[Phpwm] cakePHP vs Zend Framework vs CodeIgniter

[Jujhar Singh]

I'm looking to start using a good PHP framework.  Currently I have my own
way of doing things which is a mix of PEAR objects, Smarty Templates and
ADODB.

What I tend to end up doing is incorporating framework type functionality in
my own app and not doing it very well.  If I can take some best practice off
the shelf and use that, then that would be great.

Some of my considerations are:
1. Long term support - Is the framework just a fad or will it continue to be
supported/upgraded for a while.
2. Speed, is it a shed load of php that's going to run real slow or will it
include a nice bunch of compiled objects that will increase speed.
3. Examples - who's using what, a good indication of the usefullness of a
framework is how many people are using it.
4. Will it work with IIS and SQL server - or will I be restricted to Apache
and MySQL et al.  I love linux, but it's good to have your options open as
you never know what your client will use.
5. Can I use Smarty with it?  I like smarty, it is good.
6. How flexible is it, can I take it to the nth Degree, or will it restrict
me just to doing simple CRUD based applications.
7. Anything else that would swing it for me.

Thanks guys, I value your feedback.

Jujhar Singh
Medilink West Midlands