Content management system

A content management system (CMS)^[1][2][3] is a computer application that supports the creation and modification of digital content. It is often used to support multiple users working in a collaborative environment.^[4]

CMS features vary widely. Most CMSs include Web-based publishing, format management, history editing and version control, indexing, search, and retrieval. By their nature, content management systems support the separation of content and presentation.

A web content management system (WCM or WCMS) is a CMS designed to support the management of the content of Web pages. Most popular CMSs are also WCMSs. Web content includes text and embedded graphics, photos, video, audio, maps, and code (e.g., for applications) that displays content or interacts with the user.

Such a content management system (CMS) typically has two major components:

• A content management application (CMA) is the front-end user interface that allows a user, even with limited expertise, to add, modify and remove content from a Web site without the intervention of a webmaster.
• A content delivery application (CDA) compiles that information and updates the Web site.

Digital asset management systems are another type of CMS. They manage things such as documents, movies, pictures, phone numbers and scientific data. CMSs can also be used for storing, controlling, revising, and publishing documentation.

Based on marketshare statistics, the most popular content management system is WordPress, used by over 27% of websites on the internet.^[5] Other popular content management systems include Joomla and Drupal.

Common features

Content management systems will often contain the following features:

• SEO-friendly URLs
• Integrated and online help
• Modularity and extensibility
• User and group functionality
• Templating support for changing designs
• Install and Upgrade wizards
• Integrated audit logs
• Compliancy with various accessibility frameworks and standards, such as WAI-ARIA

Advantages

• Reduced need to code from scratch
• The ability to create a website quickly
• The ability to create a unified look and feel
• Version control
• Edit permission management

Disadvantages

• Limited or no ability to create functionality not envisioned in the CMS (layouts, web apps, etc.)
• Increased need for special expertise and training for content authors

See also

• Content management
• Document management system
• Dynamic web page
• Enterprise content management
• Information management
• Knowledge management
• LAMP (software bundle)
• List of content management frameworks
• List of content management systems
• Revision control
• Web application framework
• Wiki

Notes

1. Managing Enterprise Content: A Unified Content Strategy. Ann Rockley, Pamela Kostur, Steve Manning. New Riders, 2003.
2. The content management handbook. Martin White. Facet Publishing, 2005.
3. Content Management Bible, Bob Boiko. John Wiley & Sons, 2005.
4. Moving Media Storage Technologies: Applications & Workflows for Video and Media S2011. Page 381
5. "W3Techs content management usage". August 8, 2016.

References

• Andreas Mauthe; Peter Thomas (2004). Professional Content Management Systems: Handling Digital Media Assets. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-0-470-85542-3.

External links

• Content Management Systems at DMOZ