Let us use an example that may better define the idea of a CMS. If you were to want to rent a car from Denver to Colorado Springs you would want a car that is dependable, easy to handle and proficient. Car companies spend millions of dollars every year on research and development to ensure that customers are satisfied. You don’t have to be an auto mechanic to drive a car all you have to do is be able to follow a few simple procedures by utilizing a steering wheel, gas pedal and break pedal. Car companies have devoted the time to create efficient CMS in their cars to make it easier for you. An easy to handle car is a great investment and so is a CMS for your website. The same principle applies. With the use of everyday PC tasks, like typing text or uploading a file a CMS will be just as easy to handle.
The Internet and the utilization of a great website has developed into a primary communications tool in the new world of business. The advantages of a superb website are numerous. Your website does not punch in at 9 and go home at 5. It is not limited to your street or city. Your website is open for business 24/7 and is available to the world. Changing your business signs and paper literature takes time. If there is a mistake on your website content you can correct it immediately.
In addition, websites in today’s ever changing technology are written in coded language that would blow the mind of an average PC user. Also, website content needs to be fresh and up to date. Then there is the budget issue. If you have to go to a web design professional every time you need to upload something on your site than you are losing money. The CMS gives you and your organization the controls you need to manage your own website eliminating problems with code, content and wasted money. Anyone in your organization will have the ability to assist you in keeping the website up to date. The CMS will allow you to draw your attention to other investments like web development features. You can even increase your enhance your search engine rankings.
So, how do you know which CMS is right for you? Well it is like choosing a hammer to do a project. You have to take into consideration if you intend to build a house with the hammer or hang a picture. The tool will depend on your needs and future requirements. There are basically two variations of CMS. One is custom and the other is open source. Managing users, content and media is easily obtainable with both. They both offer stability and security along with the options for enhancement down the road. However, both present good points and bad points.
First let us examine the Open Source CMS. A group of developers created this special software. It is easy to adapt to your needs and best of all it is free to utilize. One of the advantages is that it offers extensive documentation, developers that are an cinch to find and countless modules to use. Some of the disadvantages are it comes with a one size will satisfy all approach that weakens customization opportunities. In addition, the pages on the website download a little slower due to queries. The admin area contains complicated features that you will never use. Some of the options that are available are Word press, Joomla and Drupal all of which are on (PHP).
Now lets take a look at the Custom CMS. The Custom CMS is designed to meet your specific needs and technology requirements. Created to accomplish your tasks and handle your workflow. The advantages are as follows. The pages have fewer queries and therefore will download much faster. Downloads all the items you need and not the ones you do not. One of the disadvantages is that it does not contain the extra features of the Open Source. The option available is keep it Simple CMS.
All you have to do is decide what you want for your organization. Do you want slower downloads with extra features or do you desire faster downloads and a website customized for you in a keep it simple (KIS) format. Regardless of which CMS tool you choose it will make offer you the control that you need to effectively manage your website for years to come. |
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