CMS solutions, Are they right for your business?
Content Management Solutions are generally easy to setup, use and most contain many features that appeal to businesses looking for a web presence. Take Dot Net Nuke for example, you can download modules that will do almost anything imaginable. The only problem with the content management blanket approach to web design is that many businesses become locked into a standardized look and feel that you can only modify within set boundaries. I am of the opinion that businesses need and want more that a cookie cutter design approach. If your web site is the face that you show the international community it needs to be distinctive. If your business requires specific online tools to assist customers a CMS may also fall short. Writing and deploying custom web apps within CMS boundaries often compromises functionality and performance. I highly recommend that any serious business in today's market consult a custom software or web design agency before walking down the CMS path as many others have in the past. Most developers will make themselves available to discuss with you what, if any problems, you may encounter by trying a “do it yourself” type of web site delivery method. This will usually not cost you a penny and could save you a lot of lost time and money down the road. If you contact a handful of developers and they tell you that it is possible to obtain your goals within the boundaries of the CMS that you have chosen. I would suggest that you get it up and start rolling today. A CMS can assist you in a rapid deployment of your content. If you receive advice to the contrary, then please help yourself by contracting a company to design and maintain a custom web app or site for you. It may cost a little now but you will be more satisfied with the results in the long run.
Salutations,