Hi,

I would like to develop a web application in java/spring/hibernate serving as a business platform that I could connect plugins to (i.e. CRM plugin, ware plugin, sales plugin). Those plugins could be dependent of other plugins in a tree manner. The parent project would be packaged as war having all the basic configuration and looks (spring configs, css, scripts), ready to go user and group management, security settings, etc.

All together I would like it to behave and look a bit like Joomla, but built using different tools for different purposes. And I have a few questions concerning that project:

1. Do you know of any open source projects offering such a platform ready to go?
2. If not is maven applicable for managing those plugins?
3. What is the best way to package and deploy those plugins?

And the last but not least, basically is this the right way to go or is a dead end and it would be better to create a separate web app for those business needs?