Finding your way through the jungle of CMS solutions
In an earlier blog you were able to read about the benefits of a CMS: a content management system which is used to manage the backend of a website. There are various types of CMS. But which system is right for your business? And why?
We are going to discuss the three most common systems:
- A free open source standard CMS such as WordPress, Joomla! and Magento Open Source.
- A premium standard CMS version such as Shopify and Magento e-commerce
- A premium custom CMS
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Open source standard CMS
A website that has been built with an open source CMS has been developed with free public software. The source code (text and how to use the software) is freely available to everyone. You can modify it as much as you like, without being dependent on your web developer. Examples of standard open source CMS systems include WordPress, Joomla! and Magento Open Source.
WordPress
To use WordPress you do not need to have a great deal of programming knowledge or digital know-how. It is a popular system for creating your own website. Close to 1 in 3 of all websites have been created with WordPress.
It is possible to build an online shop with WordPress, although the system has not been designed for this purpose. If you want to start an online shop, you should use Shopify or Magento e-commerce. Then you will have far more options!
Joomla!
Just like WordPress, Joomla is a free open source CMS system. The main difference between the two is that WordPress is more user-friendly, which makes it a great system for beginners. For Joomla! you need a little more knowledge to get the most out of it.
Magento Open Source
Magento Open Source is a bit more like WordPress which is why it is used for smaller online shops and start-ups. You can install the software free of charge, you only pay for the hosting (i.e. the rental of web space where you store the files that make up your website), special extensions and possibly the set-up of an online shop.
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Premium standard CMS
In addition to a free standard open source CMS, there are also closed source ones.
When you buy one of these, you only pay for the use of the CMS. You do not own the source code, so you only buy the licence to use the software. A closed source CMS has been developed by software developers using their own code. This code is not visible and can only be changed by the developer.
Magento e-commerce
In addition to Magento Open Source, Magento also has a premium variant: a (closed-source) e-commerce version, which is used to build online shops.
It is intended for advanced users and you will need to purchase a licence to use it. If you want to build one or more, more complex online shops for a larger company, then Magento e-commerce is the right choice for you!
Shopify
Just like Magento e-commerce, Shopify is a premium closed source system and is particularly well-known for its very comprehensive service options.
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Custom CMS
In the case of a custom CMS – as the name suggests – you get a unique system that is built in accordance with your specific needs and requirements.
Unlike in the case of a premium or free standard solution, the developer has a great deal more freedom when it comes to developing a CMS. This gives you unlimited possibilities! The developer will discuss your company’s specific requirements with you and everything will be made as easy as possible for you. Safe, efficient and flexible.
Whatever choice you make, it will ultimately come down to the costs and benefits. Which investment will pay off in the long run?
Contact Solvware for some good advice, so that you can be sure you make the right choice.
Need some advice or do you have a custom software development project in mind? Contact us.
Previous posts
- What is a CMS?
- Custom software. What it can possibly do is irrelevant, the important thing is that it does what it needs to.
- How custom software can save you money (but not always)
- Five reasons why users download (or immediately delete) your app
- Do you want to save money through automation? There are lots more possibilities than you’d think!
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