Content Management Systems

Ever wondered how the engaging graphics and designs we see in websites or brochures come about? Content management systems (abbreviated as CMS) are computer applications that are used in the management and design of e-content. They enable graphics professionals and webmasters to come up with the most intriguing content to suit the needs of their particular clientele.

CMS can be used to edit or review the existing content in, for example, websites and integrated files. The CMS is made up of two core elements, that is, the content management application (CDA) and the content delivery application (CDA). The former is used by a designer in the management of content without necessarily having to possess skills of a programming language. This means that the developer can easily use the CMA as a tool for creating content despite the fact that he might lack the required technical know-how.

With the latter, that is the CDA, it enables the developer after going through the first stage using the CMA to adopt the changes or upgrades made to the already existing content. The CMS also consists of a number of features that enable it to function the way it does. The features are not common when it comes to all types of CMS available and may vary from one system to another. Commonly they contain search, retrieving and web-based publishing features.

There are a number of CMS depending on what the user’s needs are. These needs could differ because of the organizational structure, the license held, the technologies adopted and the overall performance of the user. CMS types are the Web CMS, the Enterprise CMS, the Mobile CMS and the Content CMS and this can include Movable Type; Joomla and Drupal just to name a few.

The CMS system should also have the capability to perform various functions as the ones listed below:-
• Restricted access of content to only authorized personnel
• Allow for upgrading of the information
• Flexibility of content to suit various users
• Allowance of access to a number of people to edit content simultaneously
• Keeping track of all the alterations that are made to the content

Though the employment of a CMS in an organization makes management of content less of a headache, there are factors that must be put into consideration before adopting one. First, the size of the company’s personnel and its various branches and secondly, the different types of content the company deals with. This system can be a challenge in cases where the company’s offices are widely spread even into other countries. In the case of content, if the company deals with a numerous number, for example audio, video, text and graphics among others, it also becomes hard to implement it.

You do not have to hire a computer wizard to upgrade your website or other content. CMS is the application that will come in place and save the day!