5 Things To Consider When Selecting A CMS for Your Website
If you decide to create your own website, for example, to provide services via the Internet, or to organize an online store, the first question you will face is which CMS to choose?
What is CMS and is it needed?
CMS (from the English. Content Management System – “content management system”, “engine”) – an information system or computer program for providing and organizing the joint process of creating, editing and managing content.
In other words, it is a set of scripts (special programs) used to greatly simplify the work with the site, as well as to implement additional functionality. For example, for online stores, this is a shopping cart, site search, product sorting, and so on.
The site, of course, can work without it (originally, this is how all sites on the Web worked). All you need to do is create a set of separate HTML files and images. However, in this case, in order to correct any element (for example, to move the logo a little to the left), you will have to correct all or part of the files manually. Of course, for small sites it will not be difficult to do this, but there may be difficulties with promotion and technical support.
The fact is that the algorithms of search engines for a good ranking of the site require its development, including an increase in the number of pages, and therefore an increase in the number of individual HTML files. Obviously, over time, it will become very difficult to make changes to such a site.
So, do you need a CMS development for a website? Yes, we do.
Which CMS should you choose?
First you need to decide: use a paid CMS or use a free one.
Let’s take a look at the main advantages and disadvantages of paid and free CMS together.
Ease of editing
Free CMS are distributed with open source, that is, any programmer can independently add new modules, extensions, additions or personal improvements there. In this case, all changes in the code will be made at your own peril and risk. Also, their big plus is a large amount of additional information on the source code.
For paid CMS, the code can be closed, that is, the programmer will not be able to freely change it. On the one hand, this limits the possibilities for revision, on the other hand, it increases the stability of the system. Another advantage is that paid CMS have technical support (TP), which will help in case of difficulties. It is worth noting that technical support sites usually only consider the problems they are aware of. If you need to add unique functionality, then you can count on links to the official documentation for developers as much as possible.
Additional modules
Paid CMS usually have editions in which the buyer himself chooses the initial set of functionality or can later purchase additional modules. For example, 1C-Bitrix has its own add-on store, accessible from the admin panel.
In some free CMS, it is possible to find a ready-made source code for some additional functionality. For example:
- Joomla !;
- MODx;
- OpenCart;
- WordPress.
Site security
One of the main advantages of paid CMS is security and protection against hacking. For example, it is very difficult to bypass 1C-Bitrix’s “Proactive Defense”. At the same time, additional security modules can be installed for free CMS.
As you can see, the functionality and convenience of free and paid CMS are not inferior to each other, as far as security is concerned, the developer’s competence has a great influence. So which should you choose? Fireart Studio can help.
The main thing is to remember that the stability of your site and the convenience of editing information on it will depend on the CMS in the future. Therefore, initially choose the CMS that will allow you to solve your problems in the most simple and less costly way. The general advice can be given this: if you want to get the most functionality, maximum quality and ease of use, then choose a paid one.
