Choosing a Content Management System (CMS)
Content Management Systems are all around us. Almost every other website we see on the internet uses a CMS in one form or another. They are web applications which allow users to create, modify and publish all forms of content including text, images, banners and even video clips quickly and easily. Determining which CMS is best for your website depends on a number of factors, some of which are discussed here.
The most important feature to look for in a CMS is its user interface since the basic purpose of every CMS is to make easier the job of webmasters and site owners. An all-inclusive CMS which provides a host of features and functionality but has an interface that is difficult to understand and get used to would defeat the whole purpose of using it. The right CMS is one which not only provides all the features and functionality users need but should also offer a user interface that is easy to grasp for a newbie straight out of the box. The primary purpose of a website plays in important role in selecting a CMS. Not all systems can be used on every type of website with an equivalent level of efficiency.
A common yet critical error most site owners commit is to allow someone with technical know-how, such as a web designer or webmaster, to select a CMS for their website as a result of which they end up with one that they find difficult to navigate let alone complete the simplest of operations without assistance. A better option would be to try out several different systems which would allow the user to get a firsthand look at all included features and the user interface before making a final decision.
The basic features should include the ability to add and delete new pages to the site, edit and upload text and images, modify themes, menus, navigation and the overall site layout as well as a What You See Is What You get (WYSIWYG) editor. With the help of a WYSIWYG editor, users can format text, pictures and banners on the fly which means they can preview any changes before actually publishing the content to the site.
The best CMS is one which not only provides the above-mentioned functionality but also enables users to extend its functionalities through the use of readily available extensions which can be used to add non-existing features as per requirement. Any application which is available to the general public and accessible through a web interface is vulnerable to hack attempts. Content Management Systems are no exception. It is pertinent to choose a system which is updated and patched regularly by its developers as new vulnerabilities are discovered in order to prevent the system or the entire site from being exploited by hackers. Apart from the basic documentation that comes with the application, most CMS developers also provide public forums where users can communicate with each other to share their experiences and seek help in case any difficulty arises.
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