Content Management Systems
A Content Management System is a mechanism by which a client can update and maintain
the content of their website with little or no technical knowledge.
How does a Content Management System work?
These system can vary in design and complexity but in general a Content
Management Systems (CMS) consists of a web based interface which is used to enter data
into a database. The website consists of a structure or template based upon an agreed
design and the content for the website is loaded from the database when the user requests
a page. Using the web based interface, information in the database can be added, updated or
deleted and these actions are reflected in the website content.
Advantages of Content Management Systems
There are a number of benefits of a Content Management System, including:
- Complete control over your website content
- Updates can be completed whenever you want
Disadvantages of Content Management Systems
You should also be aware of the potential disadvatages of a website Content Management System:
- In house resources will be required to update the website
- Staff will require additional training
- Internal staff are unlikely to fully understand website copywriting
- Updates are live, it is easy to introduce errors into a live website
- Additional costs will be incurred during development
Content Management Systems - the combined approach
In practice we find that a combined approach works well for many of our clients. At the outset
of a project we identify those parts of a website which will be updated on a regular basis and
provide a Content Management System for those areas. However, other parts of the website which would
change infrequently would be hard coded and could not be updated by the client.
For example a Town Council may need to add minutes of council meetings and make them available for
public scrutiny. A Content Managemnent System can be used to allow the council to upload the documents
to the web site ready for public download, while the general text providing guidance for the download
would be hard coded into the page. Please visit
Horley Town Council's website which makes a wide range
of information available to the public. The Town Clerk and his staff update the site themselves using
a Content Management System designed by TNC.
What do Content Management Systems cost?
Content Management Systems are specific to each client and vary in cost according to complexity.
To give you an indication of our standard costs click here.