From the first time online publisher to the multinational corporation, a significant proportion of the websites that exist on the world wide web today, perhaps around a third, are constructed using what are broadly known as Content Management Systems or CMSs...

1. A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO POPULAR By Stuart Mitchell
CMS S

2. WORDPRESS
Created: 2003
Original use: Blogging platform
Licence: Open Source (GPL)
Popularity*:
 59% of CMSs
 17% of Websites
Server-side script: PHP
Database systems: MySQL
Hosting OS: Various
Benefits/Features:
 Easy to create basic website and/or blog
 Large community support
 Extensive plug-in system for additional functionality
 Customisable themes which change functionality as well as appearance Examples:
 In-built CSS and PHP editing
https://cio.gov/
Concerns: http://www.rollingstones.com/
 Basic themes can make basic sites appear similar

3. JOOMLA!
Created: 2005
Original use: CMS
Licence: Open Source (GPL)
Popularity*:
 10% of CMSs
 3% of Websites
Server-side script: PHP
Database systems: MySQL; MSSQL; PostgreSQL
Hosting OS: Various
Benefits/Features:
 Flexible template functionality to easily customise the look and feel site wide
 Inbuilt SEO & tracking capabilities
 Large extensions library to extend functionality and templating options
 Often available as a one click installation from web hosts Examples:
 Good usability for beginners/non-developers
http://www.getransportation.com/
Concerns: http://www.ikea.com.kw/
 Lacks ability to format uploaded media such as images
 Lacks versioning to store and revert to old versions of content

4. DRUPAL
Created: 2001
Original use: Message Board
Licence: Open Source (GPL)
Popularity*:
 8% of CMSs
 2% of Websites
Server-side script: PHP
Database systems: Various
Hosting OS: Various
Benefits/Features:
 Modular design for adding and managing additional functionality
 Extensive number of modules available to enhance functionality
 Taxonomy system for organising and display related content
 Large community for support and module development Examples:
Concerns:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/
 Can be demanding on hosting platforms due to Queries http://www.economist.com/
 The administration pages in older versions aren’t user friendly
 The core installation is light on functionality (see benefits)

5. DOTNETNUKE
Created: 2003 (2002 as IBuySpy)
Original use: CMS
Licence: Open Source (MIT) / Commercial Proprietary
Popularity*:
 2% of CMSs
 <1% of Websites
Server-side script: ASP.NET
Database systems: SQL Server
Hosting OS: Microsoft
Benefits/Features:
 Versions available to suit beginners and advanced developers
 Modules for extending functionality
 Allows multi-site management from one installation
 Community support available Examples:
 Commercial support available (see below)
http://www.thetrainline.com/
Concerns: http://www.creativecommons.org.uk/
 Cost of commercial versions and modules

6. UMBRACO
Created: 2004
Original use: CMS
Licence: Open Source (MIT) / Commercial Proprietary
Popularity*:
 <1% of CMSs
 <1% of Websites
Server-side script: ASP.NET
Database systems: SQL Server; MySQL
Hosting OS: Microsoft
Benefits/Features:
 Provides a .NET framework for developers
 Uses standard templating formats and protocols
 Flexibility for site development and customisation (see above)
 Commercial support available Examples:
Concerns:
http://www.heinz.com/
 Limited out-of-the-box for beginners/non-developers http://www.wired.co.uk/
 Limited user management capabilities
 Cost of commercial product

7. VBULLETIN
Created: 2000
Original Use: Message Board
Licence: Commercial Proprietary
Popularity*:
 3% of CMSs
 1% of Websites
Server-side script: PHP
Database systems: MySQL
Hosting OS: Various
Benefits/Features:
 Specifically designed for forums and discussion boards
 Provides blogging and CMS functions in addition
 Rich with forum features and blog integration
Examples:
Concerns:
 Cost of licence http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/
 Requires PHP editing during install http://www.mac-forums.com/
 Number of functions can be overwhelming

8. EXPRESSIONENGINE
Created: 2004
Original use: Blogging Platform/CMS
Licence: Commercial Proprietary
Popularity*:
 1% of CMSs
 <1% of Websites
Server-side script: PHP
Database systems: MySQL
Hosting OS: Various
Benefits/Features:
 Commercially developed and supported
 Open source framework allows custom development
 Good and easy user management and administration capabilities
 Rich in functionality both out of the box and with add-ons Examples:
 Allows multi-site management from one installation
http://www.opendns.com/
Concerns: http://www.magentocommerce.com/
 Expense/cost of licences and add-ons

9. RELATED RESOURCES
• WordPress:
• WordPress.org - for the WordPress CMS & related support
• WordPress.com - for WordPress blog hosting
• Joomla!: Joomla.org
• Drupal: Drupal.org
• DotNetNuke: DotNetNuke.com
• Umbraco: Umbraco.com
• vBulletin: vBulletin.com
• ExpressionEngine: EllisLab.com/ExpressionEngine
• Hosting Resources:
• Cloud Hosting
• Managed Hosting
• Web Development & Design Services
• Web Design London