RavensLog

Ok, so a web content management system is a software system that makes it easy to publish, manage, edit, organize and display your website content. These systems typically use template theme engines to display your content to your website visitors.

The templates can also be edited and modified but this requires a bit of HTML and CSS knowledge. It is also fairly easy to add features and functionality to your website but this usually requires a bit of technical knowledge.

Web Content management systems typically have the following features:
Automated templates – That allow you to create a visual template for your entire website or in some cases lets you assign a particular template to certain content groups or types.

Easily editable content – Most content management software includes a WYSIWYG editor that makes creating and editing your website content a little easier.

Scalable feature sets – Most content management systems have plug-ins or modules that extend your website functionality.

Web standards upgrades – Active CMS software usually gets regular updates that ensure the system stays up to current web standards.

Workflow management – The workflow management within a CMS allows you to create content but hold it back from being published until it has been edited and approved.

Document management – Some CMS systems allow for managing the life cycle of a document from creation, publication, archive and deletion.

Content virtualisation – Some CMS systems allow users to work within a virtual copy of the website which enables changes to content before it is submitted.

The letters CMS is an abbreviation for Content Management System. Knowing what the letters stand for gives a clearer idea of what it is but still it’s necessary to define what it is that a Content Management System actually does. Yes, it does just what it says, i.e. it’s a system that manages content but what is content, what is meant by “management” and what is a system?

OK, I’ll try to clarify it a bit more by defining each word to create a clearer definition of a Content Management System(CMS).

Content can be any electronic information. So things like text, images, video, sound, or other electronic files would be considered as content.

If content is any form of electronic information, then content management is the management of such content by combining process, functions and workflows in a way that its electronic storage is deemed to be managed rather than unmanaged.

A system is considered a to be tool or a combination of tools that makes it possible to produce the desired output using the managed content efficiently and effectively.

So we can say that:

“A CMS is a tool that enables a variety of (centralised) technical and (de-centralised) non technical staff to create, edit, manage and finally publish (in a number of formats) a variety of content (such as text, graphics, video, documents etc), whilst being constrained by a centralised set of rules, process and workflows that ensure coherent, validated electronic content.”

Just as a document management system manages documents and an asset management system/tools manage assets, so does a web content management system manage the content of a website. There are however many different types of CMS but the type I’ll be focusing on is for the management of web content.

“Do I need a website?” Is a very common question, especially from small to medium sized businesses. The short answer is “YES” every business needs a website.

The Internet has changed the business arena and you need to use current technologies, like the Internet to be competitive in today’s business world. A website gives you the opportunity to market your business to a broader audience, a global audience, and it’s cost effective. It can be the easiest way of doing business with the widest audience.

The web technologies available allows you do transactions online so your website need not only be a marketing tool but rather a business tool. It should be seen as an online representative that markets your business to a global market and brings in new business.

Your web presence is as important as having a phone or fax number. Many people don’t use telephone directories anymore but prefer searching online for what they need and if your business is not online then they won’t find you.

A website should serve as more than just an online brochure though. Even if you don’t plan to sell your products or services online you could have an online email contact form or newsletter subscription to keep customers informed.

Your website could be like an interactive or functioning business card or brochure that allows customers or potential customer to interact with your business online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week every day of the year.

People don’t ask for your business card anymore, they ask for your URL. So as you can see, a web site is important for your business. Without it you will lose to the competition who do have a web presence.

So get a website, get noticed!!

Implementing your e-business plans can make your effective processes more Effective, Efficient and Economical… Yes, the three E’s can be achieved with a properly planned e-business strategy.

Looking back to our definition of e-business, “e-business or electronic business refers to the use of telecommunication networks, like the Internet, to conduct business.” it becomes clear that e-business allows you to connect with employees, customers/clients, suppliers and just about anyone else you want regardless of geographical location.

So e-Business makes it possible to automate many processes and by automating these processes you eliminate/reduce human functions from otherwise time consuming activities. Efficiency is improved with faster processing and reduced errors in routine data processes and business interaction.

We are in an era were you need to use the technology that’s available to stay in business. Something as simple as not having an email address can turn a potential client toward your competitor who does have an email address and the same applies to having a website.

I’ll get into the importance of a website with my next post.