Content Management System (CMS) Software

What is the best Content Management System (CMS) Software?

A Content Management System (CMS) is a suite of software tools for creating, editing, storing, publishing, and collaborating on digital content.

CMS systems are important because they provide more control over website content and give companies the ability to make necessary edits or changes so that content stays updated and relevant for a great web experience. 

The top CMS features include:

  • Content Creation
  • Content Editing
  • Workflows and Organization Tools
  • Role-Based User Permissions
  • Personalization
  •  Reporting & Analytics
  • Security & Compliance
  • Flexibility 
  • Scalability
  • Multilingual Content Tools

The benefits of a Content Management System (CMS) are:

  • Employees spend less time tracking down necessary documents and information.
  • Paper documents can be converted to digital documents, allowing easy access on your network. This may allow businesses to save resources on file storage.
  • Because file sharing is now easier, collaboration among employees in different departments or locations is facilitated.
  • Relationships with long-term customers improve thanks to Case Management Software that closely tracks all customer interactions.
  • Online and social media presence is improved with W-CMS tools that make content creation and sharing easier.
  • Compliance with legal regulations is easier to ensure and document.
  • Customizable Content
  • Simple Content Collaboration
  • Seamless Scheduling of Content
  • Mobility & Accessibility
  • Quick, Easy Installation

There are several types of CMS solutions including W-CMS and DMS.

  • Web CMS solutions are used primarily for creating, managing, and publishing content online. W-CMS tools and features are designed to help enhance your company’s web presence through social media, blogs, online storefronts, and websites. A CMS website can help promote successful ecommerce and offer the opportunity to gather and organize feedback gained through customer interaction with your website or social media sources.
  • DMS solutions, on the other hand, are designed to aid in the storage, organization, and management of internal documents or materials that are not intended for sharing outside of your organization. A DMS solution best benefits companies that rely upon large amounts of internal data or documents and can also help streamline internal business processes as well.

Open-source CMS deployment is becoming increasingly popular, especially for web content management. An open-source CMS is an easily accessible system for managing and publishing online content with ease. The open-source nature of this type of solution is typically much more cost effective and is constantly being enhanced, upgraded, and improved through a community of developers.

If your business revolves around large amounts of highly sensitive content and data, then you may opt for a proprietary CMS solution instead. A proprietary solution will likely cost more to implement, but will offer increased levels of customization and security for internal document management.

CMS system pricing varies depending on the type of solution you choose for your business, and providers offer subscription and licensing pricing models. In a subscription based pricing model, you will pay a monthly fee based on the number of users and specific tools and features you’ll need. However, in a licensing model, you will pay a larger, one-time fee to license the software and manage it inside your company.

Choosing the perfect CMS solution that will serve your business content needs for years to come may seem a complex task. However, if you plan and prepare properly with these key tips for selecting your CMS, you’ll likely choose a solution that will serve your business well into the future.

Top 10 Content Management System (CMS) Software

Qwilr / WordPress / GetAccept / Widen / Box / DocuShare / Agility / M-Files / Contentful / Adobe Experience Manager

