A content manager cuts down on the time it takes to manage web content. With out a content manager the steps of managing a site can be quite time consuming with opening files, making changes and then uploading the new content.

Use of content management software leads to faster and more efficient content management. When making adjustments, all you have to do is visit your web site, click on the link to the content you wish to manage then simply edit in the form that is provided and click the save button.

Content management is the ability of a system to manage data in the document and the location and relation among a company's content. A content management system enables collaborative creation and sharing of data. It can also be used to collect and single-source data. Single sourcing allows you reuse content.

Key Requirements of a CMS

The key requirements of a content management system are:

?Ability to create and import documents. Users should be able to access the CMS's features easily.

?Should be easy to use and efficient. Users should not need any technical knowledge to add content.

?User should be able to publish output in multiple formats. This is possible if there is a division between the content and its presentation.

?Capable of Single-sourcing. Single-sourcing enables the content to be reused. This feature is useful as the same content can be used many times, saving time and space.

?A CMS has many users. It should enable proper workflow and have the ability to inform users whenever content is modified in order to avoid conflicts between users.

?Should allow different levels of access based on the type of user.

?Should allow the user to maintain alternate versions of the content.

Types of CMS

Selecting a content management system is a difficult and important decision. Not all content management systems are intended for writing. There are many types of content management systems available - each based on different user requirements.

The types of CMS are:

?Web Content Management Systems: It is software for managing web sites. The software enables users with a minimum programming language to manage data.

?Transactional Content Management Systems: Manages transactions for e-commerce.

?Integrated Content Management Systems: Manages enterprise documents and data.

?Digital Asset Management System: Manages the digital media life-cycle.

?Publications Management Systems: Used to manage the life cycle of content such as manuals, books, etc.

?Learning Management Systems: Used to manage the life cycle of web based content.

?Document Imaging Systems: They are a part of general content management.

?Enterprise Content Management Systems: Is a part of the method and technology used in the Information Technology industry to manage data.

Conclusions: Content Management Software makes it possible to manage a documents cycle of life from the time it is created through any revision, publication as well as archiving and destruction of a document.