Overview

What is the system that manages the content?

• A system for managing content in a web site. Doesn't require special software for uploading pages (e.g. Dreamweaver, Visual Studio, etc.)
• Content is in essence, any type of digital information.
• It can be text, images, graphics, video, sound, documents, records etc.

Because, the information being managed is digital in nature - the method of managing is also typically conducted electronically.

The management refers to the process of storing content - often with associated work flows - so that the content is deemed to be managed rather than unmanaged where it is located.

The system itself is definable as a software tool, or combination or software tools, that facilitate the efficient and effective management of the content so as to achieve the desired output.

Why we have to manage content?

• Web sites are growing way too quickly.
• Outdated content is typically placed in archives.
• Tools to create new content are becoming easier to use.
• This increases the pool of potential authors.
• There are economic and organizational pressures to move more information to the web.
• Inside every small web site is a huge web site struggling to get out.

Factors that drive CMS

• The number of pages on commercial and academic sites continues to increase.
• Users are becoming more demanding and sophisticated.
• People in the organization want changes, updates and revisions.
• This causes bottlenecks.
• Slowdowns can lead to stale content and inconsistency.
• An unintended consequence of the slowdown is that it's easier for them to absolve themselves of responsibility for the site.
• Technology changes the way an organization creates and manages content

What it does not do?

• Does not write content!
• Does not create site structure - needs planning.
• Is not a design tool.
• Does not create images.
• Does not automatically link pages in to a site and make them visible.