What is a Content Management System?
A Content Management System (CMS) is a piece of software that runs on a server that allows the content contributor (author, business owner, you) to create, submit, and publish their content directly within a web application/site without any development tools or knowledge of HTML. Typically a database application, a CMS supports the creation, management, distribution, publishing, and discovery of corporate information. It handles the entire lifecycle of the pages on your web site, from providing simple tools to create the content, through to publishing, and finally to archiving. It also provides the ability to manage the structure of the site, the appearance of the published pages, and the navigation provided to the users. | There are a wide range of business benefits that can be obtained by implementing a CMS, including: |
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| Decentralised maintenance. | | Typically based on a common web browser. Edit anywhere, anytime. Bottlenecks removed. |
| | Designed with non-technical content editors in mind. | | People with average knowledge of word processing can create the content easily, No HTML skills required. |
| | Configurable access restrictions. | | Users are assigned roles and permissions that prevent them from touching content in which they are not authorised to change. |
| | Consistency of design is preserved. | | Because content is stored separate from design, the content from all authors is presented with the same, consistent design. |
| | Navigation is automatically generated. | | Menus are typically generated automatically based on the database content and links will not point to non-existent pages. |
| | Content is stored in a database. | | Central storage means that content can be reused in many places on the website. |
| | Dynamic content. | | Extensions like forums, polls, shopping carts, search engines, news management are typically drop-in modules. A good CMS also allows for truly user defined extensions. |
| | Daily updates. | | You do not need to involve web designers or programmers for every little modification - you are in control of your web site. |
| | Content scheduling. | | Content publication can often be time-controlled; hidden for previews; or require a user login with password. |
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Beyond these, the greatest benefit the CMS can provide is to support your business goals and strategies. For example, the CMS can help to improve sales, increase user satisfaction, or assist in communicating with the public. Every organisation has a unique set of requirements for a content management system, and there is no 'all-in-one' solution. You can be confident that you have the best possible solution when you talk to myITguys about implementing a CMS on your web site. For more information, call us on 9322 5882 or browse our portfolio for some great examples. |