WH Score
7.5
Alfresco
7reviews
Starting Price:$0 / user / per month
Alfresco Enterprise Content Management allows users to integrate all of their existing processes, websites, applications, and profiles into one easy-to-use management system. Through the platform, users can extend content, customize messages, and get more value out of how and where they are represen...
WH Score
7.4
Laserfiche
9reviews
Starting Price:$50 / user / per month
Laserfiche Enterprise Content Management works with businesses in five key areas in order to help their company work more effectively and productively. Those areas include: decreasing overhead cost, streamlining operations, workspace integration, content management, and facilitating regulation compl...
WH Score
7.3
Content Central
7reviews
Starting Price:$35 / user / per month
Content Central by Adamero gives users all the abilities of a standard document management system, but from the simplicity and portability of a web browser. Instead of packing a laptop with you when you work, you can log into your DAS anywhere, and access, manage, store, or edit documents on the go....
WH Score
7.2
FileBound
7reviews
Starting Price:N/A
In FileBound, Upland Software has created a cloud-based solution for enterprise content management that completely automates workflow and business processes. Businesses can connect team members for better collaboration, cut out expensive paper-based processes, increase productivity, and ensure that ...
WH Score
6.9
Canto
16reviews
Starting Price:N/A
When Canto was founded 25 years ago, we couldn’t have imagined how far the industry would come. We were one of the very first companies to help customers digitize their asset archives and over the years, we’ve come to intimately know the people behind some of the most iconic brands in the world. We’...
WH Score
6.8
Revver
6reviews
Starting Price:N/A
Revver is a robust document management system that offers businesses the tools to enhance organization, streamline workflows, and increase productivity. Whether accessed through the web-based DMS or on-site software, Revver provides a range of features to banish disorganization and ensure regulatory...
WH Score
6.8
FileHold
11reviews
Starting Price:N/A
FileHold is document management software that allows offices to easily make the transition to a totally paperless system. This software is made for businesses that don’t need an expensive asset management system; just a powerful document manager that allows users to create and edit forms, tag ...
WH Score
6.7
Document Locator
11reviews
Starting Price:$23 / user / per month
Document Locator is a document management system that makes it simple for Microsoft users to control every aspect of their busy document portfolio. Instead of going through a multi-step procedure for each document within your business, you can use Document Locator to manage workflow, automate busine...
WH Score
6.7
Evoq Content
5reviews
Starting Price:N/A
We’re passionate about content. Our mission is to build and deliver software products that help customers connect content to revenue.
WH Score
6.7
IntelligenceBank
4reviews
Starting Price:N/A
Through their digital asset management services, IntelligenceBank offers users the ability to collaborate more easily, manage all their files, create streamlined workflows, and even ensure that your company’s workspace is branded for better navigation and integration. IntelligenceBank DAM allo...

Learn more about Content Management System (CMS) Software

What is a Content Management System and Why it is Important?

A Content Management System (CMS) is a suite of software tools for creating, editing, storing, publishing, and collaborating on digital content.

CMS systems are important because they provide more control over website content and give companies the ability to make necessary edits or changes so that content stays updated and relevant for a great web experience. 

What is a Content Management Platform?

A Content Management Platform, also known as a content management system or CMS, is a software system that provides tools and features for managing all the elements of creating a website and managing the content that lives on the site. 

What are the Components of a CMS?

The components of a CMS are:

  • UI (User Interface)
  • Data Storage
  • Workflow Schemes
  • Editorial Features and Tools
  • Outputs

What are the Types of CMS?

The types of CMS include Open-Source CMS, SaaS and Cloud-Based CMS, and Proprietary CMS. 

What is the Difference Between HTML and CMS?

The difference between HTML and CMS is that with a Content Management System (CMS), you can create and manage content on a website by using the tools and features in the admin panel without the need for coding. However, HTML involves coding and creating a website out of embedded images, objects, and content. 

What are the Common Features of Content Management System Software?

The common features of Content Management System (CMS) software include:

  • Content Creation
  • Content Editing
  • Workflows and Organization Tools
  • Role-Based User Permissions
  • Personalization
  • Reporting & Analytics
  • Security & Compliance
  • Flexibility 
  • Scalability
  • Multilingual Content Tools

What are the Benefits of Content Management System (CMS) Software?

The benefits of CMS Software include:

  • Ease-of-Use
  • Customizable Content
  • Simple Content Collaboration
  • Seamless Scheduling of Content
  • Mobility & Accessibility
  • Quick, Easy Installation

Who Needs a Content Management System? 

Any organization that tends to use the same content repeatedly or lacks tools to create and edit custom content for their website or business needs a CMS. 

What are the Challenges with Content Management System Software?

The challenges with CMS can include obtaining approval for implementation, migrating data and content, determining document ownership, and increasing adoption and use of the system. 

How to Buy Content Management System Software?

You can use the following checklist to help you determine how to buy the best Content Management System (CMS) software for your business:

  • Focus on business needs and growth goals driving the decision to get a new or upgraded CMS system.
  • Plan for content and data migration, implementation costs, IT involvement, and any downtime that may impact your business.
  • Make a plan to support user adoption through training.
  • Understand the content processes you’re looking to streamline, automate, and improve.
  • Don’t skip the product demos offered by CMS software vendors to show features and functionality.
  • Understand reporting and analytics needs.
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