Wednesday, November 14, 2012

How Can a Content Management System Make Web Design Easier?

In today's online world, it is becoming quite easy to make and put up  a web page with absolutely no knowledge of HTML whatsoever. A Content Management System(CMS) is probably something we are all familiar with, but maybe didn't realize that is what they were called. If you have ever  used a free web page designer, server, or ISP; you have used or had access to a content management system. Though these are usually rudimentary types of content management systems, there are other more involved options as well. With a CMS, you do not have to know HTML, and you can put up a page quickly and easily.

Content Management Systems  also help companies that already have a web development department. It
is important for these companies because they have the same people who are writing content for a particular section of a website be the ones to  upload to the site as well. Before content management systems, the
content writers would have to submit their content to developers who would then convert it for the website. Now it is one-step, and the content writers can have more control over their content and the integrity behind it. It also saves time because usually the content writers can upload immediately after finishing their assignments.

The advantages are endless. First of all it allows web content writers to access the web page that their intellectual property is on directly. This means that they can edit or remove content fast and efficiently on
their own time. It also allows the user to update web pages faster. Once  again, I'll mention that HTML knowledge is not required. There are no classes to take, and no mistakes in code that could mess up everything! Content management systems also provide security, as the managers are able to track user information as well as track logins and see if unauthorized users are making changes.

A CMS will also bring about  standardization because it enables content writers to upload on a template type system. Therefore, the actual format of the content usually cannot be changed by the writer; however the actual content may be edited simply. Therefore anything that the company has added before or after the content was uploaded cannot be controlled by the contributor. For example, titles, ad space, or other website content is owned by the managing company where they control the input of this content. However, this is usually how the website makes money and is reserved for another department in the company.
Now that you know a  little more about content management systems, you may wonder how someone would decide which one to use. If you are currently working with  a company with one already in place, the decision has already been made  for you. However, if you are looking for a CMS for your business or
personal gain, it is important to research the options available to you.

There  are many different options when it comes to choosing a Content Management System. Some of the most popular platforms are WordPress, Joomla, Drupal and Concrete5. They have increased in popularity because they are backed by large communities of developers who create "plugins and extensions" to further enhance their functionality.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7355467