Choosing the right web content management system

It has been the norm for most businesses to rely on external suppliers (their web developer) to create and maintain their website. This rates high for convenience but can create significant hurdles when it comes to both cost and time efficiency. Relying on a third party for every content update doesn’t always make a whole lot of financial sense.

Websites are no longer a ‘marketing add on’ to your business. They have become an integral part of company assets. As such, having the in house ability to update content on a regular basis is of great value. The answer is to implement a web content management system.

A web content management system allows a user with general word processing and perhaps some basic desk top skills to update content on their site. As with all software platforms, there are simple content management systems (CMS) and more complex versions.

Open source CMS options

Open source web content management systems are free to access and use. The cost benefit is clear. However with no payment comes limited support and customisation. Open source is a good option for basic or start up sites. The systems are generally user friendly and quick to learn. Popular open source CMS include:

• Wordpress
• Joomla
• Magento
• Silverstream

A word of warning – the more basic your CMS, the more limited your options. For example, some systems do not have version control. This means if a well meaning team member makes a mistake while updating content, you may not be able to retrieve previously saved pages.

To get the best use out of CMS, ensure there is adequate planning, drafting and clear procedures for keeping copies and making updates.

Proprietary systems

High end vendors such as Microsoft, IBM, Oracle and SAP offer web content management systems. With a proprietary system you purchase a license to use the software and pay according the level of functionality you wish to implement.

There are also numerous content management systems on the market that have been created by web developers. Most of these allow you a fair degree of customisation, provide you with training and usually include added functionality such as data base and communications and eCommerce.

If your CMS will be required to integrate with other in house information management systems, this is an area to research and discuss in detail with your web developer.

Enterprise level systems

Two of the most popular enterprise level systems are EMC Documentation and Vignette. These systems include:

• Complex approval
• Workflow management
• Version control
• Multiple languages
• Personalised content

plus a whole host of other features.

Depending on the size of your enterprise, the size of the opportunity and of course your budget – there will be a CMS solution right for you. iQuantum has experience with a range of systems and understanding of what level of sophistication suits which kinds of business needs. Talk to us about your requirements and we’ll help reduce the information overload.