Assessing the Open-source CMS

Many webmasters have a requirement to successfully manage content as it enables the creation of large, easy to maintain websites. The problem is that not everyone can give the high-end proprietary solutions such as Creative Content Management System. Fortunately, there are also numerous open-source systems on the market that offer a cost-effective means for getting the same goal. This article will shed some light on what you need to look for in an open-source CMS.

For the most part, every content management system is designed to create the same results. What mainly sets them apart is ease of use and features. One product might lack some of the basic features but make up for them with add-on support. A system that doesn’t have a WYSIWYG editor, for example, may offer support for an add-on module such as Tiny MCE. A product that has a complex interface could be improved by modifying the menu system or customizing layout templates. When it comes to the open-source CMS, it isn’t so much about native features as it is flexibility. You can admission the overall flexibility of a system by viewing it from these angles:

Default Capabilities: The default capabilities of a CMS basically entail what is included with the installation, and decide if you can perform necessary tasks without any problems. When assessing the flexibility of any system, it is essential to look for one that offers an acceptable level of basic functionality and provides the structure for making a dynamic website.

Add-on Support: Most systems support add-on modules so it is up to you to find out what capabilities they possess. Aside from features, consider how easy they will be to incorporate into the existing system as well.

Templates: Templates are a major part of any CMS as they permit you to adjust the look and feel of your content. If you are proficient with coding, you may want to find a product that lets you write your own templates. In this case, you would require a system that supports the languages you are familiar with.

SEO: Many content management systems offer search engine appeal right out of the box. However, not every product does. Visibility is crucial for a large site so it is best to find a product that enables the easy creation of web pages and appeases the search engines.

Product Recommendations

The open-source CMS market is huge and there are a variety of products available. Two of the most widely used systems on the market are Drupal and Joomla. Drupal is a robust system with quality design and clean code. It comes loaded with exceptional default capabilities as well as templates and layouts that are easily to manipulate. Drupal is one of the most comprehensive systems available and the preferred choice for many businesses.

Joomla is easy to install and enables the simple management of content-rich sites. The system includes a number of default features that give support for multiple authors with little training necessary. Both systems are SEO-friendly and support various add-ons for enhanced functionality. Keep in mind that each product requires that you have a basic understanding of HTML and PHP.

Creative provides both Open source CMS installation as well as proprietary CMS software service for your website. Compare the difference as stated here.

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