Content Management Systems

What is Content Management?  Content management is a process and/or software application used by groups to plan, create, manage, store and distribute content.  Content can include: web pages, images, documents, streaming media, news releases, etc.  A CMS usually consists of a front-end editor for inputting content and a back end system for storing the content (usually a database).  This content can then be formatted by a template and displayed in a variety of ways.

 Content authors go on line to create and update their own sections of a collaborative publication (in our case the web site). Accommodations are made for quality control by editorial staff and tools are provided for workflow management. Content Repository Content Providers Top News, School Communicators, Etc. Data Entry Form Editor Templates

Sample CMS Interface

What a CMS Can Do  Can facilitate sharing of content across multiple Web sites  Can make it easier for non-technical staff to update content  Forces a formal workflow management and publishing process  Can improve consistency of look and feel

What a CMS CAN’T Do  Make editorial decisions for you.  Decide or define what your workflow/approval process should be. You still need to set policy regarding who posts what and who needs approval from whom.  Update many forms of media including pdfs, movies, flash, etc.  Support all the bells and whistles many of us are used to.  Doesn’t necessarily make it easier to update content.

Questions For U.Va.  How widespread is the need for or interest in a CMS?  What challenges will U.Va. face?  How should we proceed?