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Content Management Systems (CMS) Buyer's Guide
An invaluable resource for those investigating the market for content management systems (CMS), with profiles of 21 leading vendors, the latest market trends and tips and pitfalls for buyers. The 283-page report provides details on the issues and trends affecting this sector, as well as information about best practice and tips for successful CMS implementations.
04 March 2009 10:07am
We'll shortly be going out to the market in a search for a new CMS. Our current system has far more complexity than we could ever desire (think of the type of system running something like Amazon) and has been customised beyond all recognition, and beyond the capabilities of onsite IT support.
We'd like a new system that isn't so dumbed down that someone with decent html skills can't get creative with it, but is simple enough to require miniumum support from IT. It would be used to run a basic, non-transactional website and potentially an extranet one day.
Any initial recommendations?
Creative Director at 72 dots Ltd
04 March 2009 17:26pm
We use http://expressionengine.com/ for lots of sites and are really happy with it. You could also think about using Wordpress as a CMS - not as crazy as you may think.
If you want something really simple, you could look into cmsmadesimple.com which is OK - you'll get up and running quickly.
I'm also hearing good things about frog - http://www.madebyfrog.com/
Go to http://www.opensourcecms.com/ and try out loads of demos for free.
You're probably still going to need some technical input to set it all up. The key's in planning exactly what you need.
Technical Project Manager (MBA, MBCS, CITP, CEng) at Naxtech.com
04 March 2009 21:37pm
You might also want to look at CMS Afroditi: http://www.naxtech.com/products.asp#cms which is more of a highly customisable base platform for CMS-based solutions.
Owner at Practical E-Business
09 March 2009 08:44am
Have a look at www.incontrolmarketing.co.uk
Their system has a wysiwyg interface, or you can jump into the html.
I've used it to cut and paste html from supplier data, them modified in the editor.
Easy to use, and they've also got an e-mail marketing tool that works the same way.
I'm currently working with them on an intranet for a client.
CEO at Write My Site
10 March 2009 14:26pm
I've heard good things about using Wordpress as a CMS - in fact I'm having my site (www.writemysite.co.uk) put into Wordpress this week!
MD at TH_NK
12 March 2009 07:35am
Hi,
I would recomend looking at RedDot (www.reddot). It's a very flexible CMS that allows those with skills to work is a custom manner, however for those staff who are non-skilled the user interface is simple and intuitive, so much so you can have them up and running within a couple of hours.
TH_NK has a great deal of experience in delivering site with a range of complexity using RedDot. If you would like to discuss RedDot in more detail, please contact Ryan Hall on 0191 241 7000 who would be happy to take you you through some of our case studies.
Kind regards
Tarek
Sr Manager - Business Development at Hungama.org
18 March 2009 07:16am
Hello,
We have CMS solutions mapped to different tiers / company sizes and busines domains. This solution is based on streamlined process and easy to use for IT support staff. Maintenance doesnt require technical skills to play around with the portal. I believe it would be worthwhile if you can call me at +91 973 004 1744.
Warm regards
Vinay
Managing Director at Soak Digital Ltd
23 March 2009 15:18pm
It might be worth considering open source options such as Joomla or Drupal.
Both are very well supported and come with a broad range of built in modules which can be easily customised to suit your individual requirements.
Oh, and the really good news is they are free!
Director at Codehouse
24 March 2009 15:48pm
To help with narrowing down the choices (and there are many!), as well as feature/functionality set, also look at choice of technology (.NET/PHP) and licensing model (commercial/open source).
If you are looking to get help building your site on the CMS, then the build partner's familiarity with the system should help maximise the system's positives and work around its undesirable "features". A partner will have used the CMS many times whilst, typically, it is the customer's first (and only) install of that CMS.
And the sales pitch - we are very willing to advise on a CMS and help with the build.
Director/Owner at Fluke
25 March 2009 08:09am
We would agree with Ian in suggesting Expression Engine as a fantastic platform to publish from. its incredibly flexible and can probably be as simple or complicated as you like.
Wordpress is another excellent option which is also free but is not as flexible as Expression Engine. Both run off open source databases and platforms and as such will be widely supported by a large community of designers and programmers.