What is a Web Content Management System (WCMS)?

In general terms, just about any piece of software that helps to create the components (e.g. web pages, images, links, menus etc.) could be termed a Web Content Management System (WCMSWeb Content Management System).

At one end of the scale, a simple text editor like Microsoft's NotePad™ can be used to create the script that constitutes practically every page on the web today, whilst at the other end, software developers and system integrators create bespoke solutions costing perhaps tens of thousands of pounds to provide so called 'enterprise solutions' for large corporate and multi-national organisations.

A More Practical Definition

Few people, other than gnarled old web developers, would choose a simple text editor as their WCMSWeb Content Management System of choice, and most companies to not have the requirement, let alone budget, for a substantial bespoke development. 

In practical terms, the Wikipedia OnLine Encyclopedia introduces the following definition:

A web content management system is a content management system software used for managing content for the web.

The software manages content (text, graphics, links, etc.) for distribution on a web server. Usually the software provides tools where users with little or no knowledge of programming languages and markup languages (such as HTML/XHTML) can create and manage content with relative ease of use. Most systems use a database to hold content, and a presentation layer displays the content to regular web site visitors based on a set of templates. Management of the software is typically done through a web browser, but some systems may be modified in other ways.

A Content Management System (CMS) differs from web site builders like FrontPage™ or Dreamweaver™ in that a CMS allows non-technical users to make changes to an existing web site with little or no training. Web site building tools like FrontPage™ and Dreamweaver™ require more technical knowledge and training on average. A CMS is an easy-to-use tool that gives authorised users the ability to manage a web site. A CMS is a web site maintenance tool rather than a web site creation tool.

Introducing the Web Management Studio Web Content Management System

Web Management Studio WCMSWeb Content Management System meets the general definition above.  In addition, Web Management Studio introduces a rich set of features and utilities that really will 'give you control of your web site'!

Our Evaluation Centre will provide you with key links and references to help you better understand the Web Management Studio application suite, however, we would suggest that you simply give us a call on 01474 707 678 (or complete our online enquiry form) to discuss your requirements and aspirations for your web site.