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This article serves as a primer for CMS (Content Management Systems) and seeks to address the multiple immediate and long term benefits of deploying a modern web 2.0 based platform.  Although the emergence of the “Web 2.0” is rather new and may seem complex, the benefits are numerous and using such a system is quite easy.  The days of static web pages that are difficult to update, require constant maintenance by trained experts, or knowledge of html to create are coming to an end; the dawn of collaborative and feature rich web platforms represent the future of the web.  It is not a matter of IF a company will make the move to Web 2.0 it’s a matter of when and how.

In this primer I’ve listed specific ways that companies can benefit from use of such a platform.  The deployment of Web 2.0 based technology represents a dynamic shift in the purpose and effectiveness of online assets and allows for numerous internal efficiencies which I’ve highlighted below.  I must stress that a transition to this platform does not impose a toll on IT departments nor does it conflict with existing backend applications.  Such a transition could be done rather seamlessly with immediate benefits to the IT staff, corporate employees, and clients across the board.  This is a tremendously powerful tool that maximizes your site’s effectiveness and does not require excessive time or capital.

In the subsequent pages I will explain the overwhelming benefits this system brings to your web/IT development team, internal employees, and your customers (site viewers)

Let me begin by explaining the platform: 

1.       What is a CMS?

A content management system is an online web-based tool that manages all aspects of a website from content (database driven), to graphics (css/xhtml/flash), to functionality (php/javascript/ajax) that make it simple and easy for several users to add/edit/remove content with less reliance on a web developer (once the pieces are in place).

2.       What makes a CMS so special?

It simplifies the steps necessary to add menus, buttons, pictures, content, pages, sections, content, content, and CONTENT!  The entire process of which does not require the use of 3^rd party programs everything is entirely web based and done through the frontend interface.  This eliminates the inherent barriers of static web pages (.html) and represents the future of collaborative web 2.0 based sites.  It ensures that all data and even other related websites on the same platform adhere to a unified standard of layout, fonts, logo’s and colors. 

4.       What type of web technologies are used in this platform?

Only the most advanced and feature rich web standards were used in the development of this CMS which include everything from SQL, PHP, XHTML, AJAX, CSS, and FLASH to the somewhat antiquated Javascript for compatibility all built upon an open source (non proprietary) framework.  These technologies represent the best of what’s available to date and the development of better code, more advanced features, and an unlimited range of extensions continues at a feverish pace.  This platform has received acclaim from companies like Google, powers organizations like NASA, and is targeted by dedicated software developers like Microsoft.  Make no mistake, this is a seriously powerful platform that employs cutting edge techniques and software.