Content Management Systems (CMS)
A website 'Content Management System' (CMS) is a application that allows you to edit, update and configure your website via a web based control interface.
The basic structure of these CMS applications is two-fold. First, a database is used to store all the website's content, information structures, media references, etc. Then second, a 'middleware' technology is used to present an interface between a website manager or 'editor' and the database. It's this middleware interface that allows for maintenance of your website without requiring in-depth knowledge of web technologies.
It could be said that it was the use of Content Management Systems that gave rise to the whole Web 2.0 phenomena of 'social networking' websites. At a basic level, a common use of CMS's is to produce 'blogging engines' which allow you to post articles with others providing feedback by adding 'comments'. But these same CMS's are also used to power web applications such as 'Facebook', 'MySpace' or 'YouTube'.
Using a Content Management System
There are many CMS's available to choose from, and deciding which is the most suitable will largely depend on your website's requirements. Generally there will be some trade-off between the complexity of your requirements and the simplicity in using your chosen CMS.
For example, if your website only requires a series of text based pages with a spattering of images, then you can opt for a simple, basic CMS that will be easy to use. However, if the requirements for your website include having individual member profiles, multiple blogs, video and audio uploads, a forum, an events calendar, and an e-commerce facility, then you'd choose a CMS capable of providing those facilities. Inevitably though, that CMS is going to be a little more complex to maintain.
CMS's are also a massive boon to us as web developers too. Afterall, they allow us to 'cost-effectively' offer you far more than we've ever been able to before. We no longer need to spend hours with custom coding at great expense, because you need to have an interactive photo gallery on your website, with 'most viewed' and 'highest rating' widgets attached.
Drupal
Drupal for example, is a incredibly powerful CMS, and one we tend to use for larger website projects. Its almost endless flexibility does however, make it quite complex to set-up. But when configured properly you do end up with a really robust, secure and amazingly capable website. That's why organisations like Amnesty International and Sony are pleased to use it.
Frieze Design has worked extensively with a number of different CMS's. So we can explain all the options open to you and advise on which CMS is best suited to your requirements. We will install and configure your chosen CMS for you, setting it up so as to allow you the least complex means to maintain your website. We'll then come to you and show you how to use it on your own set-up.
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