A method and mechanism for portal web site architecture supporting a plurality of portlets, which are configurable content area displayable on a web page that provides content or performs one or more associated functions or both. Web providers provide the functionality and house the content for portlets. In response to receiving a request for a web page with a portlet, an application server contacts a web provider to obtain the content for the portlet, and assembles the web page using the retrieved content from the web provider and information stored in a database about the structure, appearance, and operation of the web page. Discussion forum portlets, notice board portlets, and memo pad portlets may be used to provide discussion forum functionality, notice board functionality, and memo pad functionality respectively.