What to look for in a CMS part 2: Open source vs bespoke CMS
13/12/2012
During the search for a content management system that suits you, it’s easy to be fooled by technical jargon and buzzwords! Here is our second addition to the CMS shopping list - the level of customisation! There are two main types of CMS, Open source (CMS systems built on software or source code which is freely available) and closed source (Custom or Bespoke CMS systems). Inevitably, there is always one question that arises when looking for CMS systems: “Do we download something free and open source, or do we buy a bespoke solution?”
Firstly, as with most things in this world, you get what you pay for. Therefore, you should not expect the ideal solution that fits your businesses website needs by using an off the shelf, free, Open source CMS. It is usually assumed that a closed sourced CMS is tailored and it has higher prices attached, however, you have to look at the whole picture. Users of open source cms systems still have to pay high maintenance, server and hosting fees post project, if they choose to use an open source CMS, so in fact, these packages are not free.
A bespoke CMS would be tailored to the exact needs of your business, customised with specialised ‘modules’ or plug-ins, which would benefit your business greatly. For example, a photographer may want a particular way of showcasing his/her work. Closed source CMS companies generally would be happy to develop these modules. Even if you do not have the resources to customise, the option is always available in the future and would eliminate switching costs should you choose to expand and customise.
As mentioned previously, closed source CMS software equates to higher levels of support, however, security is also increased significantly. Open sourced software is very susceptible to hacking as there are many people who know the ‘ins and outs’ of the software. However, if a developer or a user runs into issues on a bespoke CMS platform, providers usually have high levels of support to deal with this, which in the long run reduces development time and costs.
There are many other features of a closed CMS which would be helpful to your business but the main points to remember are that open source packages are not free, closed source is more secure and have more support, and finally, closed source allows you to customise features to your exact specification. eXtra CMS is one such CMS that offers all the features of a great, cost effective, bespoke CMS solution, offering customisable modules and a CMS system that fits your exact needs, technical knowledge and need for support. For more information please call 0330 555 4680 or visit www.extracms.co.uk
