CMS Types

There are three major types of CMS: offline processing, online processing, and hybrid systems. These terms describe the deployment pattern for the CMS in terms of when presentation templates are applied to render content output from structured content.

Offline processing

These systems pre-process all content, applying templates before publication to generate Web pages. Since pre-processing systems do not require a server to apply the templates at request time, they may also exist purely as design-time tools.

Online processing

These systems apply templates on-demand. HTML may be generated when a user visits the page or pulled from a cache. Most open source CMS have the capability to support add-ons, which provide extended capabilities including forums, blog, wiki, web stores, photo galleries, contact management, etc. These are often called modules, nodes, widgets, add-ons, or extensions. Add-ons may be based on an open-source or paid license model. Different CMS have significantly different feature sets and target audiences.

Hybrid systems

Some systems combine the offline and online approaches. Some systems write out executable code (e.g., JSP, ASP, PHP, ColdFusion, or Perl pages) rather than just static HTML, so that the CMS itself does not need to be deployed on every web server. Other hybrids operate in either an online or offline mode.

There are literally thousands of content management systems available on the internet. Each one caters to different users offering a variety of features which are consistent across all sites.

There are four main types of content management systems that each of the thousands fall under. The systems include:

1) Homegrown

2) Commercial

3) High-end

4) Open Source

Homegrown content management systems are software created by a single development company for their own use of their own products. Consequently, every aspect of the system is catered to their specific needs since they are the only organization utilizing it. The main issue is the development company relies on a single vendor to fix the bugs and create patches.

The second type is commercial content management systems. This is the most widespread offering many different pricing options, plans and features. Unlike homegrown systems, these are rarely customizable.

The third type is high-end content management systems. One nice feature is their reliability as high-end content management systems deliver robust solutions.

The final content management system is open source. This essentially means that the software is available to anyone for free. The primary advantages are the price (free!) and that these systems are fully customizable since its open source code. The main limitation is the quality of the product. They often lack stability, security, and support of certain infrastructures as you would often expect from free software.

The selection of the type of content management system is based on a customer's need. If they are a company that needs customization and price is not an issue, a homegrown system or high-end system might be the most viable option.

On the other hand, if a price tag is problematic and customization is not important then a commercial content management system is the best choice. Finally, if the consumer is not concerned with stability, security and support and likes the price tag and customization options, open source is the way to go.

Like any type of product, you get what you pay for. Those that have the money will purchase the best content management system, those that do not will function with a potentially unreliable product. Either way, the selection is based on an individual need and due to the availability of thousands of content management systems, there are many options out there.