What is a CMS?

The acronym CMS stands for ‘content management system’ which at its most simple is a website that allows the owner to administer the day to day updates to the website.  A CMS is now the standard entry point for joining the world-wide-web for your business or organisation’s website.  The reason why a CMS is so popular is that it facilitates easy and fast modification of content with full owner control over editing and publishing, from anywhere you are in the world (all you need is an internet connection).  You no longer need to contact your web developer anymore!

Some items of content you can update include:

• Text, images, video files, audio files,
• documents (PDF, Word, Excel),
• links (internal and external),
• menu items, navigation structure,
• upcoming events,
• products, categories, pricing and
• much more.

All through an administrator interface and at times with a nice WYSIWYG editor (what-you-see-is-what-you-get).

There are many open source content management systems (no licensing fees attached to the core development framework) available as well as the option of a custom developed CMS (proprietary CMS software).  Some open source CMS include:

Where to start?

With so many choices of proprietary versus open source content management systems and the hundreds of web development companies out there, who do you choose, what platform do you select and where do you start?

Your first step would be to outline your business needs, expected outcomes and website requirements.  Don’t worry if your website requirements aren’t 100% complete, you should be guided by your website development company here.  The most important part of the process is to make sure you have all the stakeholders from your organisation contribute to the project prior to commencement, so there are no interruptions, drastic change of direction or any other unforeseen circumstances to effect your project delivery.

Now to select your web development company…

Why choose Protocol Networks to deliver your Content Management System?

At Protocol Networks we can assist you through this complex process when making a decision based on your requirements, business needs and more importantly your budget by taking a holistic approach.  Being in the industry for over 12 years we have a number of web partners and contractors we work with that can assist with delivering your project.

Working with you to scope your project in detail and then look at the various content management systems available to you for your requirements and within your budget.  Protocol Networks will explain the features and benefits of various recommended CMS (but not limited to) including Joomla, WordPress, Business Catalyst and Magneto eCommerce.

After careful selection of the platform we will then work closely with you and your team to deliver the project.  Making the complex process a lot easy for you with a bit of ‘hand holding’ and clear explanation with realistic expectations will help with the delivery of a successful project.

Features  and Benefits of a CMS

Depending on your selected CMS there are a number of unique features, however there are some common shared features and benefits of having a CMS for your website, which include:

• Design and Layout
  Custom design and layout based on your branding and website requirements
• User management
  Allowing you to have control over managing users within your CMS, giving permissions and access to documents and secure areas within your site.  You can also assign users to be able to update various content throughout your website
• Easy to update content
  Manage your content through an easy to use WYSIWYG content editor.  It looks similar to word and with a little assistance from our staff, you are on your way within hours.
• Save time and money
  No need to pay your web developer or wait till they next “have the time”.  Log in from anywhere in the world where you have an internet connection and change/update the content on your website…yourself!   Instant updates and save big dollars.
• Streamline your business
  Improve productivity by allowing your customer to purchase online, pay their bills online and even get access to a ‘members’ area to download the latest documents.  The potential is endless…
• Growth and support
  As your business grows a CMS can grow with you, there are a number of components available and more built each day.  The training and support available online is growing with website support, videos and even training face-to-face.

The ability to have full control over the day to day running of your website is what makes a CMS such a great investment.  Just as you would with any part of a bricks and mortar business, daily or weekly changes to your offer or advertising are essential to stay relevant and competitive.  We provide training as part of our contract with clients, and can provide ongoing support by arrangement, if needed.

Next step…

Contact us and let’s have a quick chat and see what direction you should take with your content management system.

Phone: 1300 131 932