A Content Management System is a software or application that helps create or manage content digitally. In today’s world, more people and companies are shifting to online platforms to continue running their businesses.
With people getting more acquainted with the internet and newer technologies, majority of companies are managing their tasks virtually. Online business promoters must make sure that their websites perform well and meet the visitors’ expectations. Content Management System or CMS is used to make the website visiting experience better, by updating website pages and other functionalities.
A complete knowledge of the different types if content management systems and their uses is a must before opting for any one of them. It gives a better idea of which one to choose and helps with better comparison and analysis.
Following are the most commonly used Content Management Systems along with their uses and benefits:
Web Content Management System or WCMS
A Web Content Management System is a type of CMS that lets a user create/edit/manage a web page without prior software development knowledge. A WCMS provides templates that can be directly used to form the layout of the website and then content can be easily created.
A WCMS has got its advantages of enabling users customize webpages with personalized content input. Also, publishing content automatically helps save time and enhances work speed. WordPress and Droopal are examples of Web Content Management System.
Component Content Management System or CCMS
Unlike other Content Management Systems, CCMS handles content at a microscopic level. A Component Content Management System is known to manage content by tracking and storing the smallest details of a page like words, phrases, images etc. these little details are called components and hence the name Component Content Management System.
CCMS stores the content in the system after referring to every single piece of the content as a single entity. Therefore, it aids to reuse these little pieces of the page within a single document or related documents, thereby increasing consistency. Reusability of content saves time during the writing ad editing process. Another major advantage of a CCMS is, every detail of a page or document can be tracked since the content is handled at a granular level. Examples of CCMS are Vasont, XDocs, SDL Live Content etc.
Document Management System or DMS
As the name suggests, a Document Management System is used to handle documents virtually that are stored in a cloud. Functions like managing and tracking of the documents can be performed virtually in the cloud storage itself. A DMS helps to automatically organize, secure, digitize and classify website or company documents with an ease of accessibility.
A DMS comes with high security to maintain confidentiality of content. ClickUp and HubSpot are examples of Document Management Systems.
Mobile Content Management Systems or MCMS
Mobile Content Management Systems are exclusively designed for handling content using smart phones, tablets and devices that are handheld. This idea evolved in close connection with the development of smart phone technology. Handheld electronic devices are easier to handle and more portable in nature, making content management hassle free and smoother even while traveling.
Contentful is an example of a CMS for mobile apps. Other examples include Contentstack, dotCMS etc.
Enterprise Content Management System or ECMS
Enterprise Content Management System is a methodological system that follows a range of strategies and tools to handle information. These strategies and processes include scanning, tracking, indexing and more. ECMS is responsible for content that shapes a company’s basic framework. These are large scale software packages that make it convenient to prepare reports. Thy help in tracking and controlling the complex operations of a business.
One of the biggest upsides of ECMS is, once the required content is used, the files are deleted after retaining for a stipulated period. This ensures availability of space. Atlasian and Confluence are two such Enterprise Content Management Systems.
Digital Asset Management System or DAM
Digital Asset management System is an information and business process management technology. It paves way for a centralized system for companies or firms to manage and access their content and media assets digitally. It is a cloud-based Content Management System that is new class of SaaS that simplifies storing, organizing, and retrieving digital files.
There are various types of DAM like digital supply chains, Product Asset Management Systems, Brand Asset Management Systems and Library Asset Management Systems. All of these have different functions and hence help in overall digital content management. Examples of DAM are Cloudinary, Bynder etc.
Similarities and Contrasts
Different Content Management Systems have different areas of expertise and different functions. However, all CMSs are designed with the same idea in mind- to manage content in a way that becomes easier to fetch and understand. As a result, all Content Management Systems have a similar set of features that form the base of any CMS. To name a few features:
- Easy digital content storage
- Access to content (fetching, searching, editing, and modifying content)
- Publishing the content and automatic control over the version published
- Providing a detailed report after thorough analysis
- Seamless content delivery
- Ready-to-use templates and layouts
Although the base purpose for all Content Management Systems is more or less the same, they differ significantly when it comes to the specializations. Every CMS has a specific set of objectives and when looked from a strategic level, they all serve different purposes. While CCMS ensures that every component of a content is retrieved and stored, WCMS helps with the website design. DAM takes care of the company’s product asset management and supply chains whereas ECMS looks after the information that inflicts the company’s hierarchy. DMS and MCMS on the other hand, make content management seamless and hassle free by employing cloud storage.
Conclusion:
Content Management Systems are tools that make dealing with content or information easier on different levels. With so many content management tools available, it can be both a blessing and a bane to choose the right ones. The key to selecting the right tool is a vivid knowledge of how each tool works and what purpose they serve. Detailed research and proper analysis of each Content Management System makes the work easier and risk-free.
Reach out to our expert team at Embitel and leverage the best of services in CMS.
