What are they?
A content management system (CMS) is a programme which stores content that is easily editable via a central interface. CMSs provide procedures to manage workflow in a collaborative environment, and are frequently used from everyone from independent bloggers to large corporates. A CMS typically aims to avoid the need for hand coding, but it often supports it for specific elements or entire pages.
A web CMS is an application to create, manage, store and deploy content on webpages. This content includes text as well as embedded graphics, photos and videos. A web CMS can either catalog and index content, assemble content at runtime or deliver content to specific visitors in a requested way, such as in a different language. Users can control HTML-based content, files, documents and web hosting plans.
Why use them?
A CMS reduces the need for developers, saving money. To create a bespoke website from a standard CMS application, there will be a need to involve a developer for customisation, but once it has been created, anyone and everyone with a password can add and manage content. Many CMS platforms are themselves free, and for those that are subscription-based, the benefit of not having to employ a team of developers outweighs the subscription cost.
A CMS can be edited anywhere – simply log in to the online portal. There is no need to store HTML files on your computer, then edit them, then upload them to your server. Do it all online! It is easy to see who wrote content, who edited it, when it was edited and published – making management simpler.
Which one?
At Web-Translations, we have worked with many bespoke CMSs, as well as off-the shelf CMS applications, such as WordPress, OpenCms, Joomla!, EpiServer, Magento, OSCommerce and Drupal.
Important considerations when choosing your CMS include:
- Multilingual capability?
- Flexibility?
- Add-ons?
- Cost?
We use WordPress for our own site, and it is the most popular with our clients, but there is not one “best” CMS. The best CMS for your company depends on your needs. Get in touch to discuss which one we would recommend.