What is Content Management Software?

A content management system or CMS, is a database-driven back end to your web site that allows users to use a common graphic user interface or WYSSIWG (What You See is What You Get) to mange content and assets, such as pictures, on their web site.

It allows users that have no knowledge of web language to create, edit, or delete pages among other common tasks. For those who want to, and have the time to manage web site changes themselves, this is a great option for managing your website.

Online Information Management

The rise in importance of online business presence and search engine marketing and optimization (SEO/SEM) has lead to a need for businesses and organizations to regularly update and create content and information. The management of this data is either handled by your webmaster or internally by your staff. The use of a CMS can make this management of data easier by providing users with an easy way to keep content fresh, up-to-date, and relevant to search engines, clients, and customers.

Common Features of Most Content Management Systems:

Easy Automated Templates and Page Creation

Create standard output templates (usually HTML and XML) that can be automatically applied to new and existing content, allowing the appearance of all content to be changed from one central place.

Easily Editable Content

Once content is separated from the visual presentation of a site, it usually becomes much easier and quicker to edit and manipulate. Most WCMS software includes WYSIWYG editing tools allowing non-technical individuals to create and edit content.

Web Standards Upgrade

Active CMS software usually receives regular updates that include new feature sets and keep the system up to current web standards.

Workflow Management

Workflow is the process of creating cycles of sequential and parallel tasks that must be accomplished in the CMS. For example, a content creator can submit a story, but it is not published until the copy editor cleans it up and the editor-in-chief approves it.

Delegation

Some CMS software allows for various user groups to have limited privileges over specific content on the website, spreading out the responsibility of content management.

Document Management

CMS software may provide a means of managing the life cycle of a document from initial creation time, through revisions, publication, archival, and document destruction.

Content Virtualization

CMS software may provide a means of allowing each user to work within a virtual copy of the entire web site, document set, and/or code base. This enables changes to multiple interdependent resources to be viewed and/or executed in-context prior to submission.

Content Syndication

CMS software often assists in content distribution by generating RSS and Atom data feeds to other systems. They may also e-mail users when updates are available as part of the workflow process.

Conclusion

A CMS can make changing and adding to your site easy for those who have the desire to use and learn a new system. While it is a useful tool, businesses need to make sure they have the time to dedicate in using the CMS and adding relevant and useful content for your users and the search engines. Effective use can turn your website from a static dusty old site, to a dynamic engaging site that pulls your readers in and increases the exposure of your company.

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