Content Management Systems
 WEBSITE CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Content management system function on client-server architect ; it enables  information to be well structured and automates maintenance

Content management means managing unit of digital information which can either be text, graphics, video or sound.  Web Content Management Systems exists to allow non technical users to edit information, the structure also known as a template is concealed from the editor such that they only deal with manipulation (addition and deletion of information)

It is a complex blend of functionality, acquiring, managing and approving information .  This encourages scalability because the website can grow without losing structure or template and it allows the separation of the content from the structure such that the users of the systems are only concerned with the information

Content Management systems have been popularized by open source so much such that every time a CMS is mentioned, people that are knowledgeable in Information Technology think it refers to one of the open source. However there are also commercial content management systems.


There are software and tools for creating web pages and even websites, but it takes time to learn how to use them, but with content management system, once the architect of the site is settled, other pages can be added automatically thereby freeing the designers to design, programmers to program and content managers to manage the content of the website (Burlaca, 2003). The importance of this is that it enhances the outlook of the company, as information is kept fresh and current

The value added by content management systems are enormous; they are as follows just to mention a few; increases chances of displaying correct information since editors can easily edit the content, reduces the chances of legal issues since content can easily be edited and the website owners do not have to depend on the web designers. It enables decentralization of content creation because different people can login from different locations and collectively edit enhancing collaboration. In these days of rapid technological advancement, there is a need to respond quickly to change.
It creates competitive advantages because a website with fresh content shows a forward looking company

Content management is not just enhanced integration but it is also automation of process that leads to efficient dissemination of information

(Browning and Lowdes, sept, 2001) argue that the cost of implementing a content management system may be similar to purchasing a student record system which even though both are essential, content management system will strategically place the company on competitive edge.

Content management system can be divided into three categories; authoring, storage, workflow and publishing. Briefly explained, authoring is a process by which many users can contribute content within a controlled environment, workflow is the management process between authoring and publishing e.g. when the legal team or the manager sign off the website. In the past it was done outside the software but with content management system it is inbuilt into the flow. (Browning and Lowndes,  2001)

In storage, information can either be stored into a database or extensible mark up language (XML) and be retrieved when needed.   Publishing is the process by which stored information can be delved either as wireless mark up, html or pdf (Browning and Lowndes,  2001)

In 2003, Browning and Lowndes predicted that investing in C.M.S was riskier than investing in other established systems. That prediction should have changed now with the rise of many open source systems for content management. (Browning and Lowndes,  2001)