Content management system explained

A content management system (CMS) is computer software used to manage the creation and modification of digital content (content management).^{[1] [2] [3]} A CMS is typically used for enterprise content management (ECM) and web content management (WCM).

ECM typically supports multiple users in a collaborative environment^[4] by integrating document management, digital asset management, and record retention.^[5]

Alternatively, WCM is the collaborative authoring for websites and may include text and embed graphics, photos, video, audio, maps, and program code that display content and interact with the user.^{[6] [7]} ECM typically includes a WCM function.

Structure

A CMS typically has two major components: a content management application (CMA), as the front-end user interface that allows a user, even with limited expertise, to add, modify, and remove content from a website without the intervention of a webmaster; and a content delivery application (CDA), that compiles the content and updates the website.

Installation type

There are two types of CMS installation: on-premises and cloud-based. On-premises installation means that the CMS software can be installed on the server. This approach is usually taken by businesses that want flexibility in their setup. Notable CMSs which can be installed on-premises are Wordpress.org, Drupal, Joomla, Grav, ModX and others.

The cloud-based CMS is hosted on the vendor environment. Examples of notable cloud-based CMSs are SquareSpace, Contentful, Wordpress.com, Webflow, Ghost and WIX.

Common features

The core CMS features are: indexing, search and retrieval, format management, revision control, and management.^[5]

Features may vary depending on the system application but will typically include:^[5]

• Intuitive indexing, search, and retrieval features index all data for easy access through search functions and allow users to search by attributes such as publication dates, keywords or author.
• Format management facilitates turning scanned paper documents and legacy electronic documents into HTML or PDF documents.
• Revision features allow content to be updated and edited after initial publication. Revision control also tracks any changes made to files by individuals.
• Publishing functionality allows individuals to use a template or a set of templates approved by the organization, as well as wizards and other tools to create or modify content.

Popular additional features may include:^[5]

• SEO-friendly URLs
• Integrated and online help, including discussion boards
• Group-based permission systems
• Full template support and customizable templates
• Easy wizard-based install and versioning procedures
• Admin panel with multiple language support
• Content hierarchy with unlimited depth and size
• Minimal server requirements
• Integrated file managers
• Integrated audit logs
• Support AMP page for Google
• Support schema markup
• Designed as per Google quality guidelines for website architecture
• Availability of plug-ins for additional functionalities.
• Security precautions such as 2 Factor Authentication

Other types of content management systems

Digital asset management systems are another type of CMS. They manage content with clearly-defined author or ownership, such as documents, movies, pictures, phone numbers, and scientific data. Companies also use CMSs to store, control, revise, and publish documentation.

There are also component content management systems (CCMS), which are CMSs that manage content at a modular level rather than as pages or articles. CCMSs are often used in technical communication, where many publications reuse the same content.

Widely used CMSs

Based on a survey, the most widely used content management system is WordPress, used by 42.8% of the top 10 million websites as of October 2021. Other commonly used content management systems include Joomla, Shopify, and Wix.^{[8] [9]}

See also

• Content management
• Content Management Interface
• Document management system
• Dynamic web page
• Enterprise content management
• Headless content management system
• HTML
• Icy Phoenix, CMS based on phpBB
• Information management
• Knowledge management
• LAMP (software bundle)
• List of content management systems
  • Personalization management system Revision control
• Web application framework

References

Bibliography

• Book: Professional Content Management Systems: Handling Digital Media Assets. Andreas Mauthe. Peter Thomas. 978-0-470-85542-3. John Wiley & Sons. 2004.
• Database Structure and Manipulation Capabilities of a Picture Database Management System (PICDMS). 4. 484–492. IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence. PAMI-6. en-US. 10.1109/TPAMI.1984.4767553. July 1984. Chock. M.. Cardenas. A. F.. Klinger. A.. 21869216. 17289079.

Notes and References

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. Web site: What is a Content Management System (CMS)? Definition from WhatIs.com . SearchContentManagement . 2019-09-23.
6. Web site: What Is a Content Management System (CMS). Kinsta. 19 August 2019.
7. Web site: Content Management System (CMS) and other spin-off terms definition(s). Kohan. Bernard. Comentum. 19 August 2019.
8. Web site: Tech Reports – What CMS? . December 14, 2020 . December 14, 2020 . November 12, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201112024302/https://whatcms.org/Tech_Reports . dead .
9. Web site: W3Techs content management usage . March 1, 2021.