What's Content Management System (CMS)

What's the difference between a CMS, ECM and WCMS?

A CMS, ECM and WCMS all manage content, but there are differences between them:

• The CMS is the precursor to the ECM system. A CMS is a place to create, manage and store digital content, and works best with structured content -- such as documents and database records.
• An enterprise content management system manages both structured and unstructured content. It includes software, strategies and security to effectively manage content.
• A web content management system is similar to an ECM system, but the differentiating factor is the WCMS is for web content -- such as product pages on e-commerce websites. It contains a publishing tool and facilitates collaborative authoring.

 

CMS features

Features can vary amongst the various CMS offerings, but core functions include:

• Intuitive indexing, search and retrieval. These features index all data for easy access through search functions and enable users to search by attributes such as publication dates, keywords or author.
• Format management. This helps turn scanned paper documents and legacy electronic documents into HTML or PDF documents.
• Revision features. These features enable content to be updated and edited after initial publication. Revision control also tracks any changes individuals make to files.
• Publishing. This functionality enables individuals to use a template or a set of templates that an organization approves -- as well as wizards and other tools -- for content creation and modification.

A CMS may also provide tools for personalization, or one-to-one marketing. One-to-one marketing is the ability of a website to tailor its content and advertising to a user's specific characteristics using information a user provides or a website gathers. For example, if a user searches for digital cameras in major search engines -- such as Google -- advertising banners may feature businesses that sell digital cameras instead of businesses that sell gardening products.

 

Other popular CMS features include:

• search engine optimization-friendly URLs;
• integrated and online help, including discussion boards;
• group-based permission systems and security;
• full template support and customizable templates;
• easy wizard-based install and versioning procedures;
• admin panel with support for multiple languages;
• minimal server requirements;
• integrated file managers; and
• integrated audit logs.

Benefits of using a CMS

There are a number of benefits to using a content management system, including:

• Ease of use. Due to a graphical user interface, even those with limited technical knowledge can use the software.
• Easy to search for information. A built-in search function enables users to enter what they are searching for and have a list of items returned to them -- much like a Google search engine.
• Easy to manage content. Not only is creating content easy, but so is removing content. A CMS makes it easy to unpublish content to keep websites up to date.
• Accessible from anywhere. A CMS can be cloud-based or on premises, but users can access content from anywhere with a device that's connected to the internet.
• Allows multiple users. A CMS makes it easy to manage publishing permissions.
• Instant content updates. A CMS enables users to manage and update content in real time -- without needing to wait for a developer.
• Easy to scale. A CMS makes it easy for businesses to add new web pages as their business grows without the need for a developer.
• Easy to update. Development teams can roll out updates with just a few clicks.

 Source: Techtarget.com