CMS=Content Management System
I’ve recently switched from conventional static websites- the type that are edited on my own computer, saved, then uploaded to the website’s host’s server for it to be public on the web, to dynamic websites- CMS , a type of web-based software that plugs into your website in such a way that updating content becomes much easier than without it.
The advantage is that your website’s files can be edited or updated directly, in real time, from the server where the files are stored, and from any computer just by logging in. This gives you, the site-owner, greater control of not only its updating, but also your website on the whole.
Without a CMS, any updates to your website will require sifting through HTML code to find the right text to update. If all that is required is to change a word or two, this is usually not that difficult. However, if you need to add or subtract content, the challenge becomes greater.
Advantages of CMS
- Automated templates easily applied automatically to new or existing content
- Easily Editable using WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) tools
- Scalable Feature Sets- plug-ins/modules to add functionality
- Web Standard Upgrades- automatic upgrading to current web standards
- Workflow Management- separation of duties, e.g copywriter & editor
- Delegation- allowing/limiting access to content areas to certain groups