Content Management Systems
Content Management Systems (CMS) are a wonderful way to modernize any website. They allow you to host dozens to thousands of pages, all controlled by a set of PHP and CSS code pages and utilizing (in most cases) a MySQL database. With a CMS, you can track changes made by individual users, change the entire look of a website in just minutes and add global functionality including search engine optimization techniques. In addition, all of the content is controlled using a web-browser interface, so no coding experience or software is needed once the site is built.
There are a number of companies out there offering to build custom content management systems, but these will cost thousands of dollars and lack any community support – you’ll need to contract with the developer for technical support at an additional expense.
There are several open-source content management systems available for free on the Web. These are free to use and modify, and should meet the needs of just about any business. And, while you will want to contract with a professional to help you with initial set-up, they are easy to maintain after that, and most offer free technical support in user forums available on the web. Here is a quick look at the top 4 free open-source content management systems. Contact me if you would like to implement one of these solutions for your website.
WordPress
WordPress is my personal favorite of the open-source CMS applications available. Originally built as a personal blogging platform, WordPress has almost infinite customization potential to meet the needs of any business. In addition, it has the support of a huge community of developers who are constantly introducing new themes to change the appearance and new plugins to expand the functionality. Most of the sites I build are constructed using the WordPress CMS.
Drupal
Drupal doesn’t have the support community WordPress has gathered, so there aren’t as many ready-made customizations available. Additionally, some of the implementation and administration can be tricky. While a WordPress website can be run easily by just about anyone once it’s up and running, a Drupal site really needs the ongoing attention of a professional. On the plus side, Drupal offers more functionality in terms of social networking and multi-user contributions, and fully supports integration with the CivicCRM package for non-profit organizations. I currently administer one site with Drupal deployed.
Joomla
Joomla also supports the CivicCRM package. The award-winning CMS is easier to use and implement than Drupal, but doesn’t offer the variety of plugins and themes that WordPress has. I don’t have any Joomla sites running at the moment, but I’ve used it in the past.
MonkeyCMS
Smaller and less powerful than the top three, MonkeyCMS also hasn’t been around as long. It claims to offer “unprecedented control over content, layout and users” but also lacks the huge developer community WordPress has. Although I’ve played with earlier versions, I don’t have any Monkey sites currently deployed.
Articles About Content Management Systems
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- Project Recap: Underage Thinking - May 14, 2010
- Set Up A Joomla Site - April 28, 2010
- Custom Permalinks For Your Wordpress Pages - January 22, 2010
- Five WordPress Plugins You Must Have - December 18, 2009
