Content management software addresses the need of businesses to frequently change or update documentation or, information on their website.
There are basically two types of content management software...
client-side, and web-based.
Client-side solutions are applications installed on a local computer that connects to a web server to enable updates.
In this case, the only way to change the information is from the computer where the application is installed.
A web-based content management application, on the other hand, is one that resides on the web server.
Unlike client-side software, a web-based content management solution is accessible from anywhere via a web browser and an internet connection.
What are the functions which you should look for with this type of program? It really depends on your needs, but any organization that is looking into this technology should be primarily concerned about the following: Architecture.
What technologies does the software use and is it compatible with your current work environment? If it is client-side software, does it operate in a UNIX or Windows environment? If it resides on a web server, what type of server will support it? Can it be customized by your development team if required? Publishing Workflow.
A sophisticated workflow is a great advantage for a large organization, but a liability for smaller companies.
Typical publishing workflows consist of writers, editors and administrators with various levels of permission for creating and approving content.
Choose a workflow that best fits your company.
User Permissions and Roles.
Many content management solutions implement a user-based permission system, allowing the editing or display of content only to approved groups.
A robust encryption system ensures that only users with the correct access levels have access to certain content.
Extensibility.
Does the software provide additional modules? If the needs of the business grow, can the system grow too? What additional functionality is 'pluggable'? Scalability.
How will it scale to hundreds of users? How about thousands? As the number of users expands, will administrators have a harder time managing the software? And last but not least, consider the type of content you need to publish.
Simple content management software solutions are inexpensive, while complex solutions that require heavy customization can cost many hundreds of pounds.
The simpler the content management software is, the greater the chances that it is downloadable for a free trial period.
High end solutions may require you to contact the provider first for a price quote.
There are basically two types of content management software...
client-side, and web-based.
Client-side solutions are applications installed on a local computer that connects to a web server to enable updates.
In this case, the only way to change the information is from the computer where the application is installed.
A web-based content management application, on the other hand, is one that resides on the web server.
Unlike client-side software, a web-based content management solution is accessible from anywhere via a web browser and an internet connection.
What are the functions which you should look for with this type of program? It really depends on your needs, but any organization that is looking into this technology should be primarily concerned about the following: Architecture.
What technologies does the software use and is it compatible with your current work environment? If it is client-side software, does it operate in a UNIX or Windows environment? If it resides on a web server, what type of server will support it? Can it be customized by your development team if required? Publishing Workflow.
A sophisticated workflow is a great advantage for a large organization, but a liability for smaller companies.
Typical publishing workflows consist of writers, editors and administrators with various levels of permission for creating and approving content.
Choose a workflow that best fits your company.
User Permissions and Roles.
Many content management solutions implement a user-based permission system, allowing the editing or display of content only to approved groups.
A robust encryption system ensures that only users with the correct access levels have access to certain content.
Extensibility.
Does the software provide additional modules? If the needs of the business grow, can the system grow too? What additional functionality is 'pluggable'? Scalability.
How will it scale to hundreds of users? How about thousands? As the number of users expands, will administrators have a harder time managing the software? And last but not least, consider the type of content you need to publish.
Simple content management software solutions are inexpensive, while complex solutions that require heavy customization can cost many hundreds of pounds.
The simpler the content management software is, the greater the chances that it is downloadable for a free trial period.
High end solutions may require you to contact the provider first for a price quote.
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