Content Management Systems (CMS): useful resources

Struggling with the world of content management systems? Need some help with selecting the right vendor or working out a process to do so? Try the following:

1. metatorial.com
http://www.metatorial.com/whitepapers/cms_selection.asp
Less about products or their features themselves, but very useful in helping you define a CMS selection process.

2. Microsoft
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/ecommerce/contmgt.asp?a=printable
Very comprehensive at 25 pages. Addresses everything from 'what is content?' to why CMS is important, the process, system features, content types etc. Particularly useful for the links section and the list of CMS vendors with relevant links.

3. University of Bristol
http://www.bris.ac.uk/ISC/cms/features.htm
A CMS Feature list which is very useful for developing an evaluation framework, understanding all the core components and elements. It is very neutral and no recommendations are given but is a good categorisation schema to work to.

4. evolt.org
http://www.evolt.org/article/Your_clients_need_a_Content_Management_System/20/5127/index.html
Points out the frustrations, dangers and challenges of NOT having a CMS, looks at different content assets, their source and delivery channels, enumerates the benefits of CMS, lists core requirements of a CMS, briefly addresses syndication and even touches on how CMS overlaps with eCRM. Most interesting for the list of situations where you DON'T need a CMS.

5. The Journal of Electronic Publishing
http://www.press.umich.edu/jep/03-04/kartchner.html
Covers reasons behind having a CMS, its benefits and core components. Most interesting are the pointers on how to overcome hurdles in actually implementing a CMS + the Return on Investment model given to justify CMS costs.

6. Unix Insider
http://www.sunworld.com/sunworldonline/swol-08-2000/swol-0811-webmaster-af_p.html
Workflow, content management goals etc. Most useful for the recommended lists of primary and secondary features to look for when choosing a CMS.

7. Intranet Design Magazine
http://idm.internet.com/articles/200004/im_04_18_00a.html
Good for check lists of what to consider when defining site requirements and analyzing IT infrastructure requirements in terms of CMS.