There was a time when it was essential to know HTML and CSS to create a website, but nowadays, this job is much easier. Even if you have no coding knowledge, you can create, for example, a casino Canada site using a CMS system. Moreover, you will be able to update this site regularly: you can do all of this using a user-friendly interface and create a modern website without writing a single line of code.
CMS lets you do all of these and more, but if you want to get the best possible benefit from it, you need to choose the one that best fits your business. Because, contrary to popular belief, there are different types of CMS systems, and each should be used for a different purpose. In this article, we talk about what they are. But let’s start with the basics first.
What is CMS?
A website consists of many components such as texts, images, videos, comment sections and links. All these components are parts of a complex structure. In the early days of the Internet, websites were simpler but had to be created with programming languages such as HTML. So, for example, even adding a simple text would require writing lines of code. With the spread of the Internet, websites began to have richer content and their code infrastructures became more and more complex.
Launching new websites has, therefore, turned into a very challenging process. To solve this problem, platforms such as WordPress, Joomla and Drupal have developed “content management systems”. Since the early 2000s, many websites have been controlled by a content management system (CMS). This system allows simply creating and updating all components of a website without the need to write any code.
This is especially beneficial for e-commerce websites. Small and medium-sized businesses interact with their users on their websites, and it is important for them to be able to manage the site easily and practically. Content management system software makes data entry to websites simple without the need for an intermediary and enables even a small business to sell to a country on the other side of the world.
CMS Types
All types of CMS have been developed to provide easy management of content that can be accessed online, but they are divided into different types according to the type of this content. Below, you can see the main types of CMS: we also talk about what type of business each would be a good fit for.
1. WCMS (Web Content Management System)
As the name suggests, this type of CMS was developed for web content. In its simplest form, it allows creating and managing website content without the need for web programming knowledge. Such a system includes features such as automated templates, collaboration tools, workflow management, and access control. It’s low-cost, easily customizable and includes features that make SEO projects easy. However, depending on the size of the project to be used, maintenance problems may arise, and the security will depend on which platform is preferred.
Examples of WCMS best suited for small and medium businesses are WordPress and Joomla. Regardless of the industry you operate in, you can create your e-commerce site in minutes using simple templates. However, if you have a large business, you may also need to integrate a WCMS into your own website. In such a case, it is imperative that you choose according to the sector in which you operate.
For example, there are special WCMS systems developed for iGaming. SoftSwiss is one of the largest companies operating in this industry and develops customizable WCMS platforms for online sportsbooks. Such a platform will have special tools and features for online sports betting, so an online bookmaker should choose it. This applies to other industries as well: if you are integrating a WCMS into your own website, it is imperative that you choose solutions developed specifically for your industry.
2. MCMS (Media Content Management System)
This type of CMS is used for services that focus on online video and music content. We can cite YouTube and Spotify as simple examples: both of these popular online services use MCMS systems and have even opened some features of their systems to end users. You are actually using an MCMS when uploading a video to YouTube. Overall, it’s a viable option for businesses that host and need to access media content online.
3. DMS (Document Management System)
A DMS makes it very easy to create and access documents in different file formats. All libraries that offer their content online use a DMS. This system provides different tools to digitize, upload and edit any kind of document. It will be useful for companies that deal with a lot of documents, but as we will point out below, such companies prefer ECMS systems more. DMS is used by businesses that focus solely on online document management.
4. ECMS (Enterprise Content Management System)
ECMS is a system consisting of a central platform and a large number of different modules. It has been developed to respond to the needs of enterprise companies, and its content is decided accordingly. For example, an ECMS can have a DMS module if required. Standard ECMS systems have modules for different purposes, such as contracts management, HR automation, Accounts payable automation and Accounts receivable automation. Basically, it includes features that can be used by different departments in a big company. Advanced ECMS systems can fully automate the work of most departments.
5. MCMS (Mobile Content Management System)
MCMS is used to transmit all kinds of content to mobile devices and to manage this content over mobile devices. Such a system is almost always supported by a native app, i.e., the end user accesses the system via a mobile app. There is also a mobile website within the MCMS system, all of which can be controlled from a single point. When one part of the system (e.g., mobile app) is updated, all other parts (e.g., website) will also be updated. MCMS is primarily a WCMS system, but it has been developed specifically for mobile devices and can manage all access points that end users can use to access content from one place.
