functions based on roles. - Gives a list of objects (e.g. People), nicely formatted with some search, paging, filter functionals. - When modify an object, it generates a form, based on the class definition. It handles validation of the form and saving it. (Scaffolding) - It is possible to add custom pages (or razor templates) to menu items.

Before we have always created our own interfaces. But in the end, it all worked well, but just didn't feel great; too many small bugs. So far, Composite looks like the best match. Any other suggestions? Any product or framework you can recommend?

Answer 1

I recommend Composite for its simplicity and large extensibility. (see comments above).