The introduction of Content Management Systems (CMS) has made the lives of developers all around the world much easier than it used to be. Development time has reduced significantly and productivity is very high.
Content Management System (CMS) is a computer program that allows publishing, editing and modifying content as well as maintenance from a central interface. Such systems of content management provide procedures to manage workflow in a collaborative environment. These procedures can be manual steps or an automated cascade. – Wikipedia
Over the years, there have been numerous content management systems introduced onto the market. Sometimes knowing which one will best suit your needs is not straight forward.
Clearly identifying the objectives behind using a content management system for your website will go a long way in helping you make the right decision.
The following factors should assist you in knowing if in fact you need a CMS for your business website at all:
- Regular update of content on the website: News site, ecommerce site will require regular updates.
- Multiple user access: will the website be updated by different users at the same time? This is a functionality that will serve you well.
- Centralized control: your website is at the center of the overall online marketing strategy, so having control on what is being published is very essential. A CMS will help you manage this process before content is made available to the public.
- Uncomplicated for non-technical team members: CMS allows non-technical members on your team with basic computer skills to manage content on the website.
- Easy internet marketing: manage your online marketing (SEO, social media, email and blogging) in one place.
What CMS?
Once you have decided that you need a CMS, the next question to ask yourself is whether you need a Paid or Open Source option.
In production and development, open source as a development model promotes a universal access via a free license to a product’s design or blueprint, and universal redistribution of that design or blueprint, including subsequent improvements to it by anyone. – Wikipedia
Secondly, consider the need for a .NET or PHP based content management system.
An example of a .Net/Microsoft based CMS is DNN.
An example of a PHP based CMS is WordPress, which is by far the most dominant CMS on the market.
Generally, PHP based CMSs are dominant, including the likes of Joomla and Drupal.
Microsoft Based Content Management Systems
Many of us are well aware of the capabilities of WordPress, Joomla and Drupal. As a result, this article will introduce top five Microsoft based content management systems that can be used for building business websites and web applications. This is a starting point for your own personal research.
DNN, dnnsoftware.com
- Stable and mature;
- Ease of install;
- Strong community;
- Lots of options for themes and plugins;
- Free community and subscription based (professional and enterprise editions).
KENTICO, kentico.com
- Scalable and mature;
- Highly, flexible and scalable;
- Strong community;
- 400+ built-in web parts;
- Options for plugins;
- Free (link and logo on site);
- Paid.
UMBRACO, umbraco.com
- Open source, Open API;
- Stable and mature;
- Highly flexible and scalable;
- Strong community support;
- Options for plugins;
- Free (Open Source) with options for paid support and add-ons.
SITEFINITY, sitefinity.com
- Ease to install and use;
- Supports responsive design and mobile website development;
- Documentation;
- Paid.
MOJO PORTAL, mojoportal.com
- Easy to install and use;
- Strong community support;
- Add-ons;
- Free (Open source) with options for paid add-ons.
