Content Management Systems (CMS)

NOTE: For small companies and individuals who need just a site containing a few pages, a Content Management System (CMS) is probably not necessary, however, it is still possible to enable your site so that it is editable - enabling you to keep the site up to date without the need to go back to your web company.

A Common Scenario:

You have an website that has grown over time, and while it is very useful, much of the content is out of date or inaccurate, it’s hard to find things, updating the site is complex, the appearance may be dated and you’ve lost track of the pages on the site.

How a CMS overcomes these issues:

Content Management Systems (CMS) systems are designed to simplify the publication content to websites, by allowing users without any technical knowledge or HTML skills to create content, keeping the website fresh and current. The processes involved in managing the website are separated by the CMS.

CMS's separate the processes:

1. Content (or pages) - With an interface like Word, users can input text, images and apply styles and colours in the way that they are already familiar with - they do not need to understand HTML.

2. Management of the Content - The CMS can keep track of all the versions of a page, and who changed what and when. Pages are assigned to users - each user, or group can only change the section of the site they are responsible for.

3. Publishing - Pages are stored in a database and published and unpublished as required.

4. Presentation - Graphic designers are able to apply your company's corporate style and personality to your site.

We use both proprietary Adobe products and robust open source systems, Drupal, Joomla and Wordpress are the open source CMS's of choice and are used around the world by individuals and businesses from all sectors.

Benefits of Open Source CMS:

• Content is very easy to update
• You are not tied to one web company or provider
• Robust due to years of dedicated developer contributions
• Multiple levels of user, so staff can be assigned pages to update
• Reduced development costs
• Supported by a worldwide community of developers

Demonstration Sites

(Please call if you would like to see commercial sites using CMS's)

A small yet robust CMS for smaller sites and a Feature Rich Drupal site

If you need anymore information about Content Management Systems please don't hesitate to contact us.

This information is also available as a printable leaflet in PDF format (267 KB).