| The issues involved in content management software (CMS) are reviewed in the specific context of their application to Web sites and intranets. CMS is used as the overall system for the management of content, involving the technology platforms used business processes, workflows and governance. The key features of CMS include: content creation through templates; content review supported by workflow; content versioning closely managed; content tagged and held in a repository; content repurposed for delivery to specific audiences; site design framework independent of content structure; and comprehensive administration functions (metadata, searching). The four basic technology options available for CMS are: systems developed by an internal IT department or a web agency; open-source CMS products; commercial CMS products; and corporate portal applications. Advice is given regarding the total cost of ownership of CMS and approaches that can be used to select appropriate CMS to suit particularly circumstances and implement the chosen system. Concludes with a discussion of the roll-out options that can be considered, including: the importance to the organization of the business process; size of department; support of a sponsor at senior management level; geographic location; core functionality; benefit visibility; integration with other applications; ease of implementation (staff skills, enthusiasm); and migration of legacy data. |