Content Management Systems Explained

WHAT ARE CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS?

Content Management Systems (CMS) are software programs that are used to organize large amounts of digital content. Most commonly used in website production and maintenance, a CMS helps keep track of documents, images, files, graphics, videos and other forms of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) content. Within the CMS, content files can be created, edited, deleted and published all in one organized location.

Typically, a content management system is a web based application that allows users to log in from any computer that has internet access. The content files can then be uploaded and accessed through a user interface. With this type of CMS the files are stored on a web server.

Though not as common, some other types of CMS require a client side software program that is installed directly on the user’s computer. Using this method means you can only access the system from a computer that has the software installed, and most times only from one particular computer. Once uploaded, these content files are also stored on a web server.

WHO SHOULD USE CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS?

Content management systems can be helpful under most any circumstances, but there are three situations when using a content management system is most effective.

The first is for the individual who has the ability to create and maintain the content for a quality website, but lacks the technical skills to design the templates and graphics. Using a CMS makes content updates quick and easy. It also prevents them from mistakenly causing problems with the design code.

The second situation when using a CMS is most effective is when a site is managed by an individual who may know and understand HTML but either updates their site very frequently or has a large amount of content to keep track of, or both. This person knows how to edit content without damaging the site’s design, however using a CMS makes their updates much more expeditious.

The third situation is when a site is maintained by a team of editors/creators. This method is helpful because these types of sites typically have an enormous amount of content to frequently edit and keep track of. Also, when sites are maintained by more than one person, a CMS can monitor the access users have to certain parts of the site, limiting confusion.

Again, these are only the situations when a CMS is most effective. If you fit into any of these profiles it’s recommended that you look into using a content management system for your website.
However, there are no requirements for who can use a content management system.

Even if you don’t fit these profiles but you like the sound of having quick and easy access to all your content in one location, as well as the ability to access if from any internet-ready computer, then you’ll probably want to use a CMS. In fact, more often than not, a CMS can be the best option for everyone.