by Travis Boudreaux

Created on: November 07, 2007

CMS. Is that just another crazy acronym these computer people come up with to confuse all of the non-technical people? Sometimes it may seem like it. But this one is really simple. It stands for Content Management System, and specifically means a web-based content management system for websites.

So now that you know what a CMS is, of course the next question would be, "Why do I need one instead of a regular website?" The answer can be found in the numerous benefits that are a result of using a CMS to manage your website.

1. Many Open Source CMS's are FREE!

Yup, that is right. Free software. Although there are many commercial options when going for a CMS, there are numerous open source solutions such as Joomla, Drupal, Xoops, that are already developed, and easy to install on a web server.

2. CMS's are Modular

Most CMS consist of a design which uses components and modules. What does that mean? It simply means that if you want to add a forum to your website, you can search for a forum component and module, and use the install package with your CMS to set it up. What would have taken weeks for a developer to design around your site, takes 10 minutes to install and configure.

3. Nontechnical People Can Write Content

Most CMS's come with an administrator's area that is secured via a login screen. Once an admin logs in, he or she can write content and post it in different sections of the website. Writing new content for your site can be almost as easy as writing it in Microsoft Office.

4. Community Support

Using open source CMS's that are very popular makes you a member of a large community. When there is a bug in the software, instead of paying one developer an outrageous fee to fix his mistake, community members are there to support you and help you fix the problems that they have already had.

5. Security Updates

Hackers are looking for new ways to get your data every day. Here is where the community comes in handy again. Instead of having one developer who is stretched thin by 10 different projects trying to keep your site safe, there is a community of people who are constantly correcting security bugs and issuing patches when new critical security flaws are found.

Now that you have seen the benefits that come with using a CMS I hope you consider using one. In the long run, it will make managing your site easier, cheaper, and safer. And who wouldn't want that?

Learn more about this author, Travis Boudreaux.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.