The document discusses factors to consider when selecting an open-source or commercial content management system (CMS). It recommends asking how the CMS will work in practice rather than focusing on whether it is open-source. Specifically, it suggests considering: (1) the usability of the CMS for expected authors; (2) how self-sufficient site administrators will be; and (3) who will handle development work and how much will be required. The document also advises matching the selected CMS to an organization's current needs and not making the decision solely about technology.

1. Open-source web CMS: are we asking the right questions? James Robertson, Step Two Designs (jamesr@steptwo.com.au)

2. { Vendor-neutral CMS consultancy }

3. { CMS expert }

4. { intranet expert }

5. { Open-source CMS? }

6. Commercial CMS

7. Products in the Australian market

8. Products in the Australian market

9. Products in the Australian marketplace

12. Full list Australian products: www.steptwo.com.au /resources//australian-cms

13. Open-source CMS

14. Selection of open-source solutions

16. { There are two types of open-source CMS }

17. { Community-based open-source }

18. { Commercial open-source }

20. Selecting a solution

21. { “Open-source” is the wrong question }

22. { Instead: how is the CMS going to work in practice? }

23. { Three questions }

24. { #1: usability for the expected authors? }

25. { #2: self-sufficiency for site administrators? }

26. { #3: how much development and by who? }

27. Scenario A Decentralised authors Self-sufficiency for site admins Out-of-the-box solution

28. Scenario B Centralised publishing Strong web skills Resources for site setup

29. Scenario C Unique business needs Extensive integration Development resources

30. A few other things to think about

31. { Don’t make it about the technology }

32. { Plan a finite lifetime for your new CMS }

33. { Match the CMS to where you are currently at }

34. { Again: how do you want the CMS to work in practice? }

36. { Questions? }